Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots and New England Revolution announced today that the venue has unveiled a sensory room and earned certification as a sensory-inclusive stadium by KultureCity, the nation's leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. The room will be available for any guests with sensory sensitivities or challenges with regulating sensory input at all full-stadium events beginning this Sunday, Nov. 17, as the Patriots host the Los Angeles Rams at 1 p.m.
“As part of our ongoing mission to put our guests and the fan experience first, our organization strives to create an inclusive environment to ensure all our guests are able to enjoy events here at Gillette Stadium,” said John Flaherty, Senior Vice President of Operations for Kraft Sports + Entertainment. “This new sensory room establishes a soothing and secure space where guests with sensory sensitivities can take a break from the action, all while remaining within Gillette Stadium. We’re excited to establish this new sensory room, promoting acceptance and inclusion at Patriots games, Revolution matches, concerts and more.”
Designed in collaboration with medical professionals and built and certified by KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and inclusion, the sensory room provides a dedicated space for guests who may need a quieter environment. Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise. The new sensory room establishes a soothing and quiet space within Gillette Stadium, providing a safe outlet for guests attending games, concerts and other special events to take a break as needed from the sound and sensory elements accompanying these events. Outfitted with bean bags from Yogibo, visual light panels by Nanoleaf, activity panels and air walls, the space has been designed by medical professionals to create a soothing environment for guests with sensory needs. The sensory room is located on the main concourse of the west side of the stadium in the W3 lobby, accessible by the elevator lobby closest to Sections 128-129 on the main concourse and by the elevator closest to Sections 328-329 on the upper concourse. Signage is also in place directing guests to the room.
“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the New England Patriots, New England Revolution and Gillette Stadium are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity. “We’re honored to partner with them to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans!”
Gillette Stadium also allows guests to check out sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, strobe-reduction glasses, fidget tools and verbal cue cards from any of the venue’s guest services booths, located on the main and upper concourses by Sections 109, 131, 309 and 331 for all stadium events. As part of these continued efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests, Gillette Stadium event day employees have also been trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. For additional information about Gillette Stadium’s accessible services, visit gillettestadium.com/accessible-services.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIC ADLER // KRAFT SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT
ABOUT KULTURECITY
KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 1,900 sensory-inclusive venues in 6 countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl and MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts, including the NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017 and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, KultureCity was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 and 2020 by FastCompany and recently won the Industry Partner Award in TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards 2019.
ABOUT GILLETTE STADIUM
Gillette Stadium, located in Foxborough, Mass., is New England’s premier sports and entertainment venue. The 64,628-seat stadium is the full-time home of the NFL’s six-time Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots and the home field of the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. Gillette Stadium is also one of the world’s top grossing concert venues, according to Billboard and Pollstar, boasting more than 100 concerts in venue history. Additionally, Gillette Stadium has hosted several notable sporting events including the 2023 Army-Navy Game, 2016 NHL Winter Classic, international soccer matches, NCAA athletics, professional lacrosse, motor sports and the Massachusetts high school football state championships, and will host seven FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 matches, including a quarterfinal match. For more information, visit www.GilletteStadium.com or follow @GilletteStadium on X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
