Blind and low-vision fans will have an extraordinary opportunity to engage with the upcoming Super Bowl, thanks to a groundbreaking tactile device that tracks the ball and provides real-time audio along with vibrations on key plays. This innovative technology, developed by OneCourt, is set to enhance the game-day experience for approximately ten fans at the event in Santa Clara, California, where the Seattle Seahawks will face the New England Patriots on February 8.
Scott Thornhill, who serves as the executive director of the American Council of the Blind, expressed his excitement about the experience. Having lost his vision due to retinitis pigmentosa at the age of eight, Thornhill stated, “It will allow me to engage and enjoy the game as close as possible as people who can see. As someone who grew up playing sports before I lost my vision, I”m getting a big part of my life back that I”ve been missing. To attend a game and not have to wait for someone to tell me what happened, it”s hard to even describe how much that means to me.”
Clark Roberts, a blind fan of the Seahawks, had a chance to test the OneCourt device during a home game against the Indianapolis Colts. He described the experience as transformative, noting, “The device does two wonderful things. It vibrates in different ways for different plays, and through headphones, I was able to hear Seattle”s amazing announcer, Steve Raible. Real-time audio is the real beauty of the device because usually when I”m listening to a game, there can be a delay of up to a minute or more.”
The NFL has partnered with OneCourt and Ticketmaster to pilot this experience multiple times during the regular season, which included games hosted by teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers. This initiative highlights the league”s commitment to making the game accessible for all fans.
OneCourt”s technology utilizes tracking data from the NFL, which is converted into vibrations that represent various game actions, such as tackles and touchdowns. This data is derived from advanced tracking systems, including cameras and chips embedded in equipment. The co-founder of OneCourt, Antyush Bollini, remarked on the significance of the device being featured at such a monumental event in American sports, emphasizing its potential to redefine accessibility for blind and low-vision fans.
With funding from Ticketmaster, the device is provided to fans at no cost, marking a significant step towards inclusivity in sports. Belynda Gardner, the NFL”s senior director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, acknowledged the importance of this initiative. She stated, “It”s not lost on us that we have blind to low-vision fans, and we want to do right by them.”
As the technology evolves, OneCourt is exploring opportunities to collaborate with other sports leagues, including the NHL, to expand this service to a broader audience. The positive feedback received so far indicates a promising future for this innovative approach to enhancing the live sports experience for everyone.
