Thorns’ Bella Bixby says Houston’s, Louisville’s light shows need to go

Thorns’ goalkeeper Bella Bixby took to Twitter after Portland’s 1-0 win in Houston, encouraging BBVA stadium to reconsider their light show.

Bixby recounted her experience in the Dash’s home stadium, stating that she and other players felt “physically ill” during Saturday’s match.

Nausea seemed to be the shared feeling among players. For players/fans that are epileptic, are on the autism spectrum (like myself) or have sensory integration disorders, it’s a literal nightmare. I quite literally cannot integrate what’s going on, and my neurons are on fire.

— Bella Bixby (@bellageist) July 25, 2021

“For players/fans that are epileptic, are on the autism spectrum (like myself) or have sensory integration disorders, it’s a literal nightmare,” Bixby wrote.

Light shows aren’t unique to BBVA Stadium. Louisville also utilizes the strobing effect for dramatic emphasis during games.

We brought the lights last time we faced Washington. 💜🤩

Who do you want to see spark them Sunday? pic.twitter.com/uthTUFJBsS

— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) July 20, 2021

Racing Louisville provides a disclaimer on their website that the stadium’s home-goal celebration “does contain bright, flashing lights that may cause discomfort and/or seizures for those with photosensitive epilepsy.”

The organization offers sensory bags for those with noise sensitivity.

BBVA stadium also provides sensory bags to guests and has a sensory room in the Houston facility. The Houston Dynamo website states that “Dash employees participated in sensory awareness training in order to understand how best to serve fans with unique needs and concerns.”

For Bixby and others, the precautions may not be adequate.

“The light show/strobing at BBVA stadium & Louisville needs to go,” she said.