Minnesota Twins fans now have a way to escape the noise and commotion during a game thanks to the brand new UnitedHealthcare Sensory Suite showcased Tuesday at Target Field.
The sensory suite is meant to, "provide a welcoming, compatible environment in which neuroatypical guests may find temporary respite, if needed, during the game" according to the Minnesota Twins.
Included in the suite are a number of separated spaces specifically designed to meet the needs of adults or children.
"We wanted to make an inclusive space where everyone could enjoy a baseball game," said UnitedHealthcare CEO Brett Edelson. "It's not just a space to be at the game, but it's a space to literally be in the game. The sensory suite offers spaces that are quiet and have spaces designed around sensory disorder."
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One noticeable feature when you step inside the doorway to the suite is the warm and calming lights that differ inside each of the rooms that have doors to shutout the outside world.
"The room itself, the walls are padded for those might need that sensory input to touch and feel. There are beanbag chairs, weighted blankets, headphones, and soothing auditory sounds," said Matt Hodson, Senior Manager of Business Communications with the Twins. "So it doesn't matter if the Twins are staging a huge rally and 38,000 fans are screaming their heads off, you can come in here and it will be completely quiet."
Along with the sensory suite, gameday staff have undergone training to assist families and individuals who may benefit from using the room. They are also to assist in allocating sensory kits for guests to check out, free of charge, at Guest Services stations throughout Target Field.
The space is open to anyone with a ticket.
"That's a ticket anywhere in the ballpark," Hodson said. "They'll come up through the suite level elevator and they can access the sensory suite that way. Our guest services staff will be there to assist and identify who might benefit from a comforting environment."
Dave St. Peter, Twins president and CEO, said it's part of Target Field's continued evolution since opening in 2010.
"At it's best, Twins baseball brings communities together," St. Peter said. "At its core, Twins baseball is about kids, families, and fans. We've worked really hard to ensure Target Field is accessible to to everyone. It's Minnesota's ballpark."
Other than PNC Park in Pittsburgh, the UnitedHealthcare Sensory Suite at Target Field is believed to be among the only sensory suites in the nation to offer an actual view of the playing field.