Kansas City, MO – Variety KC, in partnership with T-Mobile Center, proudly announces the opening of the Variety KC Sensory Room, a thoughtfully designed space created to support individuals who may experience sensory overload, anxiety, or difficulty regulating their environment while attending concerts and large-scale events. 

Located inside T-Mobile Center, one of the region’s busiest entertainment venues, the Variety KC Sensory Room provides a calm, supportive environment where guests can step away from overwhelming sights, sounds, and crowds, reset, and rejoin events with confidence and comfort. The space is intentionally designed not as a playroom, but as a regulation and recovery space that promotes dignity, independence, and accessibility for guests of all ages and abilities. 

Large entertainment venues present unique sensory challenges. Bright lighting, loud music, crowd density, and long event durations can make it difficult for individuals with sensory sensitivities to fully participate. The Variety KC Sensory Room helps remove these barriers, allowing families and individuals to stay longer, feel welcome, and engage on their own terms. 

Each element inside the Variety KC Sensory Room was intentionally selected to support a wide range of sensory needs, including: 

Comfortable, supportive seating Soft seating and adaptive chairs provide a safe place to rest, helping individuals feel grounded and physically supported while calming their bodies. 

Adjustable lighting elements Dimmable and low-stimulation lighting options reduce visual overload and create a soothing atmosphere for individuals sensitive to bright or harsh light. 

Tactile and sensory tools Hands-on sensory items provide gentle tactile input that supports self-regulation and helps release nervous energy in a healthy, controlled way. 

Quiet retreat space The room offers a low-noise environment where individuals can step away from crowds and sound levels to regroup before returning to the event. 

Clear, accessible layout An open, accessible design accommodates mobility devices and allows caregivers or companions to provide support while preserving dignity and independence. 

The Variety KC Sensory Room was created through a community-powered partnership with T-Mobile Center, with generous support from Cerris and Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader. Together, these partners share a commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and ensuring that major community spaces are welcoming to everyone. 

“For many individuals, sensory overload can be the deciding factor between attending an event or staying home,” said Marc Harrell, Executive Director of Variety KC. “This room provides more than comfort, it provides access. It allows families to say yes to experiences that were previously out of reach, and it sends a clear message that everyone belongs here.” 

"T-Mobile Center is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all guests feel welcomed and supported. The addition of the sensory room, made possible through our partnership with Variety KC, enhances the overall guest experience by providing a dedicated space for individuals with sensory sensitivities,” states David Feeley, T-Mobile Center’s General Manager. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion across all events at T-Mobile Center.” 

The opening of the Variety KC Sensory Room reflects Variety KC’s ongoing mission to help all kids Be Active, Be Social, and Belong, and to ensure that inclusion is built into the places where our community gathers, celebrates, and connects. 

This project represents another step forward in creating inclusive environments throughout the Kansas City region and demonstrates the impact that strong partnerships can have in removing barriers and expanding access for individuals of all abilities. 

For more information about Variety KC, the Variety KC Sensory Room, or how to support inclusive initiatives across the region, visit www.VarietyKC.org or follow Variety KC on social media. 

About Variety KC 

Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City empowers children with special needs and disabilities by providing access to vital medical equipment, therapies, and inclusive opportunities. All funds raised stay in the Greater Kansas City area, helping children and families thrive while building a more inclusive community for all.