The San Diego Padres and foodservice and retail partner Delaware North last month hosted members of the Autism Society of San Diego at Petco Park for a “Behind-the-Scenes at Petco Park” event.
The event gave families with people on the Autism spectrum the opportunity to expand their experiences around the ballpark.
Early exposure to the stadium in a safe way resonates with individuals on the spectrum while easing any fears or concerns that the families might have.
The event is the first of its kind in MLB, and Petco Park is the first ballpark on the West Coast to be sensory-inclusive certified.
Families were guided through tasks and processes that happen on gameday, from going through a “light” bag check to in-ballpark sounds/lights/screens, sitting in terrace level seats and meeting the mascot.
The group also visited Ballpark Eats, where Delaware North provided the concessions experience of walking through the process of ordering and receiving ballpark fare items.
“We want to let everyone know that sensory accommodations are available at Petco Park, and their staff are all trained to understand special needs,” the Autism Society of San Diego said on their Facebook. “We are so happy to see more and more local businesses and organizations becoming sensory friendly!”