White Sox introduce sensory room at Guaranteed Rate Field

CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox continue to expand the team’s inclusion efforts by installing a Sensory Room and Mothers’ Nursing Room at Guaranteed Rate Field for the 2019 season.

The Sensory Room, located in Suite 460, will feature a quiet space with elements – including textured walls and specialized lighting, as well as tools, such as weighted lap blankets and chairs – to help alleviate sensory overload.

A Mothers’ Nursing Room, located near Section 352, will provide a clean and relaxing space for breastfeeding women. The room will feature comfortable chairs, electrical outlets for pumps as well as a television to follow the game.

The White Sox have teamed up with KultureCity to make the ballpark sensory inclusive certified. Through the certification process, White Sox staff received training from leading medical professionals on how to recognize and accommodate guests with sensory needs and those who may be experiencing a sensory overload.

“The White Sox organization has been dedicated to creating a safe, enjoyable and welcoming experience for all of our fans,” said White Sox Senior Director of Guest Relations Julie Taylor. “We’re so proud to be able to offer these important accommodations to our fans and make their time at the ballpark a comfortable and convenient experience. We are grateful to our partners at KultureCity for sharing their expertise, guidance and knowledge to make Guaranteed Rate Field a sensory inclusive ballpark.”

Through the partnership, White Sox Guest Relations booths will offer fans KultureCity sensory bags – equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards.

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over-stimulation and loud noises, which are common at a baseball game. One in six people live with a disability related to sensory issues, including autism, and only 20 percent of those disabilities are visible, according to KultureCity.

Continuing its ongoing partnership with Autism Speaks, the White Sox will hold their 2019 Autism Inclusion Night on Wednesday, July 24 vs. Miami at 7:10 p.m. Fans living with sensory regulation needs are invited to join the White Sox for a special baseball experience. There will be no fireworks during the game. Fans will have access to the Sensory Room and KultureCity Sensory Bags. Special group tickets are available for the game, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks. For more information, please visit whitesox.com/autismspeaks.

These new elements are part of the organization’s effort to support diversity and inclusion, including the BasebALL: One Game For All initiative focused on building a welcoming environment for all people as well as celebrating and accepting individual differences. For more information about these efforts, please visit whitesox.com/inclusion.