Tennessee Titans launch first sensory room in a Nashville sports venue at Nissan Stadium
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The Tennessee Titans have launched the first sensory room for fans in a Nashville sports venue. The Isbell-Shires KultureCity sensory room, sponsored by music artists Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires, aims to accommodate and welcome fans with sensory needs to Nissan Stadium.
Organizers say people living with autism, dementia, PTSD and other conditions often experience sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation. A major barrier for someone with sensory sensitivities is overstimulation and noise. Keeping that in mind, medical professionals designed the room at Nissan Stadium for those who may need a quieter retreat while at large scale events.
The room located at the north endzone of Nissan Stadium is complete with bean bags, visual light panels, bubble walls, activity panels, and a custom tactile artwork created by an autistic artist.
“The sensory room is a game-changer for us in that we now have physical space for those individuals to feel safe and secure in the event of a sensory overload," said Gil Beverly, Titans Sr. Vice President, Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer. "We’re proud to be the first Nashville sports venue to provide this space and hope it’s the first of many in our community."
Before heading to an event at Nissan Stadium, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity App to see what sensory features are available and where they can access them.
“Amanda and I are happy to work alongside KultureCity to encourage acceptance and inclusion in public spaces like sporting events and businesses,” Isbell said. “Individuals with autism and specific sensory needs and their families should feel welcome wherever they go. The work of the KultureCity family is making that possible.”
The Titans first teamed up with KultureCity in 2019. With the partnership, Titans staff received training on how to recognize fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. In addition to the sensory room, the stadium also has sensory bags that are available upon request, which contain noise canceling headphones, verbal cue cards, fidget tools and weighted lap pads.
