The Lehigh Valley Phantoms opened a new sensory room at the PPL Center this hockey season. Located near the NJM gate at Eighth and Linden streets, the room has been designed for persons who find the hockey lights and sounds overwhelming or overstimulating. The interior entrance is at the far end of the main floor of the arena, almost behind the stage, well away from the busy part of the concourse.

The walls are a soothing blue. The overhead lights have covers that emit soft lavender light. On one long side of the room, a tall counter with seating offers a place for adults to sit, and MeLVin activity books and Crayola crayons.

Across from the chairs, a lower countertop holds tube lamps in soothing colors and a wealth of sensory toys. There are also drawstring bags from Culture City. Each bag contains headphones (to block noise) and a few fidget toys. These bags are also available at guest services, for kids who need them while sitting in the stands. Above the counter is a television, which broadcasts the events in real time, so parents can still see the game.

The floor holds several colorful tiles which have liquid inside and make interesting designs when stepped upon. At the rear of the room are beanbags and several large soft toys. Included among the soft toys is a weighted puppy. This is for children who are comforted by resting under it.

The room was the brainchild of Gerald Grube, the Corporate Partnerships manager for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Grube has been working in professional sports for 15 years, the past four in hockey. Before his work in sports, Grube was an autistic support teacher. He learned of sensory rooms at other venues.

“I felt this was something we needed to do,” he said. “We wanted to make it a friendly, inviting quiet space. We get ideas from families who use the space. Last year we got the room set up, so it was ready this year.”

The full title of the room is the Leader of the Pack Canine Institute, The Sensory Room. Leader of the Pack Canine Institute sponsored the room.

“The Sensory Room would not be possible without Jim and Lisa McDonald from Leader of the Pack,” Grube said. The room also has the support of the Phantoms team, staff, and owners. “Jim and Rob Brooks, the owners, have been fantastic,” said Grube.

The response to the Sensory Room has been positive. Patrons have been of all ages, from new parents with infants to adults with autism who use the room during concerts. The noise reduction in room is significant, added Grube.

“When it’s just hockey, about 70 percent reduction. When the team’s not scoring, it’s really quiet.” (A very loud horn goes off in the arena when the Phantoms score.) There is a little more noise during other events like concerts, but the room is still much quieter than the arena.

The Sensory Room is available at all times, including all PPL center events. The room is monitored by security at all times, for the safety of its patrons.