Creating a Sensory-Friendly Arena

A Guide to Inclusion and Accessibility for Stadiums and Venues

Hordes of cheering fans, booming music, and dazzling lights. Arenas and stadiums, while exciting venues for concerts, sporting events, and other spectacles, can be overwhelming for people with sensory sensitivities or who experience sensory overload. Morevover, this can include individuals with autism, ADHD, PTSD, and other neurodiversities, as well as those experiencing sensory processing disorders, hearing loss, visual impairments or a roster of other underlying diagnoses. But what if these vibrant spaces could be transformed into welcoming environments for everyone?

This blog dives deep into the concept of sensory-friendly arenas, stadiums and venues, exploring the challenges faced by individuals with sensory overload and outlining practical solutions for creating a more inclusive and accessible experience.

Understanding Sensory Sensitivity and Sensory Overload

Imagine a world with a dial turned up to eleven. For people with sensory sensitivities, everyday sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures can be amplified and overwhelming. As a result, this can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and even physical discomfort. In fact, sensory overload occurs when these stimuli become too much to process, resulting in meltdowns, shutdowns, or withdrawal. Furthermore, it can affect people of all ages, from children to adults, and can be temporary or permanent.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brains and nervous systems. For example, people with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions often experience sensory sensitivities differently. In addition, some individuals might find loud noises intolerable. On the other hand, others may crave deep pressure or repetitive movements.

Importantly, sensory-friendly environments aim to mitigate these challenges by reducing overwhelming stimuli and providing calming alternatives. Furthermore, this aligns perfectly with the principles of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), ensuring everyone feels welcome and respected regardless of their sensory needs.

The Impact of Sensory-Friendly Arenas: Beyond Entertainment

Creating a sensory-friendly arena isn’t just about inclusivity; it’s good business too!

• Customer satisfaction soars: For example, when people feel comfortable and accommodated, they’re more likely to have a positive experience and return for future events.
• Brand loyalty strengthens: Businesses that prioritize accessibility build a reputation for caring and compassion, attracting a wider audience.
• Employee well-being improves: Sensory sensitivities aren’t limited to patrons. Therefore, a sensory-friendly environment benefits employees with these needs as well.

Building a Sensory-Friendly Arena: Practical Strategies

Here are actionable steps to transform your arena into a haven for all:

1. Develop a Social Story:

A social story is a narrative with pictures that depicts the arena experience from start to finish. For example, this can help individuals with autism and others who struggle with transitions visualize and prepare for the event, reducing anxiety.

2. Offer Sensory Kits:

Provide kits containing noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, sunglasses, and venue maps. The NHL’s collaboration with The Assist, offering sensory kits at hockey games, is a great example of this in action!

3. Manage Light and Noise:

• Reduce flashing lights: Announce periods of bright or flashing lights beforehand and offer designated low-light areas.
• Mitigate noise: Consider designated “sensory-friendly times” with lower sound levels and provide quiet spaces for breaks.

4. Create a Dedicated Quiet Space

Offer a calm, well-lit room with comfortable seating and minimal noise. This provides a refuge for those needing a sensory break. Many venues use sensory rooms as their quiet spaces! We have a series of blogs to help you create a sensory room:

• Creating a Calming Oasis: The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Room Equipment
• What is a Sensory Room?
• How Portable Sensory Rooms Create Inclusion

5. Ensure Easy Access to Food and Beverages:

Long lines and crowds can be overwhelming. Organize queues clearly, consider visual cues, and staff concession stands adequately to keep lines moving.

6. Prioritize Accessible Toilets:

Sufficient accessible, and family-friendly toilets are crucial for inclusivity. In fact, there is research to make the case!

In, “Physical Accessibility for Disabled People: Analysis of Toilet Facilities in Primary Health Care Units” by Esmeraldo Áfio., 2016 found that physical inaccessibility in some toilet facilities makes it difficult or even impossible for people with disabilities to access toilets, a significant barrier since 16% of the global population is disabled (WHO) ¹. 

7. Train Staff:

Educate staff on sensory sensitivities and how to best accommodate patrons with these needs. Importantly, empowering your staff with the knowledge and skills to create a welcoming environment for all is crucial. Sensory Friendly Solutions offers a comprehensive Sensory-Friendly Training Membership program that equips your team to effectively support patrons with sensory sensitivities.

With our training membership, you get access to all the courses you need a single low cost. Watch a short video about it and get trained!

Bonus Resources from Sensory Friendly Solutions for Sensory Friendly Arenas, Venues and Stadums

• Free Downloadable Sensory-Friendly Map Guide: Make navigating your arena easier for everyone with a clear and concise sensory map. Download yours today!
• Free Downloadable Sensory-Friendly Experience Label: Make your event more welcoming for everyone with a clear and concise guide to sensory considerations.Download yours today, too!

Showcasing Sensory-Friendly Success Stories

The Milwaukee Bucks are a shining example of a sensory-friendly arena. For example, they offer designated quiet areas, noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, and weighted lap pads. Similarly, Madison Square Garden provides sensory bags, a designated quiet area, and a social story to download beforehand.

These initiatives demonstrate the positive impact of sensory-friendly practices. Furthermore, arenas across the globe are embracing this approach, creating a more welcoming environment for everyone.

Sensory Friendly Solutions: Your Partner in Accessibility

At Sensory Friendly Solutions, we’re passionate about creating a world where everyone feels included. As a result, we offer a range of services to help your arena, stadium and venue to become a sensory haven:

• Sensory-Friendly Certification: Earn a recognized credential demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity.
• Training and Consulting: Equip your staff with the knowledge and skills to create a welcoming environment.

Check our our case study and some of our work:

• Opening the Doors to the Game: How This Arena Embraced Inclusion for All Fans

Deepen Your Dive into Sensory-Friendly Basics

Looking to expand your knowledge of sensory-friendly experiences? We’ve got you covered! Check out these additional resources from Sensory Friendly Solutions:

• Make your Sport or Recreation Center Sensory-Friendly
• How to Create Sensory-Friendly Events
• What Is a Sensory-Friendly Environment?

Striking the Right Chord: Sensory-Friendly Practices for Performers at Venues

Building on the importance of sensory-friendly arenas explored earlier, let’s delve into how performers themselves can embrace inclusivity on stage, too! The arena lights blaze, the crowd roars, and the music pulsates. For many singer-songwriters, performing at a large venue can be a dream come true. However, these stimulating environments can be overwhelming for audience members with sensory sensitivities.

But what if the music itself could be a champion for inclusivity? We’ve got that covered too:

• Case Study: From Rockin’ to Relaxing: How Christina Martin Made Her Music Sensory-Friendly

Unveiling the Power of Inclusion: Read our Top Blog Posts for Businesses and Organizations:

Eager to explore the latest advancements in sensory-friendly practices? Scroll down to discover our newest blog posts brimming with fresh insights and actionable tips!

1. Esmeraldo Áfio, A. C., De Carvalho, L. V., Marques, J. F., Pinheiro De Oliveira, P. M., De Almeida, P. C., & Freitag Pagliuca, L. M. (2016). Physical Accessibility for Disabled People: Analysis of Toilet Facilities in Primary Health Care Units. Open Journal of Nursing, 06(11), 948–957. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojn.2016.611091