Marist Athletic Communications 
January 4, 2024 POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – Marist Athletics is hosting its first sensory-sensitive basketball game on Saturday, January 13 when the women’s basketball team takes on Niagara at 4 p.m. in McCann Arena, which has been designated an “Autism Supportive Environment” by the Anderson Center Training and Consulting.
Parts of the typical game presentation will be modified to reduce loud noises, unexpected sounds, and flashing lights. Fans and families seeking a supportive environment will find ample space and amenities with specially reserved sensory supportive general admission seating in sections 116-120. Those sections will feature comforting elements, as well as helpful information about what to expect during the game, and will be supported by trained ambassadors able to offer extra assistance.
Tickets can be reserved by selecting “Sensory Supportive General Admission” for the January 13 game at https://goredfoxes.com/sports/2017/10/11/basketball-tickets.aspx.
For anyone needing respite from the sights and sounds of the game, a separate sensory safe room will be available in the McCann Arena lobby to provide calm, focus, and comfort while they watch the game on monitors.
Throughout the afternoon, public address announcements and video features will highlight autism awareness and the work done by the Anderson Center For Autism, Marist College Office of Accommodation, and Dutchess County’s Think Differently initiative in our community.
