Owensboro, KY (February 17, 2026) – KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, proudly announces that the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter have achieved the KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certification for their commitment to creating sensory-inclusive spaces. KultureCity’s flagship initiative, the Sensory Inclusive™ program, has been widely embraced by venues, stadiums, and cultural institutions across the nation and around the world. This groundbreaking program provides staff with training and resources, enabling them to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. As a result, countless families and individuals can now experience and enjoy live events, entertainment, and public spaces with greater comfort and ease. We are proud to announce that KultureCity® has partnered with the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter to make the programs and events the venues host sensory-inclusive.
The certification process entailed training staff at the venues by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on recognizing guests and fans with sensory needs and handling sensory overload situations. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will also be available to guests at the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions; age is no factor in this. Individuals might become overwhelmed by the crowds, lights, sounds, smells, or other external stimuli at the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter. Founded on the belief that every person deserves to fully participate in all aspects of life, KultureCity® has been a driving force in fostering a culture of acceptance. Through innovative programs and partnerships, KultureCity® has successfully broken-down barriers that often prevent individuals with sensory sensitivities from enjoying public spaces and events. With its new certification, the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter are now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending an event.
“At the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter, we believe every guest should feel welcome and supported. Achieving KultureCity® Certification strengthens that commitment. This partnership ensures our team is trained, prepared, and equipped to serve guests with sensory needs so they can enjoy events with comfort and confidence,” stated OVG General Manager, Jeff Esposito.
“Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter are aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity® and are championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity!” Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity®.
Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity® App to view which sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, in the App is the Social Story, which provides a preview of what to expect when enjoying an event at the Owensboro Convention Center or Owensboro Sportscenter.
About KultureCity®
KultureCity®, established in 2014, is a dynamic non-profit organization at the forefront of the inclusivity movement, which continues to make waves in creating a more accessible and accepting world for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities (found in 1 in 4 of us). In a short 10 years, a few highlights of KultureCity’s impact include making over 1,800 venues sensory-inclusive certified, handing out almost a million sensory bags to individuals in need, making over 150 live events sensory-inclusive, and saving 48 lives through the KultureCity® First Responder Training. KultureCity’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond physical spaces. The organization actively collaborates with influential figures, businesses, and communities to promote awareness and understanding of invisible disabilities. KultureCity® partners with event industry leaders such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and FIFA to make their flagship events sensory-inclusive. With ongoing initiatives, partnerships, and a passionate community of supporters, KultureCity® is set to leave an enduring impact on the landscape of inclusivity.
About the Owensboro Convention Center
Western Kentucky’s premier meeting space – the Owensboro Convention Center – is a full-service meeting facility overlooking the scenic Ohio River in revitalized downtown Owensboro, KY. The multi-purpose center boasts just under 102,000 sq. ft. of available space, including a 44,000+ sq. ft. exhibition hall, 8,900+ sq. ft. Kentucky Legend ® Pier outside over the scenic Ohio River, and additional ballroom, meeting, and pre-function space. Learn more at OwensboroCenter.com.
About the Owensboro Sportscenter
The Owensboro Sportscenter, one of the city’s most historic buildings, opened in 1949. It is a multi-purpose arena with 5,000 seats that hosts graduations, concerts, sporting events, trade shows, meetings, and receptions. The Owensboro Sportscenter is home to the Division II Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers Men’s and Women’s Basketball of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, the Owensboro Catholic High School Aces Basketball, and Grace Christian Academy Lions Boys’ Basketball. Learn more at OwensboroSportscenter.com.
About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the Company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.
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