The Nashville Predators have announced that KultureCity has designated Bridgestone Arena certified sensory inclusive. The Predators are partnering with KultureCity to improve staff members’ ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests at all events.
“We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our staff with continuous training and by offering the necessary resources and accommodations to our guests inside Smashville,” Nashville Predators Vice President of Event Operations David Chadwell said. “The certification processes our staff went through included training by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.”
Sensory Bags Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, fidget tools, noise canceling headphones and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at the AT&T Fan Information Center located off the main concourse and near the entrance to the Lexus Lounge.
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, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like Bridgestone Arena. With its new certification, Arena staff are now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event inside Smashville.
“To know that you soon will be able to see families attend a hockey game, a true community binding experience, with their loved ones who have a sensory challenge and who were not able to previously attend, is truly a heartwarming moment,” KultureCity Executive Director Traci Johnson said. “Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.”
