Wrigley Field becomes first MLB ballpark named a Certified Autism Center

The Chicago Cubs say Wrigley Field has earned a Certified Autism Center designation from IBCCES, making it the first Major League Baseball ballpark to receive the credential. The move comes with staff training, an accessibility review and new fan resources aimed at autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors.

Why it matters: - Wrigley Field is the first MLB ballpark to be designated a Certified Autism Center™ by IBCCES. - The designation is intended to make game days more accessible for autistic and sensory-sensitive fans. - The certification adds to the Cubs' broader accessibility efforts at Wrigley Field and Sloan Park.

What happened: - The Chicago Cubs announced that Wrigley Field received the Certified Autism Center™ designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. - To earn the certification, at least 80% of guest-facing staff completed autism and sensory training. - The Cubs said the training is meant to help staff welcome and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive fans. - Wrigley Field's Spring Training home, Sloan Park, was named a Certified Autism Center™ in 2020. - Mesa, Arizona, was the first Autism-Certified City™.

The details: - IBCCES conducted an on-site review of Wrigley Field and provided additional recommendations to improve accessibility. - Wrigley Field has a sensory room that was installed before the 2024 season in partnership with KultureCity. - The Cubs have also added elevators, accessible restroom facilities, assistive listening technology, closed captioning and sensory bags. - Cubs Chief Operations Officer David Cromwell said the guest-facing staff now have more tools to communicate with and support autistic and sensory-sensitive fans. - Cromwell said the certification is part of the team's commitment to making Wrigley Field a friendly and inclusive environment. - IBCCES CEO and Board Chairman Myron Pincomb said the certification shows Wrigley Field's commitment to a more welcoming and accessible environment.

Between the lines: - The certification gives the Cubs a public marker of accessibility at one of baseball's most visible venues. - The timing around Disability Pride Month gives the announcement added visibility and connects the ballpark move to a broader accessibility message. - The combination of staff training, facility changes and fan resources suggests the Cubs are treating accessibility as an ongoing operations issue, not a one-time upgrade.

What's next: - The Cubs will host a pregame resource fair at Gallagher Way on Wednesday, July 22. - Fans will be able to learn about community organizations including The Chicago Lighthouse and GiGi's Playhouse. - A band made up of visually impaired musicians from The Chicago Lighthouse will perform during the fair. - Members of the Chicago Comets, a beep baseball team for the blind and visually impaired, will demonstrate on-site. - Ahead of the Cubs-Tigers game, the Chicago Comets will be recognized on the field, and Bill Landram will throw out a ceremonial first pitch. - More information is available at Wrigley Field accessibility information or in the IBCCES Accessibility App™.

The bottom line: - Wrigley Field is now positioned as a high-profile MLB venue with a formal accessibility credential and a clearer focus on serving fans with sensory needs.