07/26/2018 at 10:24am EDT
DETROIT – Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena, located in The District Detroit, have partnered with KultureCity to make all events hosted at the ballpark and multi-purpose arena sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with sensory needs.
Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers, becomes the first Major League Baseball ballpark to be certified by KultureCity. The state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena, home to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons, is the first combined NHL and NBA arena to gain certification. Both facilities are operated by the Ilitch organization.
The certification process entails the event staff at both facilities are trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests and fans with sensory needs and how to best handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will be available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Fans will also have access to sensory areas for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment.
“To know that you soon will be able to see families attend a baseball, basketball, hockey game or concert with their loved ones who have a sensory challenge and who were not able to previously attend, is truly a heartwarming moment,” said Traci Johnson, Executive Director, KultureCity. “Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with KultureCity and provide guests at Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena a comfortable and protected experience when they attend a sporting event, concert or show,” said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “We want to thank KultureCity for providing the resources for our event staff to be trained and equipped to assist individuals with a sensory issue. This is an initiative our organization is extremely proud to be a part of.”
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise. With its new certification, Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena are now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event at the ballpark or arena.
Olympia Entertainment is also in the process of gaining certification from KultureCity for the Fox Theatre, and expects to begin that partnership for its events in the coming months.
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