Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has partnered with national non-profit organization, KultureCity®, to make the Union and Subaru Park sensory inclusive. A sensory inclusive stadium aims to make match days and events a more accommodating and positive experience for fans with a sensory issue regardless of age or ability. With the addition of the Union, all Philadelphia Major League sports teams and venues are now certified as sensory inclusive, becoming only the second city in the United States to achieve this.
“Making Subaru Park and our gameday experience accessible and comfortable to all is a top priority for the Philadelphia Union,” said Tim McDermott, President, Philadelphia Union. “The ability to now make our stadium sensory inclusive is an important step in guaranteeing a welcoming space for everyone, including those with sensory needs. We are committed to fostering an environment where every fan can be comfortable in sharing in the exciting experience of our games.”
“Our communities shape our lives and to know that the Philadelphia Union is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in community experiences is amazing,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity®. “We’re honored to partner with the Union to provide a truly inclusive experience for all clients!”
The certification process ensures that the staff and volunteers of the Philadelphia Union are trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. KultureCity® Sensory Bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and KCVIP lanyard will be available to all clients of the Union who may feel overwhelmed. Sensory bags may be picked up at guest services in Subaru Park.
Additionally, the Union will now offer “Phang’s Friends” seats for every home match. The four seats will be dedicated to guests with sensory needs and the occupants would be provided with their own Union sensory bag to use during the match and take home afterwards. The seats are located closely to one of the KultureCity® Quiet Zones.
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 can be a major part of Union match days. With its new certification, the club is now better prepared to assist clients with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible.
KultureCity® is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity® has created over 2,000 Sensory InclusiveTM public and private services, organizations, events and venues in 6 countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB World Series, and MLB All Star Weekend.
Prior to their visit to Subaru Park, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity® App where they will be able to view what sensory features are available and where they can access them including, how to get a KultureCity® Sensory Bag.
