The Kansas City Royals join Major League Baseball in raising awareness for autism by hosting Autism Awareness Night tonight when the Club hosts the Cleveland Indians. Throughout the evening, the Royals will highlight initiatives at the stadium to provide a more inclusive environment, including Quiet Zones and Exceptional Concession Stands. 

From the time gates open until first pitch, many local organizations will have tents set up in the Outfield Experience including Kansas City Autism Training Center, All About Autism, Autism Speaks and Paws for Autism. All About Autism will provide a “sensory tent” and “quiet tent” where kids can play with different sensory items or relax away from the noise. At 6 p.m., children from the Special Olympics Kansas City Missouri team will perform a dance at The Little K. 

On-field pregame ceremonies will include elements related to Autism Awareness Night. Throwing out the honorary First Pitch will be Callie Mears, who inspired the forming of the Mears Foundation for Autism. This foundation promotes autism awareness and family and community support. The Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat will honor Joe Steffy, owner of Poppin’ Joe’s Gourmet Kettle Korn. Poppin’ Joe’s was established in 2005 and has provided Joe, a young adult with Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, the opportunity to operate and manage his own business while raising funds for charitable organizations. Britton Howell, the top fundraiser for Autism Speaks the last two years, will yell "Play Ball!" and Thad Livingston will sing the National Anthem.

All season long, the Royals take pride in offering a more inclusive stadium during events. All Royals game-day staff have been trained in autism awareness and all new-hires were trained during this past offseason. Quiet Zones have been designated in each dugout concourse near the elevators (behind sections 118 and 136) and offer guests a break from overstimulation and sensory overload out of the weather. Signs have been posted in each of these zones to encourage guests to be courteous of those in the area. 

Exceptional Concession Stands encourage those who are on the spectrum or have other disabilities to develop social skills in making a transaction. Staff in these designated concession stands have been trained on the best ways to interact with each guest and there are visual menus available for those who are non-verbal.  These stands can be found in the First and Third Base Dugout Concourses (Sections 118 and 136) and on the Lexus Level in Sections 308 and 323.

On Sundays following Royals home games, kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other special needs will be able to get a Fun Run Sensory Pass. This pass will allow children who are unable to wait for long periods of time go to the front of the line for the Fun Run. Throughout the season, fans can pick up the Fun Run Sensory passes and check out noise-reducing headphones and weighted lap pads from the Guest Services offices on the Plaza and View Level.