BC Place inclusive experience for fans-guests

Image: BC Place

The BC Place in Vancouver (Canada) has opened its first sensory room in an effort to create a more accessible experience for all guests.

‘BC PLACE’ stated that the sensory room was launched in partnership with KultureCity as part of a larger sensory inclusive program that fits into PavCo’s (Owner of BC Place) recently released 2023-2026 Accessibility Plan. The BC Place Sensory Room is located at Section 251 and will be available at all events at BC Place moving forward.

The 54,500-capacity BC Place is a multipurpose stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Located to the North side of False Creek, it is owned and operated by the BC Pavilion Corporation, a crown corporation of the province.

As the largest multipurpose venue of its kind in Western Canada, the BC Place provides a spectacular home for international, professional and amateur sport, entertainment, commerce, cultural experiences, and community gatherings for the benefit of all British Columbians.

The BC Place is a part of the BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), a Provincial Crown Corporation of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport that owns and operates the Vancouver Convention Centre and the BC Place.

A crown corporation is an entity owned and regulated by a national or local Government but structured and operated as a legal corporation. Unlike a private company, a crown corporation serves a public policy purpose. Crown corporations are most often found in Canada and other Commonwealth nations.

The 12,000-capacity Vancouver Convention Centre is a convention centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is one of Canada’s largest convention centers. With the opening of the new West Building in 2009, it now has 43,340 square meters of meeting space.

Birmingham (US)-based the KultureCity is a nonprofit organization which trains staff at venues and then certifies venues which have sensory-inclusive modifications. The organization also provides application for Apple and Android devices which lists sensory-friendly venues to assist those with sensory processing disorders.

‘BC PLACE’ further stated that the BC Place Sensory Room provides a dedicated space designed by medical professionals for those who may need a quieter and more controlled environment. The sensory room is outfitted with beanbags from Yogibo (lifestyle furniture retailer), the visual light panels by Nanoleaf (consumer electronics company), activity panels, Sparkle Interactive Light (by NunoErin [an award-winning design company that is redefining the furniture experience though its playful and interactive products] – a therapeutically fun furniture embedded with soft glowing lights that respond to motion), bubble walls, and a custom tactile artwork created by an autistic artist.

Said Chris May, General Manager at BC Place, “Accessibility is a major focal point at the BC Place right now, and something we’re looking to improve consistently over the coming years. It’s integral that all guests feel welcome, included and cared for when they visit the stadium, and the new BC Place Sensory Room is an important part of our accessibility journey.”

In preparation for the opening of the BC Place Sensory Room, the staff was trained by the leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. This training will continue annually. Sensory kits, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads are also available for all guests at the BC Place and can be requested at Guest Services.

Stated Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity, “Our communities are what shape our lives and to know that the BC Place is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honored to partner with the BC Place to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests!”

The sensory room officially threw open its doors on September 25^th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Olivia Cheng, a Canadian actor and broadcast journalist, was present to help open the room.

Prior to attending an event at the BC Place, guests may download the free KultureCity App, where one can view what sensory features are available and where to access them. The BC Place is currently working with the KultureCity to develop a Social Story, which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at the BC Place. The BC Place Sensory Story will be released on the app in the coming months.

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