During Autism Acceptance Month, the Buffalo Bills are striving to make their spaces welcome to everyone. The Bills are doing this by making Highmark Stadium a certified sensory inclusive space. The new stadium will contain seven sensory rooms, the most of any venue in the world.
The sensory rooms will be accessible to all ticket holders and will be located on all levels and spaces of the stadium. The Bills-branded rooms are designed to provide a calming, supportive environment for guests who may need a personal and quiet environment, while still enjoying Buffalo's game-day experience.
"We're excited to continue to provide a sensory inclusive stadium experience for our fans at Highmark Stadium and are humbled to now have seven sensory rooms for fans to utilize," Bills senior director of guest experience Zach Rutkowski said. "Our Guest Experience team is committed to creating positive, lasting memories for our fans and our collaboration with KultureCity, Kaleida Health and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism helps make that possible."
Buffalo is working with KultureCity, the world's leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance, to ensure the new stadium is accessible and inclusive for guests, fans and staff with sensory needs. One of the many things KultureCity does is provide support on sensory-inclusive training for Bills full-time and part-time staff, as well as guidance on sensory widgets that will be included in each room.
Kaleida Health, Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism and KultureCity are working to create a sensory inclusive environment, helping to outfit the seven sensory rooms.
"As the regional leader in health for kids and families, we are honored to have the opportunity to partner with the Buffalo Bills on sensory rooms to ensure an inclusive stadium experience for all," Stephen Turkovich, MD, president, Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo said.
Information on the sensory rooms will be available at all guest experience booths during events and game days.
