Sensory Inclusion

• What is the sensory inclusion initiative?
  The sensory inclusion initiative is designed to help arenas, zoos, aquariums, museums, restaurants and other places of public attraction better entertain and assist their guests that might have sensory needs/sensory processing issues.

• What is a sensory need / sensory processing issues?
  A sensory need/sensory processing issues is one where a guest finds noises, smells, lights and even crowds not only overwhelming from the sensory perspective but also sometimes physically painful. Because of this, these guests often find themselves isolated from the community.

• What is the difference between sensory-inclusion and sensory-friendly?
  Sensory-friendly is one where the location has had all the potentially noxious stimuli removed. Because this is sometimes a difficult task, accessibility is therefore limited to the day and location of the sensory-friendly event. Sensory-inclusion liberates that. It creates daily accessibility with training, tools and other modifications that although do not remove the noxious stimuli, help the guest cope with this potential sensory over stimulation better thus ensuring an accepting and inclusive experience for all.

• What are some groups that are affected by sensory needs / sensory processing issues?
  These could be guests with PTSD, autism, early onset dementia, anxiety, stroke patients, just to name a few.

• Who is KultureCity?
  KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognised nationwide for using their resources to revolutionise 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 200 sensory inclusive venues in 3 countries; this includes special events such as: NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts: NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. In 2019, KultureCity was awarded one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 by FastCompany.

• How does partnering with KultureCity help?
  KultureCity helps by providing the necessary training to better assist guests with these needs. In addition to staff training, KultureCity also provides signage, information, advice, sensory bags and sensory items, and much more to truly create a welcoming experience for guests.

For more information on KultureCity: https://www.kulturecity.org/

• Where is the sensory room located?
  Located on Level 1, Aisle 3 & Level 3 – Aisle 31, the sensory room include various activity panels, weighted lap pads, bean bags, and seating benches. At the conclusion of the event, any patrons who require Sensory Room access are to see a customer service staff member at Guest Services (Gate 1).

• Do I need a reservation before using the Sensory Room?
  No reservation is required. However, please be aware that at busy times there may be multiple users of the space.

• How do I hire a sensory bag or sensory item?
  Complimentary sensory bags and items such as weighted lap pads and strobe glasses are available to hire for the duration of an event and are available from:

• Sensory Rooms (Level 1, Aisle 3 & Level 3, Aisle 31)
• Guest Services, Gate 5 (Level 1, Aisle 37)
  
  Patrons will be required to sign a waiver prior to entering the Sensory Room or receiving a sensory bag/weighted lap pad. A photo ID and contact number is also required to be kept by staff when hiring a sensory bag or item until it has been returned.

• Do I need to pay to access any of the sensory inclusive resources?
  No – all resources are free of any charge for hire and use. However, any damage to sensory items will require reimbursement from the guest.

Guests can read the social story resource prior to attending:

Download the Social Story here.

Accessible car parking at the stadium is booked via Ubi Park.

• Please note, patrons do not have to indicate via Ubi Park if they need an accessible car-park, but will require a disabled sticker to park in these spaces. 

• Please notify car park attendant upon arrival on event day and they will help allocate you to an accessible spot.

Alternatively, disabled patrons can be dropped off at Bourke Street or Harbour Esplanade where there are external lifts from ground to concourse level: click here to view the Stadium Map.

For additional parking enquiries, please contact our Parking Services team (parkingservices@marvelstadium.com.au or 8625 7201).

Public lift access is available from Harbour Esplanade and Bourke Street from Ground Level – see Accessibility Information for details.

Gates 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9 all have lift access to all levels within the Stadium.

Mobility aids and prams are permitted into the venue, but must be stowed safely under your seat to not block patron access or exits. Cloaking is available at Gate 1 Guest Services.

Assistance dogs are permitted entry into the venue.

Wheelchair services are available to assist guests to and from their seats pre-, during or post- event. If required, please approach a customer service team member on event day or visit staff at Guest Services (Gate 1 & 5).

Meeting the needs of our fans in Marvel Stadium is paramount. In our quest to continually improve Stadium Accessibility, we ask that you contact us with your comments, questions and/or suggestions:

Email: reception.msl@afl.com.au