CINCINNATI, Ohio—As Opening Day approaches, fans across Major League Baseball are excited to get back to see their favorite teams in person.
The Cincinnati Reds are hoping improvements to their ballpark such as a new sensory room will make it more inclusive to all families, especially those with children with sensory issues. The sensory room is something life-long Reds fan Tyler Pitzer says will be a home run for his two boys.
What You Need To Know
- The Cincinnati Reds has added a sensory room to Great American Ball Park
- The soundproof sensory room includes sensory pods, changing and dimmed lights, bubbles and even a TV for parents to catch the game
- Tyler Pitzer has two sons with autism and he says the sensory room will be a game-changer for them
- The sensory room is meant to allow the kids to take a break from the simulation of the game
But Pitzer hasn't been in Great American Ball Park in almost two years because of the pandemic. He's looking forward to taking his two boys this year, both diagnosed with autism.
“Little things like this, he wants his Happy Meal box closed or else he throws a fit," Pitzer explained after his four-year-old son Max got upset. "So we got it closed up and hopefully it stays like that or we’re going to have another fit.”
Eight-year-old Owen has been to a few games, but Pitzer said they end up walking around the stadium and leaving early. Thanks to the new sensory room, Pitzer is looking forward to bringing his boys inside the ballpark.
“I definitely think it’ll make me want to come to more games with my kids knowing that I have that option available to me," Pitzer said.
The sensory room, made in partnership with TriHealth, includes sensory pods, changing colored lights, bubbles and a TV so parents won’t have to miss any of the action.
“This is about coming in here and catching a break," Dr. Joe Bailey, the pediatric medical director and chief of pediatrics at TriHealth said. "Catching a break from the overstimulation that sometimes all of us experience at some of these games.”
The sensory room is part of the TriHealth Family Zone, all easy to get to right from your seat.
“Hats off to the Cincinnati Reds organization for acknowledging the fact that there is a place in their facility for people with sensory issues," Bailey said.
For Pitzer, he said when he found out about the sensory room, he got emotional.
“It kind of brought me to tears a little bit just thinking about it," Pitzer said. "Because like I said it’s just so nice for people to think about families with autism or ADHD disabilities because sometimes we can really feel isolated and alone. So, just to know that there’s somebody on our side saying hey we’re going to help pick you up, it’s just good to know.”
And now, Pitzer and his two sons patiently wait for the season to start to see the sensory room for themselves.