Creating Inclusive and Comfortable Venues

August 15, 2023

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to create inclusive and comfortable spaces in various venues, including sports and entertainment arenas.

Here’s a list of questions facility, operations, and guest services managers have received:

• “My child has sensory needs, does this mean I cannot take her to the Taylor Swift concert?”
• “Will I be able to change my baby at the stadium? I want him to grow up to be a fan of the team!”
• “When traveling, where can I plan to pump?”
• “I was recently at a 3 hour concert that I paid $600 a ticket for. I had to leave early because I needed a tampon and there was none to be found in the stadium. Will you offer free period products in the bathroom?”

Sound familiar?

We have curated a list of powerful companies creating change and helping your team answer these questions from guests and fans.

Changing Tables

Brand: Pluie

Parents deserve a stress-free experience when attending events, and that includes having proper facilities for changing their babies’ diapers in ALL bathrooms. Pluie Changing Tables offer a safe and hygienic space for diaper changes, making it easier for families to attend events without worrying about their infants’ needs.

Sensory Accessibility

Brand: Kulture City

Inclusivity extends beyond physical accommodations. Kulture City is a non-profit organization that focuses on making venues sensory-inclusive for individuals with sensory sensitivities, including those with autism. By providing sensory bags and quiet zones, venues become more welcoming to a broader range of attendees, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.

Lactation & Breastfeeding Areas

Brand: Mamava

Breastfeeding parents should have a private and comfortable space to nurse or pump breast milk. Mamava lactation pods offer a secure and quiet area for breastfeeding, allowing mothers to enjoy events without worrying about finding suitable spaces to tend to their infants’ needs.

Period Care

Brand: Aunt Flow

Toilet paper, paper towels, and soap is offered in bathrooms, why not period care? All respond to natural bodily functions. Fans should not be required to wander to guest services for a tampon or find a quarter to get a pad. Aunt Flow dispensers offer free access to organic cotton menstrual products.

By incorporating these solutions, venues benefit in several ways:

• Enhanced Reputation: Venues that prioritize inclusivity and comfort gain a positive reputation among attendees, which can lead to increased attendance and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
• Broadened Audience Reach: Creating spaces that cater to various needs opens up events to a more diverse audience, expanding the potential attendee base.
• Compliance with Regulations: In many regions, there are regulations in place that require public spaces to provide certain accommodations, such as accessible changing tables and lactation spaces. Implementing these solutions ensures compliance with legal requirements.
• Positive Social Impact: Being inclusive sends a powerful message about valuing diversity and equal treatment. Venues become leaders in driving positive social change and setting examples for other businesses.

Stadiums and venues: Let’s get flowin’!

Claire Coder

Claire Coder (Forbes 30 Under 30) is a Thiel Fellow and Founder & CEO of Aunt Flow.

Hi! I’m Claire. I founded Aunt Flow after getting my period in public without the supplies needed.

At 18 years old, I dedicated my life to developing a solution to ensure businesses and schools could sustainably provide quality period products, for free, in bathrooms. Our products are made with organic cotton and we are constantly working to reduce our environmental impact! Since 2021, we've donated MILLIONS of period products to menstruators in need. I call this people helping people. PERIOD.®