Sunderland AFC were the first football club to introduce a sensory viewing room following supporter consultation, to allow supporters to watch live football in a quiet area within the stadium.
The sensory rooms at the Stadium of Light are designed to offer a calm environment for supporters with sensory needs, such as those on the autism spectrum. The initiative began after the Shippey family worked with the club to create a safe viewing area for their son, Nathan, who found the noise and atmosphere in traditional seating areas overwhelming.
A new purpose-built sensory room was created, this provided a suitable location for Nathan to attend games at the Stadium of Light with his family to support his team.
The first Nathan Shippey Sensory Room located in the Black Cats Bar has been a huge success and has helped many families attend games at the Stadium of Light for the first time.
Sunderland AFC worked alongside the Premier League and Shippey Campaign to open a second sensory room, equipped with sound-proofing, soft furnishings, and sensory activities, to enhance the stadium experience for fans with similar needs.
Both sensory rooms are available on matchdays, families can book tickets on a match-by-match basis through the season.
Sunderland AFC Sensory Room (Box 1)
Bookings are made on a match-by-match basis, with a 1:1 guest-to-assistant ratio due to high demand.
There are 6 available places (with an additional personal assistant ticket provided) for every home league fixture. Tickets for the sensory room are available to purchase when a fixture goes on general sale during the season. For bookings, supporters can call 0371 911 1973 or visit the ticket office.
Match ticket prices for the sensory room are the same as the North Stand prices for a fixture. Please note that proof of DLA or PIP is required for a complimentary personal assistant ticket.
Season ticket holders are unable to transfer their seats to the sensory rooms. Tickets must be purchased on a match-by-match basis only.
Nathan Shippey Sensory Room (Black Cats Bar)
Please note that the Nathan Shippey Sensory Room in the Black Cats Bar is sold out this season, with three season tickets booked in the room for the 2024-25 season.
For more details about Sunderland AFC and the Shippey Campaign’s successful history with implementing sensory rooms at the Stadium of Light and around the world please visit:
- Shippey Campaign - Shippey Campaign Facebook
- Level Playing Field - Sensory Room launched at Sunderland's Stadium of Light - Level Playing Field
- BBC News - Sunderland football team provides viewing room for autistic fans - BBC News
- North East Autism Society - Sunderland AFC open second Sensory Viewing Room | North East Autism Society