KultureCity^® and American Airlines Center Unveil Innovative Sensory Room, Paving the Way for Inclusivity

American Airlines Center, home of the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars, is proud to announce the unveiling of a state-of-the-art Willie and Elsa Wu sensory room in collaboration with KultureCity^®. This sensory room, designed to cater to the needs of individuals with sensory processing needs, is set to revolutionize the way American Airlines Center guests experience public spaces. 

 

The initiative is part of American Airlines Center's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all community members, ensuring that individuals with sensory sensitivities can enjoy cultural and recreational venues without barriers.

 

With input from sensory experts, the room is thoughtfully designed to cater to a variety of sensory needs, incorporating elements such as adjustable lighting, calming visuals, and comfortable seating. A range of sensory tools and equipment such as bubble walls, Yogibo bean bags, Nunoerin sparkle, and tactile objects are available to create a personalized and calming experience. The sensory room is designed to be fully accessible, accommodating individuals of all abilities and ages, with features such as wheelchair accessibility. 

 

The Willie and Elsa Wu sensory room is located on Terrace Level across from section 330/331 and will be open for all events taking place at American Airlines Center. 

 

“Partnering with KultureCity^® is an impactful effort towards inclusivity,” Dave Brown, General Manager of American Airlines Center. “Having a dedicated sensory space is another step toward ensuring all guests can fully experience live sports and entertainment events together.”

 

“One of our top priorities is providing a high-quality guest experience for every fan, including those with sensory challenges,” said Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts. “The addition of a dedicated sensory room at American Airlines Center is a prime example of our ongoing commitment to meet our fans’ needs and ensure everyone who attends a Mavericks game enjoys a best-in-class experience.”

 

"We are constantly working to find new ways to improve the fan experience at American Airlines Center," said Dallas Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts. "Our partners at KultureCity^® have designed and created a unique space for those with sensory needs and invisible disabilities that will allow for even more fans to feel at home in our arena."

 

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 have been available to all guests at Guest Relations outside Section 104 who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. 

 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with American Airlines Center on the introduction of the Willie and Else Wu sensory room. At KultureCity^®, our mission is to create a world where everyone, regardless of their sensory needs, can fully enjoy and participate in community experiences. This sensory room represents a crucial step towards inclusivity, providing a welcoming space where individuals with sensory sensitivities can engage with their surroundings comfortably. We applaud AAC, the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars for their dedication to fostering an inclusive environment, and we are confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on the lives of many in the community." - Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity^®. 

 

Prior to attending an event, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity^®App to view available sensory features and where they can be accessed. 

 

 

About KultureCity^®

KultureCity^®, established in 2014, is a dynamic non-profit organization at the forefront of the inclusivity movement which continues to make waves in creating a more accessible and accepting world for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities (found in 1 in 4 of us). In a short 10 years, a few highlight of KultureCity’s impact includes making over 1,800 venues sensory inclusive certified, handing out almost a million sensory bags to individuals in need, making over 150 live events sensory inclusive, and saving 48 lives through the KultureCity^® First Responder Training. KultureCity’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond physical spaces. The organization actively collaborates with influential figures, businesses, and communities to promote awareness and understanding of invisible disabilities. KultureCity^® partners with event industry leaders like NFL, NBA, MLB and FIFA to make their flagship events sensory inclusive. With ongoing initiatives, partnerships, and a passionate community of supporters, KultureCity^® is set to leave an enduring impact on the landscape of inclusivity.           

 

About American Airlines Center

Designed by architectural wizard David M. Schwarz and Dallas based HKS, Inc., American Airlines Center is considered one of the nation's top arenas. Since opening its doors in 2001, the Center has been setting the precedent for sporting and live entertainment events. Bringing in a wide variety of big name shows as well as being home of both the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars, American Airlines Center consistently displays its unique versatility.

 

About Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are a first-class global sports and entertainment organization providing memorable experiences for fans worldwide. The Mavs compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Western Conference and play at American Airlines Center under the direction of Coach Jason Kidd, General Manager Nico Harrison, President Ethan Casson, CEO Rick Welts and Governor Patrick Dumont. Since the inaugural season in 1980-81, the Mavs have won five division titles, three conference championships and one NBA championship in 2011. In addition to on-court success, the Mavs are committed to making a difference in North Texas through community programs and the Mavs Foundation. For more information on Dallas Mavericks players, staff, stats and tickets, visit mavs.com.

 

About Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team located in Dallas, Texas that plays in the National Hockey League (NHL). Founded in 1967 as the Minnesota North Stars, the team was part of the NHL’s first wave of expansion franchises and relocated to Texas in 1993. Since moving to Dallas, the Stars have played a transformative role in the growth of hockey in the southern United States through grassroots efforts, community involvement and tremendous fan support. Over the last 32 years, the club has made 20 playoff appearances, won nine division titles, captured two Presidents’ Trophies, three conference championships and won the 1999 Stanley Cup.

 

Press Contacts

KultureCity^®: Uma Srivastava - uma@kulturecity.org

American Airlines Center: Chelsey Oliver - coliver@aacntr.com

Dallas Mavericks: Lauren Wyatt - lauren.wyatt@dallasmavs.com

Dallas Stars: Joe Calvillo - jcalvillo@dallasstars.com