In 2022 the Red Wings and The Autism Council teamed up to offer a Sensory Suite at Innovative Field. The Sensory Suite was created to provide neurodivergent Red Wings fans with a safe and inclusive environment they can enjoy with their families.
The suite, located along the first base side on the Suite Level, features soft paint tones, muted Red Wings logos, lava lamps, and Yogibo seating aimed at providing a more calming and comfortable environment for its occupants. The suite also features two mounted interactive iPads, a new smart TV, and an interactive display mounted on the wall. Newly installed shades on the suite windows further provides fans with the option of controlling their environment, and the outdoor seating allows those fans and those accompanying them to still enjoy the ballpark atmosphere if they so choose.
The Red Wings are offering this space at a reduced rate of $260/game, which includes eight (8) tickets and two (2) VIP parking passes.
“We want everyone in the community to be able to enjoy Red Wings baseball, and the opportunity to provide this unique and special suite is one we are very proud of. We are so grateful to Lawana Jones and the Autism Council for their support over many years with our annual Autism Awareness Day, and now in making this a reality,” said Naomi Silver, President, CEO & COO - Rochester Red Wings. “We want people of all abilities to participate in the offerings at Innovative Field, and this is an important new feature in helping to accomplish that goal.”
“We are constantly striving to make sure that every individual that visits Innovative Field feels as safe, comfortable, and welcomed as possible. Special thanks to Lawana Jones and the Autism Council for their help in collaborating with us to help us make their vision come to life for families that they work with. We can’t wait to welcome the families in our area living with autism to this tremendously unique space in our ballpark,” says Red Wings’ General Manager, Dan Mason.
“The agency is proud to have partnered with the Red Wings staff to create this wonderful, unique and inclusive space at the stadium for our community members with Autism and other sensory needs,” said Lawana Jones, President & Chief Executive Officer - Autism Council of Rochester, Inc. “The specially designed suite will allow families to enjoy an evening together and experience the wonderful pastime of community baseball while feeling right at home. We are hoping the room will provide comfort, and a sense of calm and belonging for all our special needs community and their families. Grateful to the forward-thinking administration and staff at the Red Wings!”
The sensory suite was created in memory of Mrs. Bani Mittra, and on behalf of The Mittra Foundation. It is a showcase of the love Mrs. Mittra had for the inclusion of special needs children and their families.
To book the Sensory Suite for your group call Mike at (585) 454-1001 ext.3036 or email him at [email protected].
Hear from Red Wings’ Manager Matt LeCroy about what a space like this means to a family like his. One of Matt and Holly LeCroy’s children lives with autism.
Autism Awareness Day at the ballpark is set for Sunday, April 21st at 1:05 p.m. This celebration is aimed at providing a more comfortable environment for all fans. Some of the fan-friendly adjustments that will be made include lower volume levels throughout the stadium, in-game production being altered to minimize abrupt sound effects and video board displays. Fans will also be asked to refrain from bringing “noise makers” that day. A Safe Zone located in Club 3000 on the Suite Level will be open all game long for those in need of a quiet reprieve from the game. Section 218 will be the designated Autism Aware Section, reserved exclusively for guests with family members on the autism spectrum.