Helping crank up the spring fun, and provide a welcoming ballgame experience for the autism and broader community, St. Paul Saints are partnering with nonprofit autism expert, Fraser, to host a sensory friendly game day on Sunday, April 14. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. for the game between the Saints and the Iowa Cubs, and the first pitch is 2:07 p.m.
CHS Field has made subtle changes to the format of Sunday’s game, creating a more mellow, less overstimulating environment for attendees.
When attendees step into the ballpark Sunday, they can expect the fun and energy of a typical Saints game environment with regular concessions, on-field promotions, baseball player sightings and more. But they can also expect it to be dialed back a few notches, with fewer loud announcements and fewer motion graphics on the video board.
“Instead of loud screaming over the PA, it will be more easygoing – we will tone down the noise from our normal 10 to a relaxing three or four, and won’t be firing the cannon for every homerun,” said Kailyn Johnson, Corporate Partnerships and Ticket Sales Executive, St. Paul Saints. “Fraser staff will be on site throughout the game to provide assistance and support to families, including those who need extra help getting through the gate.”
“For families like mine who love taking their kids to the ballgame, and struggle when things get too loud to make it past the first inning, a dedicated sensory friendly day is so amazing and so needed,” says mom, radio host and author, Sheletta Brundidge. “At a game like this, parents aren’t going to be judged, and we don’t have to worry if our kids cry, yell, stim or get upset – it’s a safe space that makes our families feel included.”
Thanks to Saints’ season ticket holders, and other partners, the Securian Financial Club indoor lounge space located above the general concourse level will be dedicated as a sensory friendly space on Sunday. Inside the Club, Fraser will offer different activities and be there to assist families. Copies of Sheletta Brundidge’s children’s books, told through the lens and voice of autistic children, will also be on hand in the Club.
Those who want access to the Securian Club to guarantee an indoor ballgame viewing environment need to buy tickets directly via the Sensory-Friendly ticket portal at Saints-Groups.com and use the password: sensoryfriendly.
“We do this because it’s supporting the community and creating an inclusive environment for everybody,” said Eddie Coblentz, Director of Community Partnerships and Fan Services, St. Paul Saints. “Having Fraser’s expertise to deliver authentic, sensory-friendly activities opens the doors to more folks to have shared experiences, and hopefully creates a positive experience to help families feel a part of Saints baseball.”
This is the second season the Saints and Fraser are working together to ensure the ballpark is equipped to provide a sensory-friendly experience for all families and kids. Fraser will hand out fidget items and provide education about sensory processing needs during the game, and sensory kits will be available for checkout from Fan Services.
Visit CHS Accessibility for detailed accessibility information. For more information, visit saintsbaseball.com.