Basketball fans who find the lights and noise of game day too much now have somewhere to take a break, with a low-sensory quiet space opening at MyState Bank Arena.
The St Lukes Quiet Space was officially opened at the Glenorchy venue on Monday as part of a diversity and inclusion partnership between the not-for-profit health organisation and the Tasmania JackJumpers.
The room builds on sensory packs already offered at games, which include earmuffs, sunglasses, fidget toys and blankets.
St Lukes chief community engagement officer Shoshana Wall said the room had low lighting and fans could come and go during games without booking.
“We’re proud to provide a Quiet Space during NBL and WNBL games built on learnings from mainland venues that are doing this really well,” she said.
“The sensory packs were also developed alongside occupational therapists to make the courtside experience more comfortable.”
Wall said the initiative was for fans of any age.
“Sport is for everyone,” she said. “This initiative levels the playing field for young fans or fans of any age with sensory challenges.”
JackJumpers chief executive Trent Jacobs said the atmosphere at games could be overwhelming for some people.
“We want to be completely accessible for all of our fans and our members,” he said.
Andy ‘Tubes’ Taylor is a Triple M breakfast co-host and 7 Tasmania News sports presenter. He said his family had been given a sensory pack by another fan at a JackJumpers game last year, when his children were eight and six.
Taylor said he did not think the family “would have lasted the full game” without it.
“Now, having a quiet space that’s open to any level of need is fantastic, because if it gets too much, we don’t have to hang around in the foyer or just leave,” he said.
The quiet space and sensory packs are available to everyone at JackJumpers home games and selected family events at the arena. Fans can ask at the arena service desk and no St Lukes membership or medical diagnosis is needed.
