In honor of NBA legend Dominique Wilkins’ birthday, the Atlanta Hawks collaborated with KultureCity, a leading non-profit for those with sensory needs, to create a renovated sensory room at the award-winning State Farm Arena. The Hawks will also donate a portion of ticket sales from select games to Kul during Autism Awareness Month in April.
The room, located near Gate 1 beside the Guest Services Center, provides a safe location for fans with sensory needs to regroup and destress without having to leave the event. Fans may also check out sensory bags for free, which include special KultureCity VIP badges, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, and other useful items to support them during events.
The space has been updated with bubble walls, nano leaf paneling, new fidget gadgets, a TV that displays arena content, bean bags, and various sitting alternatives.
“Making sure sports are inclusive is something very important to me, and I’m grateful that the Hawks and State Farm Arena continue to invest in inclusive initiatives,” said Hawks Legend and KultureCity Board Member Dominique Wilkins. “Having a dedicated space for fans with sensory needs makes such a difference in their experience to enjoy Hawks games and concerts at State Farm Arena.”
More than half of the Hawks and State Farm Arena teams have completed sensory awareness training with the assistance of KultureCity. Guests with post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, dementia, and other sensory issues can borrow sensory bags and weighted lap pads from the guest services desk to make their time in the arena more comfortable.
“We’re pleased to honor Nique’s birthday by supporting a cause close to his heart,” said Hawks Executive Vice President and Chief People, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer Camye Mackey. “We believe it is important to educate our staff, keep this room updated, and serve as a model for venues across the country as we prioritize our fans by creating an environment that welcomes everybody for a great night out at State Farm Arena.”
The Atlanta Hawks and KultureCity have had a collaboration since 2017, when the Hawks’ home arena became the first NBA team in the Southeast Division to have KultureCity certify it as sensory-inclusive. State Farm Arena was named KultureCity’s sensory inclusive venue of the year in 2019 for its outstanding efforts in creating an environment that welcomes everybody.
In 2021, the Atlanta Hawks partnered with State Farm® and the City of Atlanta’s Coan Park Recreation Center to host the grand opening of the facility’s new, one-of-a-kind Good Neighbor Club, which included a multi-sensory inclusion space to provide a quiet area for students with varying sensory needs.
