KENT, Ohio — Normally, attending a college basketball game at Kent State University's MAC Center would be a tough environment for someone with sensory issues to attend.
Next week, however, KSU will create a "gameday experience that can be enjoyed by all."
The Golden Flashes men's basketball team will take on Hampton on Dec. 21, and the school says it will be a "sensory-friendly" affair. In partnership with the organization KultureCity, staff will hand out free "sensory bags" before the game with items including noise-canceling headphones, fidget spinners, and communication cards. In addition, there will be a sensory-friendly viewing area inside the arena's loge section.
Kent State's Assistant Vice President for Marketing Strategy Todd Snider said:
"We are excited to host this sensory-friendly game experience. We are also proud that going forward, the MAC Center will now carry the designation of a sensory-inclusive venue, with staff training in place and accommodations at events for guests with special needs."
KSU says a portion of ticket sales from the game will benefit organizations like the Autism Society of Greater Akron, ASPIES of Greater Akron, and the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland. These groups and others will also receive some seats they can sell at a discounted rate.
The university adds that its game employees are continuing to improve their own efforts to make all games accommodating to those with sensory difficulties, including recognizing the signs of someone being uncomfortable. KultureCity's Jordan Gliem says it is important "to modify the event, but you don’t want to change the experience."
Kent State will also host an Autism Awareness game on Feb. 15 against Miami of Ohio, when the Golden Flashes will wear specially-designed uniforms. Team center Kalin Bennett is also believed to be the first true freshman diagnosed with autism to earn a scholarship for a Division I men's basketball team, and he scored his first career basket this past Nov. 6.
RELATED: Kalin Bennett, 1st NCAA Division I scholarship basketball player with autism, debuts for Kent State
Tickets to the sensory game can be found at kentstatesports.com/sensory.
