FORT MYERS, FL – The Minnesota Twins, in partnership with Lee County, Lee Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and Family Initiative, Inc., today unveiled the Grapefruit League’s first ever, in-ballpark sensory room at Lee Health Sports Complex. The new, state-of-the-art Twins Sensory Room provides a welcoming, compatible and supportive environment for neurodivergent guests of all ages at each Twins spring training home game, with unique spaces designed to specifically meet different needs.
Developed in collaboration with clinical experts from Lee Health and Family Initiative, the Twins Sensory Room at Lee Health Sports Complex was inspired by the welcoming and inclusive environment of the UnitedHealthcare Sensory Suite at Target Field, Minnesota’s regular season home. The Twins Sensory Room will be open and staffed by a Family Initiative clinician for all 17 of the club’s spring training home games in 2025, ensuring neurodivergent guests may find temporary respite, if needed, during the game.
The Twins Sensory Room at Lee Health Sports Complex is located on the third base side of the stadium’s main concourse, adjacent to a companion restroom and easily accessible by all ballpark guests. It was constructed during the offseason, as the Twins, their partners and leading experts renovated and redeveloped the space, which was formerly a team store location.
The Twins begin their 17-game Grapefruit League home schedule at Lee Health Sports Complex tomorrow, Saturday, February 22, when they host the Atlanta Braves at 1:05 p.m. ET.
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“The Twins Sensory Room shows the power of partnerships – and baseball – to bring communities together and build a better tomorrow. Since opening in 2022, Target Field’s UnitedHealthcare Sensory Suite has empowered guests with any sensory sensitivity to fully experience and enjoy a Twins game in ways they previously could not. Thanks to the foresight of Lee County officials and the expertise of our partners at Lee Health and Family Initiative, we are now able to deliver that same opportunity for our guests in Southwest Florida. The Twins organization is grateful to our partners and excited that our spring training home continues to be a place to truly take everyone out to the ballgame.” – Dave St. Peter, Minnesota Twins President & CEO
“Today’s event is an excellent example of how Lee County Government values its partnerships with the Twins and community organizations. We work collectively to create amenities and experiences for our residents and visitors. I couldn’t be more proud of what this state-of-the-art sensory room means to our community. Spring training has been something to enjoy and celebrate in Lee County for 100 years, and the opening of this room today means even more people can come enjoy a ballgame.” – Kevin Ruane, Lee Board of County Commissioners Chairman
“The creation of the Twins Sensory Room at Lee Health Sports Complex is a testament to our shared commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community well-being. At Golisano Children’s Hospital, we understand the importance of providing safe and supportive spaces for neurodivergent individuals and their families. This initiative ensures that every fan, regardless of sensory sensitivities, can fully enjoy the joy and excitement of a Twins game. We are proud to collaborate on this meaningful project and look forward to the positive impact it will have on so many lives.” – VP and Chief Physician Executive at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Dr. Emad Salman
“We are incredibly honored to be part of this important project for our region. This unique space is more than just an opportunity for individuals on the autism spectrum to receive support while attending a baseball game. It sends a message that there is a place for everyone in our community. It says, ‘We see you, we value you, and come join us in what makes our community so special.’ Thank you to the leadership of Lee County government and the Minnesota Twins for their commitment and passion in making this project a reality.” – David Brown, President and Co-Founder of Family Initiative, Inc.
About Lee County
The Lee Board of County Commissioners welcomes the Minnesota Twins and their fans back for their 35th Spring Training season in Lee County at the newly-renamed Lee Health Sports Complex, which is among Lee County Parks & Recreation’s top facilities. The parks department manages more than 37,000 acres of parks, preserves, facilities and other sites. It oversees four recreation centers, 10 community centers, community parks, Conservation 20/20 lands, greenways, the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, four year-round pools, seven boat ramps, sports complexes including two spring training facilities, dog-friendly facilities and beach parks.
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Health care services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.
About Family Initiative, Inc.
Family Initiative is a non-profit in Cape Coral that focuses on children, teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. At Family Initiative, we use evidence-based therapies, innovative programs, practical training, and compassionate support – so that every child and their families have the chance to thrive. Our goal is to empower youth and their families by giving them the foundational skills they need to build friendships, families, citizenship, and a sense of belonging. To learn more about our organization, visit here.
About the Minnesota Twins
At the Minnesota Twins, we are driven by a singular purpose – to up the game, on the field and off. Unwavering in our commitment to deliver championships and be a force for good, our innovative and incredibly talented team is creating new ways to win, to uplift and to unite. We are proud to be Minnesota’s baseball team. We believe in our power to create positive change. We are setting the standard for a modern sports and entertainment brand that shapes a better tomorrow for all. We invite you to learn more at twins.com.
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