F&M Bank Arena Opens a KultureCity Sensory Room

Clarksville, Tenn. (November 10, 2023) – KultureCity has partnered with F&M Bank Arena to make the venue and all the programs and events that the arena hosts to be sensory inclusive. This initiative promotes an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue. F&M Bank Arena have taken the next steps and created a sensory room for guests to use at all events!

The KultureCity Sensory Room provides a dedicated space designed by medical professionals for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment. This is imperative to ensure fans have a great guest experience. The sensory room is outfitted with bean bags from Yogibo, the visual light panels by Nanoleaf, activity panels, Sparkle Interactive Light (by NunoErin - a therapeutically fun furniture embedded with soft glowing lights that respond to motion), bubble walls, and a custom tactile artwork created by an autistic artist. The sensory room is located at Section 102 and will be open for all events taking place at F&M Bank Arena.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with Kulture City through the opening of the Ashok & Dipika Shah Sensory Room,” General Manager of F&M Bank Arena Kylie Wilkerson said. “It’s amazing to see a storage room turn into an inclusive space for guests with sensory needs. This initiative underscores our commitment to creating a welcoming and accessible environment for all.”

In addition, every year, staff are trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards (produced in conjunction with Boardmaker) and weighted lap pads will be available to all guests at F&M Bank Arena who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.

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 noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like F&M Bank Arena.

“Our communities are what shape our lives and to know that F&M Bank Arena is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing,” Executive Director of KultureCity Uma Srivastava said. “We’re honored to partner with F&M Bank Arena to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests!”

Prior to attending an event, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event.

KultureCity press contact: Uma Srivastava (uma@kulturecity.org)

About KultureCity

KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 1,000 sensory-inclusive venues in 6 countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, and MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts, including the NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017 and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award. KultureCity was also named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 and 2020 by FastCompany and recently won the Industry Partner Award in TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards 2019.

About F&M Bank Arena

F&M Bank Arena and Ford Ice Center Clarksville opened on July 15, 2023, and is managed by SS&E. Ford Ice Center offers a variety of learn-to-skate programs at F&M Bank Arena, continuing its mission to expose and grow hockey to more Middle Tennessee residents. Fans can stay up to date on everything relating to F&M Bank Arena by following @fmbankarena on all social media platforms.

Visit myfmbankarena.com for all arena policies and procedures. Approved bags, including medical bags, parenting bags, CLEAR bags (12” x 12” x 6”) and NON-CLEAR bags (6.5” x 4.5” or smaller), will be permitted following screening.