Boston University's arena on Commonwealth Avenue, home of BU men's hockey, with a Sensory Room away from the crowd, sensory bags with noise canceling headphones at Guest Services, staff trained by AANE, and social narratives for hockey and for concerts or family shows.
Hours vary by event. Doors open one hour before the start of an event. Ticket Office: Monday to Friday, 12 to 4 pm, and on Saturday or Sunday when there is an event that day.
“Located away from the crowd and event action, the room features a number of calming design elements, including aesthetically pleasing colors, comfortable seating options, a light dimming switch and an LED light up bubble wall water fixture.”
“Sensory Bags are equipped with 1 pair of adjustable noise canceling headphones, a mood card for those who are or may become non verbal, fidget toys and a pair of sunglasses to combat any harsh or bright lighting.”
“All full-time and part-time Agganis Arena staff members, along with third party partners, received comprehensive training from the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE) on recognizing and reacting to Sensory Processing Disorders”
The Sensory Room also has a TV that streams the event, weighted lap pads and fidget toys. Anyone using it must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult at all times. If you decide not to go back to the event, a worker outside the room can tell you how to exit.
To check out a sensory bag, you leave an ID with the Guest Services Booth and get it back when you return the bag in good condition. You can take the bag back to your seat.
Questions about the Sensory Room or sensory bags: Charlotte Powers, powersc@bu.edu or 617-358-7018.
BU hockey goals (a loud horn plays when the home team scores)not stated
BU hockey (the Pep Band plays, and lights may flash when the team skates onto the ice)not stated
Concerts and shows (the band may play loud instruments, and lights may flash)not stated
Quieter, in the arena's words
The Sensory Room, away from the crowd and event actionquiet zone
Main Lobby restrooms, with no automatic hand dryersquiet zone
The gender neutral restroom by Section 120, with no automatic flushquiet zone
Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster (website and app) or in person at the Agganis Arena Ticket Office, open Monday to Friday, 12 to 4 pm. On a Saturday or Sunday with an event, it opens at noon and stays open until the headliner takes the stage at concerts and family shows, or, at Terrier athletic events, through the second period of hockey games and halftime of basketball games. Questions: 617-353-GOBU (4628), option #2. Accessible and companion seating: call the Ticket Office at 617-358-7000.
Bags can be no bigger than 12 x 12 x 6 inches, and there's no check-in for prohibited items. Outside food and drinks aren't allowed; concession stands and kiosks sell food inside.
Restrooms: the Main Lobby restrooms have no automatic hand dryers, and the gender neutral restroom by Section 120 has no toilet that flushes automatically. All public restrooms have baby-changing stations.
Parking: the arena garage and lots open 90 minutes before an event. Terrier hockey games are $14; special events are $15 to $30 depending on location and availability. Payment is by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover only. Accessible parking spaces are in all arena lots, and the accessible drop-off is at the corner of Harry Agganis Way and Commonwealth Avenue.
Transit: Green Line stops are right at the arena's doorstep.
Guests with disabilities get preferential access to elevators during all arena events.
In general, flash photography is prohibited at all events.
