Many arena events immerse fans in a variety of sights and sounds ranging from buzzer beaters, the whistle of referees or slapshots on ice, to the roaring cheers of fans, rocking concert music and elaborate lighting effects—all elements that help create unforgettable experiences.

But for fans with sensory processing sensitivities, these sights and sounds can be overwhelming. This year, Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, home of the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Islanders, is taking steps to create a more inclusive and comfortable arena experience for its guests with sensory needs. The arena has teamed up with KultureCity, a non-profit organization dedicated to rethinking accessibility to create acceptance and inclusion for all individuals, to become certified as a sensory inclusive sports and entertainment venue.

As part of the certification process, Barclays Center has integrated special trainings with KultureCity resources for guest services staff, which includes instruction on how to recognize sensory needs and ways to best communicate with guests who have those needs.

Additionally, Barclays Center now has KultureCity’s sensory bags available for fans who need them. Sponsored by Schindler, the KultureCity sensory bags contain a variety of items to help guests manage sensory overload, including comfortable noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, a visual feeling thermometer, and a KultureCity VIP lanyard to help staff easily identify guests. These items are designed to help reduce overstimulation and noise overloads, and aim to create a more enjoyable fan experience for all.

Schindler service solutions help keep thousands of fans moving at Barclays Center on the arena’s elevators and escalators. Schindler is honored to help play a role in lifting fan experiences.