Niagara Falls and many others to Light It Up Blue on World Autism Awareness Day
February 24, 2017These iconic buildings, landmarks and organizations helped celebrate on April 2:
Niagara Falls
On April 2nd, 2017, Niagara Falls will be lit blue for a 15-minute duration from 10:00 pm to 10:15 pm in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!
The iconic Falls will illuminate in blue to spread understanding and awareness of autism. The Niagara Falls Illumination Board offers special color illumination for charitable and not-for-profit organizations.
Niagara Falls is the collective name of three waterfalls called the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Viel Falls. They are connected on the international border between Canada and the United States. The average annual rate of water falling is 85,000 cubic feet per second. Famous tourist attractions include the Hornblower Niagara Cruises and the Maid of the Mist boat-cruise, that has carried passengers into the rapids below the falls since 1846.
Macau Tower
Macau Convention & Entertainment Centre will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2017 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!
Located in Macau, a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, the tower began construction in 1998 and celebrated its inauguration in 2001. As the city’s iconic landmark, it is an important venue for major business and trade events, and has welcomed many national leaders and important figures over the years.
In cooperation with the Macau Autism Association, the entire complex will be lit blue for one whole month in honor of World Autism Month. Additionally, a wide range of autism awareness events and activities will take place.
Gillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium, home of Super Bowl LI champions the New England Patriots, will Light It Up Blue on April 2nd for World Autism Awareness Day.
The famed stadium is located in Foxborough, Mass. and is the home of both the NFL's New England Patriots and the MLS's New England Revolution soccer team.
The arena opened in 2002 and has a seating capacity of 68,756. Fun fact: The Patriots have sold out every home game since moving to the stadium, a record that goes back to the 1994 season.
The New York City Department of Sanitation
The New York City Department of Sanitation will once again go blue in honor of Autism Speaks' Light It Up Blue campaign during the month of April. The NYC Department of Sanitation began fundraising for Autism Speaks in 2013. For a third year the DSNY will adorn their entire fleet of nearly 2,500 vehicles with Light It Up Blue posters.
In additional to this awareness campaign, DSNY offices and facilities across NYC will host a month-long fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks. Last year, DSNY raised over $71,000 for Autism Speaks, bringing their overall fundraising total to more than $200,000 to date.
Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer, the historic statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will Light It Up Blue this year in honor of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2017!
Chris the Reedemer was first suggested in the mid-1850’s by Vincentian priest, Pedro Maria Boss. In 1922 the construction of the statue began and was sculpted by Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski. It took 9 years to build and officially opened on October 12, 1931.
Ancient City of Petra
Petra, the archaeological site in Jordan’s southwestern desert and one of the 7 Wonders of the World will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2017 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!
Petra dates back to 300 B.C and was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. The site has been featured in countless films including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Mummy Returns.
Petra contains tombs and temples inside the structure that were carved into pink sandstone cliffs which earned it the nickname, the “Rose City.”
The statue stands at 98 feet tall and it’s arms stretch out to be 92 feet wide. On July 7, 2007 it was selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The illumination of Christ the Redeemer is supported by Mundo Azul, who will also be organizing a religious service in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day during the lighting ceremony of the famous statue. Mundo Azul is also organizing the seventh annual "Walk For Autism" in Leblon Beach. Last year, almost 7,500 people walked for autism awareness, and this year Mundo Azul hopes to surpass this number.
The Wells Fargo Center
The home of the Flyers and 76ers will Light It Up Blue in April in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!
The Wells Fargo Center, one of the busiest arenas in the world, is home of the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, and the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League. After opening its doors for the first time with the World Cup of Hockey on August 31, 1996, the Wells Fargo Center has hosted a variety of nationally-recognized events.
Rockefeller Center
The historic Rockefeller Center in New York City will Light It Up Blue along with global landmarks on April 2, 2017 for World Autism Awareness Day!
Rockefeller Center is a large complex consisting of 19 high-rise commercial buildings covering 22 acres between 48th and 51st Streets in New York City. Commissioned by the Rockefeller family, it is located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, spanning the area between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Rockefeller Center is famous for its annual Christmas tree lighting.
Red Bull Arena
Red 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.
FirstEnergy Stadium
FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Cleveland Browns, in Cleveland, Ohio went blue in honor of World Autism Awareness Day and Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2017.
The NFL stadium was built in 1999 and has a seating capacity of 67,431 but serves as a venue for college sports, soccer and music concerts. The Cleveland Browns also have a charitable campaign called #give10. It challenges anyone to pledge 10 volunteer hours to their local community.
Lebanon's Presidential Ceremony
Lebanon landmarks joined the Light It Up Blue campaign and to mark the end of the World Autism Month, the President of the Lebanese Republic General Michel Aoun and the First Lady Mrs. Nadia Chami Aoun will host a ceremony at the Presidential Palace on April 28th at 7 PM (1 PM ET).
The external building of the Palace will be lit in blue, and a special program will take place in which autism associations and institutions will take part. The President will also give a speech in which he addresses the need to support people with autism and develop their talents. The President and First Lady will then view a gallery of paintings, craftworks and pieces of art made by children with autism.
Fenway Park
The home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park in Boston, Mass., will go blue on April 2, 2017 in honor of the Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue campaign and World Autism Awareness Day.
Fenway Park has been the home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912 and is the oldest Major League Baseball (MLB park). The sports venue has hosted the World Series ten times and in 2012, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Lady of Lebanon
The famous Lady of Lebanon will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2017 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!
Located on the Harissa Hill, in Lebanon, the famous shrine was founded in 1904 and draws millions of faithful Christians and Muslims from all over the world. The famous statue overlooks the capital city Beirut.
In cooperation with the Autism Awareness Association (AAA) of Lebanon, this famous landmark will participate in Light It Up Blue for the second time.
The Doha Tower
The Doha Tower will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2017 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!
Located in Doha, Qatar, the tower stands at 232 meters tall. The project that began construction in 2004 was completed in 2012.
In 2012, the tower was named the Best Tall Building in the Middle East & Africa and the overall Best Tall Building Worldwide by the Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
One World Trade Center
One World Trade Center will Light It Up Blue for the 3rd year in a row on April 2, 2017 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day! The One World Trade Center tower will light up its spire blue for everyone with autism.
This building started construction in April, 2006 and opened to the public in May, 2015. It is currently the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Emirates Spinnaker Tower
Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2017 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day.
Soaring proudly above the city’s historic harbour, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower is one of the UK South coast’s ‘must-see’ attractions, commanding the attention of all who encounter it with its stunning architecture. The iconic 170m tall viewing tower has proved to be an overwhelming success, having welcomed over 2.5 million visitors since opening in October 2005. Breath-taking 350 degree views envelop visitors with views stretching out for up to 23 miles.
The Taipei 101
The Taipei 101, formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center – a landmark skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan – will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2017 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!
Construction on the tower started in 1999 and finished in 2004. The Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world until 2009 and today is the 6th tallest. The tower today stands at 101 stories tall and serves as the icon of modern Taiwan ever since it’s opening.
Known for its innovative technology, in 2016 Taipei 101 received the world's most authoritative green building certification LEED v4 (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Version 4) – representing Taipei 101's commitment to sustainable development in Taiwan.
In addition, the tower is lit up with fireworks for an exceptional New Year’s Eve firework display every year for the local community to enjoy.
The Qutub Minar
Thanks to the Autism Center of Excellence of India, the Qutub Minar in New Delhi, India will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2018 for World Autism Awareness Day!
The Qutub Minar is a minaret that forms a part of the Qutab complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, India.
The Minar is surrounded by several historically significant monuments of the Qutab complex, including Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which was built at the same time as the Minar, and the much older Iron Pillar of Delhi.The nearby pillared Cupola known as "Smith's Folly" is a remnant of the tower's 19th century restoration, which included an ill-advised attempt to add a sixth storey.
Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world at a height of 72.5m.
The Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2018 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!
Opened on Oct 20, 1973 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as well as the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ. This is the largest mechanical tracker action organ in the world, with over 10,000 pipes.
The Suez Canal
The Suez Canal in Egypt will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2018 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!
The Suez Canal that was officially opened on November 17, 1869, is an artificial sea-level waterway that is the first canal ever to connect between the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. The canal is just over 120 miles in length.
Based on its popularity going back to its origin date going back to ancient Egypt, the Suez Canal Authority was notified that the canal would be nationalized on July 26, 1956.
Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2018 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!
The Burj Khalifa began construction in 2004 and was certified as the world’s tallest building in the world by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) on March 10, 2010. The CTBUH writes,
“When the Burj Khalifa completed in 2010 at 828 meters, it was named the ‘Tallest Building in the World’ to global fanfare. The world now eagerly watches the Dubai metropolis as an emerging contributor to the skyscraper typology, which is why it’s so important to have the Burj Khalifa’s support for the upcoming Light It Up Blue campaign.”
Chicago landmarks
In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, various landmarks in Chicago will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2018!
Wrigley Field
- It is the home of the Chicago Cubs, one of the city's two Major League Baseball (MLB) franchises.
- It first opened in 1914 as Weeghman Park for Charles Weeghman's Chicago Whales of the Federal League, which folded after the 1915 baseball season.
- The Cubs played their first home game at the park on April 20, 1916.
Shedd Aquarium
- It first opened on May 30, 1930.
- The aquarium contains 32,000 animals, and was for some time the largest indoor aquarium in the world with 5,000,000 US gallons of water.
Soldier Field
- It opened in 1924 and is the home field of the Chicago Bears of the NFL, who moved there in 1971.
United Center
- The United Center is home to both the Chicago Bulls of the NBA and the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL.
Navy Pier Centennial Wheel
- The Pier has welcomed a brand new Centennial Wheel, which opened Memorial Day 2016.
- It stands is 196 feet tall and has 42 climate controlled gondolas.
John Hancock Building
- When the building topped out on May 6, 1968, it was the second tallest building in the world and the tallest outside New York CIty.
- The building is 100 stories and stands at 1,128 feet tall.
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
- Built as and still commonly referred to as the Sears Tower, is a 110-story, 1,450-foot skyscraper.
- The Willis Tower is the second-tallest building in the United States and the Western hemisphere – and the 16th-tallest in the world.
Chicago Board of Trade
- The Chicago Board of Trade was stablished on April 3, 1848, is one of the world's oldest futures and options exchanges
CME Building
- The CME was founded in 1898 as the Chicago Butter and Egg Board, an agricultural commodities exchange.
Canada’s National Tower
Canada’s National Tower (CN Tower), the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere at 553.33 m will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2017 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!
Located in Toronto, the CN Tower started construction in 1973, and opened to the public on June 26, 1976. In 1995, the Tower was declared as one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Los Angeles landmarks
In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, various landmarks in Los Angeles will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2018!
Staples Center
- The arena opened on October 17, 1999, and is one of the major sporting facilities in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
- The arena is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA, the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL, and the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.
LAX Pylons
- The project, titled "Untitled", is a Kinetic Light Installation.
- It was created in the year 2000 (and updated in 2006).
Union Station
- The main railway station in Los Angeles, California, and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States.
- It opened in May 1939 as the Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal, replacing La Grande Station and Central Station.
Petersen Automotive Museum
- One of the world's largest automotive museums, the Petersen Automotive Museum is a nonprofit organization specializing in automobile history and related educational programs.
- Founded on June 11, 1994 by magazine publisher Robert E. Petersen and his wife Margie, the $40-million Petersen Automotive Museum is owned and operated by the Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation
Marriott Los Angeles Westside HHM
- A Marriott hotel located in downtown Culver City
The Sagrada Familia
One of then largest Roman Catholic Churches in the world, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, will Light It Up Blue on April 2, 2018 in honor of World Autism Month! The picture above is of the Sagrada Familia lit blue from 2015.
The Sagrada Familia began construction in 1882 and currently stands at 560 feet tall. Today it is seen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed the church as a minor basilica, a prestigious honour granted to very few churches around the world.
The church today also serves the Sagrada Familia Schools building along with having an exhibition space for tourists.
