Spectrum Center has become the latest major league venue in the US to cater for nursing mothers and guests with sensory sensitivities through partnerships with Mamava and KultureCity.
The arena serves as the home of NBA basketball team the Charlotte Hornets and guests will now be able to use a breastfeeding suite courtesy of Mamava. The suite will be sponsored by Novant Health, a longtime Hornets partner, and will officially be known as the Novant Health Lactation Suite.
The suite will be located on the concourse outside section 107 of Spectrum Center. A self-contained, mobile pod, it will be fitted with comfortable benches, a fold-down table, an electrical outlet for plugging in a breast pump and a door that can be locked for privacy.
The pod is meant for individual use but can fit more than one person, such as mothers with babies and other children. The suite is Mamava’s first in the city of Charlotte.
Sascha Mayer, co-founder and chief executive of Mamava, said: “We believe that all mamas deserve a clean, comfortable and dignified place to use a breast pump or breastfeed distraction-free – anywhere, anytime. Mamava pods provide flexibility for facilities and easy access for moms.”
Spectrum Center has also received Sensory Inclusive Certification courtesy of non-profit organisation KultureCity. Arena staff will now be better prepared for assisting guests with sensory sensitivities to ensure they have the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible.
Sensory bags equipped with noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will also be made available at the Guest Experience Booths outside sections 102 and 208.
“To know that you will be able to see families attend a basketball game, a true community binding experience, with their loved ones who have sensory challenges and were not able to previously attend, is truly a heartwarming moment,” Traci Johnson, executive director of KultureCity, said.
“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that Spectrum Center is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.”
Spectrum Center general manager Donna Julian added: “We strive to create the best possible experience for all patrons at Spectrum Center, and adding these accommodations for breastfeeding mothers and guests with sensory sensitivities are two new ways we can do that.
“Our goal is that everyone be able to enjoy an event in our building, and thanks to Mamava and KultureCity, we have eliminated potential impediments to that for these two groups. We are also thankful for our friends at Novant Health and their support of our efforts.”
Image: Charlotte Hornets
