Industry update: more on accessibility, stadium development and reusable cups

Read more on the initiatives for disabled fans at Stade Français Paris and Celtic FC, RB Leipzig’s plans to redevelop its Red Bull Arena, the #PassOnPlastic initiative at Stamford Bridge and more in ESSMA’s weekly industry update.

Fan Experience & Hospitality

• Celtic FC opens a sensory room for children and young people with autism and other auditory, visual or sensory disorders. The Lions’ View Sensory Room is located in the Lisbon Lions Stand and offers them a safe and quiet space. The room provides a soundproof viewing area for 15 fans and is designed to be a calming environment where they can learn and develop in real world scenarios. The Lions’ View Sensory Room initiative accords with the Celtic FC Foundation’s #LionsLegacy project series.
• The number of Allsvenskan Fantasy users rose to a record of nearly 30,000 participants, which is 10,000 more compared to the previous season. Users can create an own team with players of the Swedish first division Allsvenskan and get points based on how the players perform in reality during the matches. Participants are able to win prizes such as season tickets, VIP tickets and players’ shirts.
• Visually impaired fans of French Top 14 rugby club Stade Français Paris will have the opportunity to support their favourite team thanks to the eSight 3 electronic glasses. The innovative technology of eSight works with an ultra-HD camera and optimises images in real time to make them visible to a visually impaired fan. A series of algorithms process the image before retransmitting it onto two OLED screens placed in front of the user's eyes. The technology will be implemented from the upcoming match against SU Agen on Saturday 13 April.  

Development & Construction

• RB Leipzig provided an update on its plans to redevelop Red Bull Arena. Sector B will be converted into a standing area, resulting in a capacity increase from 5,000 to 10,000. As a result, the stadium capacity for Bundesliga games will increase to 48,000. In addition, the access to the stadium will be further improved by breaking down the stadium wall at sector B and by installing four new pedestrian walkways. Finally, additional toilets and kiosks will be built in sectors B and D and the floodlights and loudspeaker system will be replaced. The construction work is already underway and is set to be completed by the beginning of the 2021/22 season. 

Sustainability & SMART

• Chelsea FC joins the #PassOnPlastic initiative to reduce single-use plastic waste at Stamford Bridge. For the remaining home matches of this season, the club will be trialling the use of reusable cups for draught drinks purchased. In total, 54 designated drop-off points will be installed around the stadium to collect all cups. With this initiative, the club is following the example of other clubs as West Ham United, Arsenal and Fulham. 

General News

• Saracens Rugby Club partners up with Tottenham Hotspur FC to play its annual ‘Big Game' Gallagher Premiership Rugby fixture at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Saracens’ showpiece match was previously held at Wembley Stadium and is currently played at London Stadium. The match, which traditionally takes place during the international football break in March, will be played for the upcoming five years at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.