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December 19, 2018Siena Saints to Host their First-Ever Sensory Friendly Men’s Basketball Game Dec. 29
One of the ways autism manifests itself is a sensitivity to loud or sudden noises, bright or flashing lights, and other intense sensory input.
To accommodate fans on the autism spectrum and others with special needs, the Siena College men’s basketball team will host its first-ever sensory friendly game on Saturday, December 29, at the Times Union Center. The Saints will face the Cal Poly Mustangs at 2 p.m.
Special seating will be reserved in two sections with reduced lighting and sounds, and the TU Center’s media room will be converted to a sensory safe space. The enclosed room will be near the reserved seating, and fans can continue to follow the game on monitors.
The overall sound levels and lighting displays in the venue will be adjusted to make the game experience more comfortable for spectrum guests and others with special needs and their families. Sound effects such as horns and buzzers will be reduced. Since the College will be on winter break, the pep band will not be playing.
“We’re grateful to Siena College and their basketball program for hosting a game that addresses the sensory issues of our families,” said Janine Kruiswijk, executive director of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region. “The event will also help raise awareness about autism and other special needs.”
Those on the autism spectrum aren’t the only ones who may have a sensitivity to noise and light: individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), migraines, fibromyalgia, ADHD/ADD, Down syndrome, and those who have suffered head injuries are also often affected.
“We want to offer a comfortable sporting experience for all of our fans and their families,” said John D’Argenio, Siena’s vice president and director of athletics. “There will still be plenty of action and excitement at the game and we encourage everyone to come out to support the Saints.”
Head Coach Jamion Christian and some of the players will visit with the families in the media room after the game.
New York State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara will attend and will speak during halftime.
Families who would like to reserve tickets for the special sections should email resource@asgcr.org or call 518-355-2191.
