The Coachella Valley Firebirds will host its first Autism Acceptance Night Sunday, providing what it is calling “a lower sensory experience with reduced noise and lighting where possible.”
The team says that fans in attendance for the 5 p.m. American Hockey League game against the San Diego Gulls with autism or sensory sensitivities can expect to be placed in low-sensory areas within Acrisure Arena, including the Patio and Silvercrest Compound, away from the crowds and stimulating environments.
The Silvercrest Compound will be designated to hold about 50 local organizations of educational and supportive resources for the autistic, neurodivergent and sensory sensitive communities.
These low-sensory impact areas will offer modifications such as no LED or flashing lights, no pyrotechnics, and lower music volume throughout the night. In addition, arena lighting will be reduced to 50% during pregame; the mascot, Fuego, will refrain from beating on drums; and there will be a quieter goal horn.
“Autism Acceptance Night is an opportunity to celebrate and honor our guests in the autistic and neurodivergent communities,” MacKenzie Juday, Acrisure Arena’s director of guest experience, said in a statement.
“At Acrisure Arena, we recognize that every individual experiences entertainment in their own unique way. Achieving the Certified Autism Center designation was a key milestone in our ongoing journey to create a fully inclusive and welcoming environment, where all guests feel welcomed, respected and valued.”
A few exceptions that sensory sensitive or autistic fans can expect will include music at normal levels before the game to help players prepare, arena lighting remaining at 100% during the game and various food smells from restaurants and stands in the air.
Families seated at low-sensory impacted areas can receive complimentary sensory kits such as fidget toys or noise-cancelling headphones in child and adult sizes.
“As a parent with children on the spectrum, it means so much that the Firebirds and Acrisure Arena made the commitment to learning more about autism so they can accommodate individuals with autism and other sensory needs,” Josh Heinz, community engagement manager at Visit Greater Palm Springs, said in a statement.
“To know that the staff has more knowledge and understanding about autism, and should we need more assistance, they are prepared to be there for us, and that is the type of support we as parents long for in any environment.”
April is Autism Acceptance Month, which celebrates and honors the experiences and identities of autistic individuals. It emphasizes understanding, inclusion, and support, moving beyond awareness towards meaningful acceptance, according to the Autism Society of America.
In his proclamation declaring April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, President Donald Trump wrote, “Early detection is crucial to improving the quality of life of those with” autism spectrum disorder, “as timely intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes. Identifying signs of autism at the onset allows parents and health care providers to implement therapies and support strategies which can enhance communication and social skills.
“Loving parents want the best for their children in educational environments and so do we. By supporting our children and their families, we can help them in overcoming challenges during childhood, the most crucial stage of development.”