New York Red Bulls Light It Up Blue for World Autism Month
April 7, 2017Red Bull Arena, home of the New York Red Bulls, went blue this year in honor of World Autism Awareness Day on Sunday, April 2 and Light It Up Blue.
In addition, the soccer stadium, located in Harrison, NJ, hosted the 3rd annual Autism Awareness Night presented by Speedway on Saturday, April 29 when the Red Bulls take on the Chicago Fire at 7:30pm.
Red Bull Arena will be fully activated to support Autism Awareness Night which will include the venue's security staff being trained on how to work with families impacted by Autism; dedicated entrance at Gates C1 to ensure easy ingress for families; dedicated Quiet Zone to provide those in the autism community with a sensory-friendly and judgment free environment; there will be no music in the "BULLevard" area from 4:30-5:30pm; players will wear Autism Awareness themed items on the pitch; limited-edition match-day posters with Autism Awareness theme will be given to the first 5,000 fans; sensory sensitive items (including sensory sacks) will be handed out to families impacted by Autism.
Nine-year old Julia de Grandpre, the daughter of Red Bulls General Manager Marc de Grandpre, is on the Autism Spectrum. The following article was written in advance of last year's Autism Awareness Night and tells the inspiring story of Julia's amazing connection to the players and coaching staff.