LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Basketball is looking forward to hosting its Fourth Annual Sensory Friendly and Autism Awareness Game when the Saints take on Rider on Sunday, Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. at MVP Arena. Special accommodations will be made to create a more sensory-friendly environment within MVP Arena for fans with autism and other special needs.
 
One of the ways autism manifests itself is a sensitivity to loud or sudden noises, bright or flashing lights, and other intense sensory input. Those on the autism spectrum aren't the only ones who may have a sensitivity to noise and light, as individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), migraines, fibromyalgia, ADHD/ADD, Down syndrome, and those who have suffered head injuries are also often affected.
 
Head coach Carmen Maciariello has championed this annual event in collaboration with New York State Assembly members Angelo Santabarbara and Mary Beth Walsh, which aims to create a more inclusive atmosphere which all fans – especially those with autism and special needs – can enjoy. Maciariello and the Saints were previously conferred the 2020 Autism Action Award by Santabarbara for the program's ongoing support towards individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
 
The Fourth Annual Siena Basketball Sensory Friendly and Autism Awareness Game will feature artificial noise reduction, the elimination of in-game flashing videos on the scoreboard, ribbon boards, and media tables, and the dimming of arena lighting all in an effort to create a more sensory-friendly atmosphere. Additionally, there will be a Sensory Safe Room located just off the top of Section 102 – which is reserved for spectrum guests and others with special needs and their families – where they can also watch the game on monitors. Throughout the course of the game, there will also be education for the general public through public address reads and video features to help raise awareness for autism.
 
Special group rates for seating in sensory-safe Section 102 are available for spectrum guests and others with special needs and their families. Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking the corresponding link and by entering the passcode SENSORY. Seats in sensory-safe Section 102 can also be secured on gameday by visiting the MVP Arena Box Office and mentioning the code word SENSORY.
 
For more information on the Fourth Annual Siena Basketball Sensory Friendly and Autism Awareness Game, and for additional ticket assistance for fans with autism and other special needs and their families, contact the Siena Fan Relations Management Center by phone at (518) 487-2202 or by e-mail at sienatickets2@siena.edu.