• Sensory rooms provide safe space for fans and families

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is proud to announce the unveiling of sensory rooms at Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena in partnership with KultureCity, the Detroit Tigers Foundation and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. The sensory room at Comerica Park is open for all Detroit Tigers home games and any events at the ballpark and the room at Little Caesars Arena is open for all events. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony for the arena room will take place in the fall.

Both sensory rooms are designed to cater to the needs of individuals with sensory processing needs. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and the venues it operates are committed to fostering a positive and accommodating experience for all guests and colleagues, ensuring those with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the power of sports and entertainment without barriers.

The sensory room at Comerica Park is on the 200 level behind section 210, and the Little Caesars Arena will be located outside PORTAL 66 on the concourse level. The completion of the rooms was made possible from the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Detroit Red Wings Foundation, respectively.

With input from sensory experts, KultureCity sensory rooms incorporate adjustable lighting, calming visuals and comfortable seating. A range of sensory tools and equipment such as bubble walls, bean bag chairs and tactile objects are available to create a personalized and calming experience. The rooms are fully accessible, accommodating individuals of all abilities and ages.

“It is with immense pride that Ilitch Sports and Entertainment joins hands with KultureCity and the Detroit Tigers Foundation in bringing this incredible initiative to life,” said Amanda Vought, Vice President, Guest Strategy, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “These sensory rooms are a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all our guests and empowers our event staff by providing them with tools to better support individuals with sensory processing issues. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can feel welcomed and comfortable.”

Little Caesars Arena was named the 2021 KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year. Both Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena earned certification by KultureCity in 2018, and at Guest Services locations, are equipped with sensory bags, including noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads. 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.

“We are thrilled to continue collaborating with Ilitch Sports and Entertainment and to introduce these new sensory rooms,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity. “At KultureCity, our mission is to create a world where everyone, regardless of their sensory needs, can fully enjoy and participate in community experiences. These sensory rooms represent a crucial step towards inclusivity, providing a welcoming space where individuals with sensory sensitivities can engage with their surroundings comfortably. We applaud Ilitch Sports and Entertainment for their dedication to fostering an inclusive environment, and we are confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on the lives of many in the community.”

“One of the core pillars for both of our foundations is making baseball and hockey accessible and inclusive,” said Shannon Lapsley, Community Impact Director, Fundraising and Development, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “These rooms are a testament to the foundations’ dedication to utilizing baseball and hockey to provide inclusive opportunities for all, allowing more of our fans the opportunity to experience a day at the ballpark and arena and make memories with friends and family.”

In addition to Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena, the Fox Theatre, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre have all earned KultureCity certification in recent years.

Prior to attending an event at venues managed by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity app, where guests can view which sensory features are available, and where to access them.