Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-January 28, 2023: Lincoln Financial Field is located in South Philly.


Tork, an Essity Brand, and the Eagles Autism Foundation announced a joint initiative to transform several restrooms at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. This series of restroom enhancements will provide a welcoming and inclusive hygiene experience for guests of all abilities.

Around 60 percent of U.S. venue visitors contend with some form of physical or cognitive challenge that can impact their restroom experience. Such barriers include noise levels, soap and towel dispenser limitations, and a lack of privacy. In fact, research by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) found that wheelchair users will often avoid public restrooms due to inaccessible stalls and equipment, as well as poor hygiene overall.

At Lincoln Financial Field, this figure translates to 42,000 fans at maximum capacity. When fans feel confident and comfortable using facilities, venues benefit from increased attendance, loyalty, and positive word-of-mouth. In 2023, Lincoln Financial Field demonstrated its commitment to implementing inclusive hygiene by upgrading its restroom infrastructure. The present proposed enhancements are the next evolution in this dedication and will create spaces where even more fans can fully participate in the game day experience.

The plan addresses the three restrooms located near the Eagles Sensory Room, presented by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, on the Lower Suites level of Lincoln Financial Field. Upgraded restrooms will feature adult changing tables, higher urinal and stall dividers for improved privacy and comfort, warm lighting and soothing music to build a calming ambiance, as well as enhanced accessibility features. Upon completion, the restrooms will be showcased to fans in May ahead of the annual Eagles Autism Challenge.

“Delivering better hygiene for all is not only good for people, but it’s also good for business,” says Raquel Carbonari, Brand Activation Director, Professional Hygiene at Essity. “When facilities evolve to meet the needs of the broader community, more people can join, fully participate, and feel truly welcome. We’re proud to partner with the Eagles Autism Foundation, who share our belief that when we design with all abilities in mind, everyone benefits.”

Accessibility Starts with Community

The restroom upgrade is a direct result of collaboration and listening to those who understand the community’s needs. This proposal was formed from input given by the Eagles Autism Foundation community, via a survey of over 70 respondents, and expertise from the Tork Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene.

The Coalition, which recently welcomed Ryan Hammond, Executive Director of the Eagles Autism Foundation, is a collection of experts, advocates, and organizations who are passionate about addressing the barriers people face when using public restrooms.

“These upgrades align perfectly with our mission to create accessible environments where individuals of all abilities can participate alongside their peers,” shares Hammond.

The restroom upgrades were also informed by the Inclusive Hygiene Playbook, a resource providing evidence-based solutions for facility managers based on ethnographic research, over 50 years of Tork sustainable hygiene experience, input from the Eagles Autism Foundation Community, and the Tork Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene. Reviewed by members of the Eagles Autism Foundation and the Philadelphia Eagles operations team, the following insights drove the planned restroom design:

  • Participation starts with comfort: Restrooms are integral to the venue experience. If fans don’t feel comfortable, they may opt out entirely.
  • Valued guests become loyal fans: The restroom experience impacts whether fans feel valued or undervalued, which informs loyalty and repeat visits.
  • Belonging builds community: For many families, the ability to share everyday experiences—without barriers—is everything.


“These restroom upgrades at Lincoln Financial Field, paired with the existing sensory room, are exactly what best-in-class fan experience looks like,” notes Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity. “We hope more organizations follow this lead, because when you design holistically for everyone, more people can show up, participate, and truly belong—from attending events to working, dining, learning, or traveling.”

Tork prioritized the following enhancements to create a more inclusive hygiene restroom experience where all fans feel welcome, safe, and empowered to participate:

  • Odor Control Solution
  • Adult Changing Tables
  • Surface Sanitizing Solution
  • Higher Urinal and Stall Dividers
  • Localized Sound System
  • Warm Lighting


“Speaking from personal experience with paruresis, or shy bladder syndrome, I can tell you that design details matter tremendously,” says Dr. Steven Soifer, Treasurer, American Restroom Association, and Co-Founder of the International Paruresis Association. “When venues prioritize privacy, hygiene, and thoughtful design, more people can join in—and these upgrades show how some minor design changes can have a major impact on people.”

Learn how accessible facility design can improve operational efficiency here.