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Bridgestone Arena lands KultureCity sensory certification

The Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, has become the latest major US venue to become sensory inclusive, having secured official certification from KultureCity.

The venue has been working with KultureCity to improve staff members’ ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.

Visitors to the arena can now access sensory bags that contain special KCVIP badges, fidget tools, noise-cancelling headphones and other resources.

These will be made available free-of-charge at the AT&T Fan Information Center near the main concourse at the Bridgestone Arena.

David Chadwell, vice-president of event operations for the Nashville Predators, the NHL ice hockey team that plays at the venue, praised the new initiative.

He said: “We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our staff with continuous training and by offering the necessary resources and accommodations to our guests inside Smashville.

“The certification processes our staff went through included training by leading medical professionals on how to recognise those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.”

Traci Johnson, executive director at KultureCity, added: “To know that you soon will be able to see families attend a hockey game, a true community binding experience, with their loved ones who have a sensory challenge and who were not able to previously attend, is truly a heartwarming moment.

“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.”

Image: Stephen Yeargin