Sensory Friendly
Agganis Arena, Boston’s premiere midsize multipurpose sports and entertainment venue, unveiled its Sensory Room on Saturday, October 29, 2022. All full-time and part-time Agganis Arena staff members, along with third party partners, received comprehensive training from Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) on recognizing and reacting to Sensory Processing Disorders to ensure Guests receive the utmost condition of care.
SENSORY ROOM
The Sensory Room, first of its kind at any sport or live event venue in the Greater Boston area, is a therapeutic escape for those experiencing sensory overload. Located away from the crowd and event action, the room features a number of calming design elements, including aesthetically pleasing colors, comfortable seating options, a light dimming switch and an LED light up bubble wall water fixture. The room is also equipped with a TV that streams directly into the current event happening, weighted lap pads for decompression and fidget toys for both distraction and focus. Anyone who wishes to use the Sensory Room must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult at all times.
SENSORY BAGS
Sensory Bags can be found at our Guest Services Booth located on the concourse level at section 101. Sensory Bags are equipped with 1 pair of adjustable noise canceling headphones, a mood card for those who are or may become non verbal, fidget toys and a pair of sunglasses to combat any harsh or bright lighting. These bags are intended to help Guests who may be suffering from sensory overload, but do not need to fully remove themselves from the event space. Sensory Bags are able to be brought back to your seat during an event to provide decompression tools while remaining inside the Arena bowl. To check out a Sensory Bag you will need to leave an ID with the Guest Services Booth and will receive it back upon returning the Sensory Bag in good condition.
SOCIAL NARRATIVE GUIDE
Agganis Arena’s Social Narrative Guide is a tool to help adults communicate with children about what they might expect and do at the Arena.
Boston University Men’s Ice Hockey Social Narrative Guide
Agganis Arena Concert or Family Show Social Narrative Guide
For any questions regarding the Sensory Room or Sensory Bags please contact Charlotte Powers or call 617-358-7018, we’re here to make every Guest’s event day as enjoyable as possible.
