COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new sensory room will be available to guests beginning Feb. 1 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus for those who might be overwhelmed by lights and sounds, officials said.

What You Need To Know

  • A new sensory room will be available beginning Feb. 1at Nationwide Arena in Columbus
  • The room, known as the Safelite Safe Spot, is a quiet space designed for those “who experience difficulties processing sensory information"

  • The room will be open for the arena’s Disney on Ice show Feb. 1

  • The arena also has Safelite Sensory Inclusion Packs available at guest services

The room, known as the Safelite Safe Spot, is a quiet space designed for those “who experience difficulties processing sensory information.” The room will be open for the arena’s Disney on Ice show Feb. 1.

“We recognize that individuals with sensory challenges can be overwhelmed by the lights and sounds within Nationwide Arena during many of our events, so we wanted to find a way to make the experience more accommodating and inclusive,” said Mackenzie Williams, a Nationwide Arena guest services manager in a press release. “Our goal is to have a space where guests with those challenges can step away into a more peaceful setting if they desire.”

The room is 210 square feet and features calming lighting and sounds.

“Individuals will also have a variety of tools available to assist with their experience including rocking chairs, fidget toys, textile circles, bubble lights, crash pads, weighted lap pads and more,” the release said.

To access the room, ticketholds should contact a guest service attendant at the facility. The room is on the Club level at Party Tower 4.

Williams worked with two local nonprofits --Bridgeway – Academy and Therapy Center and A Kid Again Central Ohio Chapter -- to make the room a reality.

"Knowing that the Safelite Safe Spot is available for neurodiverse children and adults creates such a sense of comfort and belonging for families like ours,” said Erin Nealy, co-founder and co-CEO of Bridgeway - Academy & Therapy Center, in the release. 

The release also mentions the facility’s Safelite Sensory Inclusion Packs available at guest services, which feature the fidget toys, a lap pad and noise-reducing headphones.

“The opportunity to collaborate on such a meaningful safe space to provide an inclusive game experience to help others directly aligns with our Foundation’s mission and giving priorities of safety, stability and sense of belonging,” Safelite President and CEO Renee Cacchillo said in the release. 

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