Xfinity Center leads “Sensory Inclusive” initiative

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Twitter: @RossTPerry

MANSFIELD, M.A. (WLNE) – Going to a concert can be stressful for anyone, but for people sensitive to loud sounds, it can be almost unbearable.

“It’s kind of the perfect storm that can cause sensory overload for someone” says Xfinity Center Jeff Mann.

So when Mann started noticing this issue began occurring more and more, he wanted to help.

“We had good people who want to do whatever they can do to help someone but if they don’t know what will exactly help that person, we’re not going to be successful” he added.

Turning to KultureCity, an organization that works to make businesses sensory inclusive, the amphitheater soon became the first in the world to earn this certification.

Now, each employee is required to take both an online and in person course to help assist when someone is having a crisis.

Additionally, any guest who needs more assistance can stop by guest services where they can pick up a backpack that’s filled with things to help keep them calm during the show.

Along with being given noise canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, and fidget spinners, the venue also has sectioned off air conditioned rooms if need be.

“If there’s something we can do to help make their night a little bit better, a little bit easier, a little bit more stress free for the family, then that’s fantastic for us.”

The Xfinity Centers efforts haven’t gone unnoticed either. Mann says that they have already received positive feedback from their fans.

“That’s really the best thing we can get, is an email back from a parent saying that they were here with their son or daughter and we were able to assist them. They really appreciated the fact that we had gone the extra mile to try to accommodate them.”

Mann hopes that this is just the start for venues on the road to becoming sensory inclusive. 

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