Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Estadio AKRON have taken another important step toward greater inclusion and accessibility at La Casa de los Mexicanos with the opening of the new Sensory Room. The space is designed to help people with sensory sensitivities and neurodivergent individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, enjoy soccer in an environment adapted to their needs.
This initiative reflects the club’s commitment to supporting all Chivahermanos and removing barriers that could affect their experience at the stadium. With this addition, La Fortaleza Rojiblanca is establishing itself as a pioneer in sensory accessibility at sports venues across Latin America.
The Sensory Room is a specially designed area that helps reduce environmental stimuli through dim lighting, sound insulation, and specialized furniture. These features provide a safe space for fans who experience sensory overload to regulate their emotions and sensory input, allowing them to return to the match and continue enjoying the game in a way that works for them.
“As a club, we decided to create a space where fans with invisible disabilities or specific sensory needs can have a safe place to regulate themselves whenever they need it,” explained Ana Paula Jiménez, Sustainability and Human Rights Coordinator at Club Deportivo Guadalajara.
“This is the first space of its kind in Latin America, and we’ll soon receive certification from KultureCity, an organization that evaluates these spaces to ensure they’re suitable for people with autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dementia, and other invisible disabilities,” Ana Paula added.
This new service joins the sensory kits available to borrow on matchdays, along with other initiatives that are part of Chivas’ broader accessibility strategy, all aimed at creating a more inclusive experience for the entire Rojiblanca Nation.
New Experiences You Can Feel
During the Matchday 12 clash between Chivas and Tigres in the 2026 Liga MX Apertura tournament, another milestone was reached in Mexican soccer with the introduction of sensory vests developed by the association Viendo Te Entiendo. The vests allow deaf fans to physically experience the emotions of the match through vibrations that reflect the intensity of the live broadcast.
In this first-ever experience at a Liga MX match, deaf children supported by La Fundación Jorge Vergara, accompanied by their families, were able to experience the energy of the Rebaño Sagrado and the excitement of every play in a whole new way.
“The vests connect directly to the audio console for the match broadcast. As the announcer’s voice gets louder and more intense, the vibrations become stronger, allowing users to experience the emotions of the game in a different way,” shared María del Mar, a representative of Viendo Te Entiendo, an association dedicated to promoting the inclusion of deaf people.
“It’s incredibly exciting to help these kids experience and feel soccer in a way they may never have before,” she added.
With the addition of the Sensory Room and these new sensory resources, Estadio AKRON continues to strengthen its commitment to removing physical, sensory, and cognitive barriers, following international accessibility best practices and working to provide a better experience for every fan.
These initiatives reflect Chivas’ belief that the passion of soccer should be accessible to everyone. That’s why both the Sensory Room and the sensory kits are completely free. Fans can access these services by visiting any information desk or speaking with a member of the stadium’s operations staff.
