LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Not only was Tuesday night a big win for the Golden Knights, but it was also one for T-Mobile Arena as they debuted new 'sensory bags' created to help families enjoy the games and performances.
The bright lights and the rumbles of the fortress can be felt all through T-Mobile when the Golden Knights hit the ice, but for some, all the commotion can be too much.
“Just the booming, it bothers him,” said Natale Mouer.
Her son, 11-year-old Christian, battles severe sensory issues daily.
“There have been times we’ve bee at events, and I’ve had to hold him like this through the entire event,” says Mouer. “It makes him stand out and looks different, and we don’t want him to look different; we want him to look like every other typical kid.”
The story is similar for many families in the Las Vegas valley with children dealing with sensory sensitivity, including those with autism.
But today, Christian didn't only pick up his tickets for the game; he also picked up one a sensory bag.
Items Inside the bag include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, cue cards, and weighted lap pads.
“To have sunglasses, headphones to have something to play with while you’re here to keep you calm and happy is just an even better perk,” says Jessica Stanley, MGM Resorts.
Stanley says this was something critical for them to roll out, partnering with KultureCity, a non-profit organization, to help those with sensory needs feel as comfortable as possible.
“Having kits like this available make it that much easier to have families come out and have a great time and not worry as much,” says Stanley.
MGM Resorts says these sensory bags won't just be at T-Mobile Arena but will be available at their other entertainment venues up and down the strip in the near future.
