The Cincinnati Cyclones are turning off the strobe lights and fog horns for an inclusive sensory-friendly game on Saturday (Oct. 20) for those with autism, PTSD and other sensory sensitivities and their friends to enjoy a night out on the ice.
The Cyclones will take on the Wheeling Nailers, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
Here is a list of the decreased stimulation tactics the team is instituting for this game, presented by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital:
- No goal horn
- Decreased microphone volume
- Decreased music volume
- No strobe lights
- Lights always on
- No pre-game pyro
They have also asked fans to please leave their noisemakers and cowbells at home.
There will also be a family “Chill Zone” away from the action which includes seating and activities like coloring books and tactile experiences.
The team posted this message to their Twitter followers regarding this first-ever event: “This night is all about creating an atmosphere for families of kids with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism or for people who just might get overwhelmed with our normal in-game presentation.”
This Saturday we will host a night that is the first of its kind in Cincinnati, Sensory Friendly Night. In partnership with @CincyChildrens, we will be altering our normal game presentation to make sure that all fans are able to enjoy. Watch the video to learn more!! pic.twitter.com/zAj1Rq3gJu
— Cincinnati Cyclones (@CincyCyclones) October 17, 2018
Sensory kits will be available for the game, stuffed with antiglare sunglasses, a communication card, ID wristband, noise-reducing ear covers, a fidget toy, sanitizing wipes, a venue map and more. The team has also provided a downloadable social narrative to walk people through what they will see, hear and experience before entering the venue and watching the game.
Sensory Safety Kits will also be available for future events at U.S. Bank Arena. “We strive to make U.S. Bank Arena a safe and fan-friendly experience for everyone visiting us,” said U.S. Bank Arena Vice President and General Manager Kristin Ropp in a press release. “The implementation of the Sensory Kits hopefully allows those with auditory or visual sensitivity to experience all of the programming we have to offer. Everyone at the Kelly O’Leary Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has been amazing to work with and our staff has grown as a result of their passion for care.”
The kits will be available to check out on a first-come, first-served basis (guests will need to leave a photo ID as collateral) at the guest relations stand located behind section 203 in the arena outer-concourse.
“U.S. Bank Arena and the Cincinnati Cyclones are the first venue and sports team in Cincinnati to take the initiative to ensure that athletic events such as hockey games are accessible to everyone including individuals with developmental disabilities and their families,” said Jen Smith, director of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, in the same release. “Our kids and families want and deserve the same opportunities to enjoy sports and other community events. We at Cincinnati Children’s are excited to be partnering as the disability experts with the Cyclones and U.S. Bank Arena as they strive to support our families out in the community.”
Get more details about the game and tickets here.
This article appears in Oct 17-24, 2018.
