Petco Park is a Home Run for Families with Sensory Sensitivities!

The San Diego Padres, Easterseals SoCal and the Autism Society San Diego hosted their fifth, annual “Behind-the-Scenes” preview event at Petco Park in March for families with sensory sensitivities, helping them prepare for what to expect on gameday. 

The “Behind-the-Scenes” preview helps educate families on Petco Park’s available services while presenters simultaneously learn from attendees how to improve the guest experience and operations. 

After experiencing a “light” bag check, attendees participated in activities in Power Alley and Gallagher Square—such as visiting a concession stand, experiencing gameday entertainment and learning about Petco Park’s accessibility resources—and even got to go onto the field and visit the dugout.

A Practice Run

All this leads up to the annual Autism Acceptance Night Presented by Easterseals at Petco Park on April 16, when the Padres will take on the Seattle Mariners. While only a practice run for the big game, the day was also a lot of fun for everyone who turned out! 

“San Diego born and raised” and a huge Padres fan, Suzan’s son receives autism therapy services from ESSC and has been selected to deliver the game ball at the upcoming game. “He’s pretty excited about it,” she laughed. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for him. He’s very lucky.”

When Enzo started playing baseball several years ago, he was shy and struggled with social skills. But baseball helped boost his confidence and now he really enjoys playing the game and interacting with his teammates. So, for Enzo, this opportunity with the Padres is a big deal!  

“Today was wonderful,” said Suzan. “They were very patient with Enzo, showing him around behind the scenes, going onto the field and experiencing the dugouts—and just giving him time to take it all in and be prepared.

“Ever since he started his therapy sessions with Easterseals, he's thrived into a really amazing, incredible kid. He thinks of them like family. He has surpassed many goals, and I'm so proud of him. He’s very lucky to be with Easterseals.”

Join the Fun!

For the April 16^th game, fans who purchase a dedicated Autism Acceptance Night Theme Game Package will receive a ticket to the game and a limited-edition, Padres and Easterseals autism-themed hat. A portion of the Theme Game proceeds will be donated to Easterseals SoCal and local community groups. 

Petco Park Scores Big for Accessibility and Inclusion

Petco Park was the first major league ballpark on the West Coast to receive sensory inclusive certification and, in 2022, became the first to host an event of this kind. All Padres gameday staff are trained annually on Americans with Disability Act (ADA) best practices and sensory inclusion.

Accessible services provided by Petco Park include complimentary shuttles, wheelchair escorts, assisted listening devices, sensory bags presented by Easterseals, sensory maps, ticketing assistance, a designated “quiet zone” in the Padres Hall of Fame presented by Motorola and the sensory activation vehicle in partnership with KultureCity, located in Park Blvd Plaza, among other resources.

Learn more about Easterseals Autism Services and the support we provide for children with autism and their families in San Diego and throughout Southern California.