When Roman Empire Agency came to us with the vision to expand sensory room access and inclusive spaces into more professional sports venues, we knew there was one clear next step: Chase Field. With an existing partnership already in place at State Farm Stadium with the Arizona Cardinals, it made perfect sense to bring that same impact to Diamondbacks fans.
As Roman Empire Agency’s PR partner, our team at Proof Publicity led the charge, not just with media relations, but with the strategy, storytelling, and relationship-building that turned an idea into a reality.
Starting with the Right Introduction
We began by introducing Roman Empire Agency to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ marketing and communications teams. From there, we developed the overall messaging and PR strategy to support the launch of the team’s first-ever sensory room. Our goal wasn’t just to generate buzz; it was to build community connection, drive awareness, and ensure that neurodiverse fans had a calm, inclusive space to enjoy America’s pastime.
Smart PR That Put Inclusion in the Spotlight
To help make the inclusive fan experience suite part of the broader conversation around the 2025 season, we collaborated closely with the Diamondbacks’ communications team. We positioned the room as a key feature during their annual “What’s New at Chase Field” press day, right alongside announcements about new menu items and stadium upgrades. Our team drafted all media materials and segment sheets, coordinated interviews, and prioritized outreach to Spanish-language outlets to reflect both the Diamondbacks’ fan base and Roman Empire CEO Gabriela Salcido’s bilingual background.
We also invited local influencers for walkthroughs, helping to create buzz online and build authentic connections with the Phoenix community.
The Perfect Moment: Autism Awareness Night
The sensory room officially launched on April 11, 2025 – Autism Awareness Night – with a meaningful moment on the field: Gabriela and her husband, Anthony Salcido, threw the ceremonial first pitch, with in-game announcements highlighting the new sensory-friendly space for fans. It was more than symbolic; it was a clear statement about the team’s commitment to creating a more inclusive environment at every level.
Designed with Intention, Backed by Experts
While Proof handled the strategy and storytelling, Roman Empire Agency led the redesign of a club-level suite, turning it into a calming, welcoming space for individuals with sensory sensitivities. They partnered with nonprofit KultureCity to provide sensory kits and fidget tools, and what makes this initiative truly unique: the room is staffed with licensed therapists from Roman Empire Agency during weekend home games.
It’s the first sensory room in Major League Baseball to be supported by on-site behavioral health professionals, setting a new standard for what inclusion can look like in sports.
Results That Made Headlines
The impact of this partnership was amplified through strategic press outreach and consistent storytelling, and it made waves across the media. Here are just a few highlights:
National Media
- MLB – Diamondbacks to unveil Sensory Room at Chase Field this Friday in partnership with Roman Empire Agency
- Sports Illustrated – Diamondbacks Unveil Sensory Room for Autism Awareness Night
- Sports Business Journal – Closing Bell: Speed Reads…
Local Broadcast/Radio Segments
- ABC 15 – Chase Field debuts first-ever ‘Sensory Room’ during Autism Awareness Month
- Fox 10 – D-backs unveil new sensory room at Chase Field
- La Onda’s Noticias Enlace
- Arizona PBS: Horizon – Chase Field opens sensory room with autism & sensory needs
- Arizona Midday – Sensory Room Available at Chase Field
- 12 News Today – Sensory Room Available at Chase Field
- Saturday Today in AZ – Sensory Room Available at Chase Field
- Univision – Se inaugura una sala sensorial en estadio Chase Field
- Telemundo
- Your Life Arizona
Local & Regional Online & Print
- AZ Big Media – A look at what’s new at Chase Field for 2025 D-Backs season
- Hoodline Phoenix – Arizona Diamondbacks Launch Sensory Room at Chase Field for Fans with Autism During Awareness Month
- East Valley Moms – Diamondbacks Games with Kids: Tips for tots to teens
- Axios – D-Backs’ Chase Field unveils sensory room
- Conecta Arizona – Los Diamondbacks de Arizona apuestan por la inclusión: en el mes del autismo inauguraron un cuarto sensorial en el Chase Field
- In Business Phoenix Magazine – New Sensory Room Opens at Chase Field for Diamondbacks’ 2025 Season
- Arizona Digital Free Press – Roman Empire Agency partners with Arizona Diamondbacks to open sensory room at Chase Field for 2025 Season
- NBC 12News – Diamondbacks’ sensory room offers a calming retreat
- NBC 12 News es Espanol – La sala sensorial de los Arizona Diamondbacks ofrece un refugio relajante para los pequeños
- Fabulous Arizona – Sensory Room to Open at Chase Field
- Arizona PBS: Horizon – Chase Field opens sensory room with autism & sensory needs
- ABC 15 – Chase Field debuts first-ever ‘Sensory Room’ during Autism Awareness Month
- AZ Parenting – Sensory Room to Open at Chase Field
- Raising Arizona Kids Magazine
Awards
- The Know Women – 100 Women to KNOW in America 2025 – Gabriela Salcido
- PHOENIX Magazine – 2025 Health-Care Heroes – Gabriela Salcido
- Az Business – Champions of Change: Most Innovative Businesses of the Year
A Model Worth Replicating
With more than 25 media placements, strong influencer engagement, and meaningful community response, this campaign proved that strategic partnerships — when rooted in empathy and impact — can change the game.
We’re proud to stand behind Roman Empire Agency in their mission to make public spaces more inclusive for all. And we’re already thinking about which stadium is next.
Want to bring bold, purpose-driven partnerships to life? Let’s talk.
