Clemson Athletics has partnered with KultureCity to become the first collegiate program to be Sensory Certified in all venues, ensuring all the programs and events that those venues host are sensory-inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue that visits Athletic Events at Clemson University.
Memorial Stadium, Historic Riggs Field, Littlejohn Coliseum, Jervey Gym, Doug Kingsmore Stadium, and McWhorter Stadium will all carry the Certification and will have available sensory bags, noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and strobe reduction glasses to guests, at Guest Services Stands while attending Events in Clemson Athletic Venues.
The certification process entailed staff being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests, at the Guest Services Stands at each venue, who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions (1 in 6 individuals). One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment at Clemson Athletic Events. With its new certification, the Clemson staff is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event at Clemson.
Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity App [Apple • Android] where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event while in Tiger Town.
Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity
“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the Administration and staff at Clemson is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honored to partner with Clemson Athletics to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests!”
Benjamin Houston, Director of Event Operations, Clemson Athletics.
“Every year we strive to make the Fan Experience better at our events. Thousands of people, loud music, DJs, cheers, bright lights/strobes, and shaking bleachers are all things that create great atmospheres and fan experiences for those that come to our venues. We’re excited to partner with KultureCity to be more inclusive of fans with Sensory needs as the Fan Experience continues to grow and change at Clemson and want to help “Make the nevers 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 1,000 sensory-inclusive 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. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts, including the NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017 and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, KultureCity was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 and 2020 by FastCompany and recently won the Industry Partner Award in TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards 2019.
