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.
ABOUT COMERICA PARK
Comerica Park is home to the Detroit Tigers, a charter member of the American League and one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. The opening of the park on April 11, 2000 ushered in a new era of baseball in Detroit, featuring a multi-faceted fan experience in one of the premier venues in professional sports. Comerica Park has hosted the MLB All-Star Game, World Series, International Soccer and world class concert performers. Comerica Park was designed with fans in mind, and provides a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages.
ABOUT LITTLE CAESARS ARENA
Little Caesars Arena in the heart of The District Detroit serves as the home of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons and countless other sports, entertainment and community events. Rich with the tradition of the Original Six™ and 11-time Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings, the three-time world champion Detroit Pistons and Detroit's incredible musical heritage, the arena also features state-of-the-art technology, fan amenities, and active community spaces like the Via, the BELFOR Training Center and the Chevrolet Plaza. The District Detroit unites world-class theaters, four professional sports teams and three professional sports venues including Little Caesars Arena in one vibrant, walkable destination for people who want to live, work and play in a dynamic urban environment. Little Caesars Arena received the prestigious Sports Facility of the Year award at the 2018 Sports Business Awards Ceremony, established by SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily to celebrate and recognize the leaders, visionaries and day-to-day practitioners who personify excellence in the business of sports.
ABOUT KULTURECITY
KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using their resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs; not just those with Autism. In the past year alone, KultureCity has created several sensory inclusive venues and events including the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, 16 NBA arenas, 5 NFL stadiums, 5 NHL arenas and countless zoos, science centers and aquariums across the nation.
ABOUT THE DISTRICT DETROIT
The District Detroit is a dynamic urban destination in the heart of Detroit. One that includes something for everyone-a dense neighborhood experience with a variety of developments alongside Detroit's premier sports and entertainment venues. Connecting downtown Detroit to growing nearby neighborhoods such as Midtown, Corktown and Brush Park, The District Detroit is having a dramatic economic impact on Detroit and is a driving catalyst of the city's remarkable resurgence. The District Detroit will deliver $1.4 billion in new investment to Detroit including the new Little Caesars Arena, Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University and Little Caesars world headquarters campus expansion. Additionally, new office, residential and retail spaces will continue to add momentum to Detroit's amazing comeback for years to come.
