Hockey is for everyone, and the Reign are proud to offer a game experience that’s thoughtfully designed to be more comfortable and enjoyable for all.
By Judy Shields and Lucas Camacho
Toyota Arena, Ontario, CA (The Hollywood Times) 11/06/2025
A night at Toyota Arena designed to create a more comfortable and inclusive environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities, including reduced noise levels and adjusted lighting to help manage sensory input.
I’m a 15 -year season ticket holder for the Ontario Reign Ice Hockey team and have loved going to the games. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks and it has taken me several years to be able to enjoy the entire game without having much anxiety. Four years ago I had to move our seats because a puck got way too close to the side of my head and now my seats are on the end behind the netting, so I truly love my seat now. So when I heard of this sensory night, I had to make sure I didn’t miss this night to experience what it would be all about. I brought my number one cousin along, our own sports writer, Lucas Camacho and he enjoy the experience as well, for me, I believe.
Here’s what Lucas had to say about this event:
“I have encountered quite a few people in my time working for public television, MLS youth academies, studios, and the Hollywood Times. I have witnessed all kinds of events: from walking through a mom and pop hardware store to taking pictures of the stars of The Mandalorian on the red carpet of the Dolby Theater. One of my favorite people to work with has been those with disabilities.
I’ve admired the individual strength of those that have different disabilities of all kinds. History has never been too kind to those that need special help. At worst, they’ve been treated as deformed or outcasts. I can sympathize completely with their plight. Being small and scrawny myself, I was often bullied and harassed for the majority of my childhood.
What the Reign did with their Sensory Night was, not just deliver a unique experience for those that can’t always enjoy a live sports event, but give a voice to those that need a helping hand. As we are so close to the Christmas season, it is important to remember the spirit of generosity and to help our fellow man (or woman in certain cases). ‘Disability is not a dirty word.’ That’s damn right.”
We noticed these difference, since the two of us go to most of the games:
- lower volume of music
- light not as bright
- lights turned down during intermission between periods
- lower sounds of the bull horns
- no horns or flashing lights when the Reign scored
- soft spoken answered when Reign players were asked questions regarding sensory.
- Softer in-arena music, effects, and goal horn volume
- Reduced graphics on the video board and around the arena
- Mood lighting during intermissions for a calming atmosphere
- Sensory rooms available on the concourse for quiet breaks
The San Bernardino County Police Department was there to hand out a blue envelope, part of their community support initiative.
Easterseals Southern California had a fidget wheel that resembled a steering wheel, which I really like and use it too!
We met Jessica Lascano, who is a doctor and owner of Strive ABC who believes that by working together, we can impact the lives of many more children than we could alone. She took me and Lucas down to a sensory room they had set up. We talked with her and her staff, but technology failed me as my recorder did not save for some unknown reason. She was invited to come and set up one of the sensory rooms for those who might have needed it that night. Her staff were so kind and talked about how they loved working with her and each one was currently working with one child, sure wish I had the recording to share, but here are some photos:
Gameday Features: Tuesday night was Sensory Night, and they implemented reduced game entertainment elements for sensory-sensitive guests. Fans were welcome to bring their own headphones if needed, and a sensory area was available on the Toyota Arena Patio until 9 PM for fans seeking a quieter space to enjoy the game.
The best thing was that the Reign won in Overtime! Taylor Ward scored his team leading sixth goal of the season 63 seconds into overtime with an assist from Akil Thomas, who scored earlier in the game. Go Reign Go!
