With less than two weeks until Super Bowl LX, the NFL has partnered with OneCourt and Ticketmaster to launch a gaming enhancement device that allows visually impaired fans to experience the game like never before.
This year, a select group of blind and partially sighted fans will have an unprecedented opportunity to watch the Super Bowl, using haptic devices to track the ball’s position, provide vibrations for key plays, and provide real-time audio commentary.
advertise
The NFL partnered with OneCourt and Ticketmaster to offer this game-enhancing experience fifteen times during the regular season during games in Seattle, Jacksonville, San Francisco (Santa Clara), Atlanta and Minnesota.
Scott Thornhill, executive director of the American Council of the Blind, expressed great anticipation for the event. Thornhill was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of eight and later became blind.
“This will allow me to be as close to the game and enjoy it as someone who can see it,” Thornhill said.
About 10 blind and low-vision fans will have the opportunity to test the technology at Super Bowl LX on February 8 between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots in Santa Clara, California. By placing their hands on the device, they will feel the ball’s position and receive audio updates on the game’s progress.
advertise
Seahawks fan Clark Roberts was invited to the team’s Dec. 14 home game against the Indianapolis Colts and had the opportunity to try out the OneCourt device. Roberts was blinded by retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 24.
“This device does two wonderful things,” Roberts explains. “It vibrates in different ways for different games, and through the headphones I’m able to hear the voice of Steve Raible, Seattle’s great announcer. The real-time audio is the real beauty of this device because typically when I’m listening to a game, there can be a delay of up to a minute or more, and it can be a challenge to constantly ask family and friends what’s going on.”
ONeCourt is also working to bring this innovation to other sports and leagues beyond the NFL. They have partnered with NBA and Major League Baseball teams to provide access to the equipment during games and are currently in talks with the NHL.
Co-founder Jerred Mace launched OneCourt in 2023 after seeing a blind fan attending a University of Washington football game. The Seattle-based company uses Genius Sports’ NFL tracking data and then translates it into feedback from the device, creating unique vibrations on plays like touchdowns and tackles. The data is generated by chips and cameras embedded in balls, jerseys and other key components of the game.
“It’s a testament to the maturity of this product and our company that we’ve gone from offering this product to a handful of teams over the past year or two to using it at the biggest event in American sports,” said OneCourt co-founder Antyush Bollini. “The Super Bowl is an amazing event, and now blind and low-vision fans can use our technology in the way they deserve.”
This year’s Super Bowl will be held on February 8 at 6:30 pm ET at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and will be broadcast by NBC and live on Peacock.
