Spectrum Local News: A look inside the sensory room at Highmark Stadium
Cheering for your favorite team tales on a whole new level when you’re doing it in person.
“There's just nothing like the Bills Mafia in Orchard Park and Highmark Stadium,” said Chris Waters.
“[It's] electric. energetic, fun,” added Hollie Waters.
But for some, the crowds and sounds are all just too much.
“Everybody deserves a chance to have accessibility to anything they want," said Douglas DiGesare, CEO of The Arc Erie County New York.
He knows at something like a Bills game, that might be easier said than done.
“I think going to a stadium with 72,000 people and a lot of activity, a lot of noise, it can be difficult for some people, not for everybody, but for some people who have those sensitivities,” DiGesare said.
That’s where KultureCity and the Waters family come in.
“To be able to include them in this experience as well is perfect and, I think, everything that the Bills stand for,” said Chris.
There are sensory kits from KultureCity, which have been here for a while and include noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys. Around two years ago, a sensory room was donated in the Waters’ family name.
“The wooden structure is a representation of the Bills logo that a Bills fan with autism created,” said Hollie, gesturing to a textured wall in the room.
Just off section 124, it’s a bit of a hike torrrr the Old Admin building, but once you’re there, you can see a place helpful to people of all ages with a range of sensitivities.
“We brought a dear friend here who has PTSD. He didn't have a need for the room, but it's a comfort to know that the room is available, even if you don't come," said Hollie. "It's PTSD, dementia, ADHD...there's many people who have sensory needs.”
The room only averages 3 to 4 people per game, usually kids. DiGesare thinks that could be higher.
“We've asked our families about it. Many of them said they weren't aware of it," he said. "I would think people would want to use it because, why not? Why wouldn't they want to go to an experience, something like that?”
There’s no lack of Bills fans at the Arc. They brought certain groups to the games before.
“Sometimes we couldn't stay the whole time, but that was okay," DiGesare said. "We wanted the exposure. We wanted the experience.”
The sensory room could be a game changer.
“It's impactful to families who would otherwise either not come or maybe separate,” said Hollie.
“I think goes exactly with KultureCity's mission to end the 'nevers' and folks that may never come here because they think it would just be too overwhelming,” Chris added.
Seeing those hopefully smiling faces would be the biggest win of all.
“The whole Bills thing, and the stadium, and the parking lot, and the tailgating, everything. They get to experience that, which is a fun part," said DiGesare. "That's the best part.”
Highmark Stadium’s sensory room isn’t just available during Bills games. It’s open during other events too, like concerts.