Sensory Activation Vehicle
Sensory Activation Vehicle at Petco Park. (Photo courtesy of Autism Society San Diego)

Petco Park opened its doors Saturday for a special behind-the-scenes tour as the San Diego Padres partnered with Autism Society San Diego and Easterseals to support disability inclusion.

More than 150 members of the disability community visited the ballpark to learn how the Padres are making games more accessible to enhance the experience for people with autism and other physical and neurological disabilities.

Attendees explored the ballpark’s accessibility resources such as sensory kits, the Sensory Activation Vehicle and designated quiet areas for individuals who may need a break from the excitement of the game.

  • Two people in a carpeted room with interactive wall panels, one seated on a bean bag.
    Shahriar Afshar, executive director of Autism Society San Diego and “Dadvocate” with his teenage son. (Photo courtesy of Autism Society San Diego)
  • A group gathers outside the Padres Clubhouse at Petco Park, with a man speaking to them.
    Guests learn how the Padres are making their games more accessible. (Photo courtesy of Autism Society San Diego)
  • A baseball stadium with a large replay screen and city buildings in the background.
    A sign at Petco Park celebrates Autism Acceptance Month. (Photo courtesy of Autism Society San Diego)
  • Attendees tour Petco Park for disability inclusion event. (Photo courtesy of Autism Society San Diego)

“Baseball should be an experience for everyone and through thoughtful accommodations, the Padres are ensuring that fans with autism and other disabilities feel welcomed and supported,” said Shahriar Afshar, executive director of Autism Society San Diego and the father of a son on the spectrum.

“But we cannot stop at Petco Park — this event is also a challenge to our entire region to step up and create a more autism and disability-friendly and inclusive business, recreation and educational environment for our community,” Afshar said.

One in 22 children in California is on the autism spectrum, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means nearly every classroom in San Diego has a child with autism spectrum disorder. As of 2023, approximately 9.7% of San Diego County residents (about 320,000 people) reported having one or more disabilities, encompassing physical mental, or developmental impairments.

Saturday’s event served as a prelude to the Padres’ annual Autism Acceptance Night on April 1, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day.

Fans interested in attending Autism Acceptance Night at Petco Park can go to www.padres.com/themegames for more information.