We might be but a day away from Christmas, and indeed just over a week away from bidding adieu to 2016 and greeting 2017 but, as we so often say, virtual reality (VR) continues to develop and no more than in the world of sport.
New York Jets President Lauds VR
Our first story comes from the world of the NFL, an area we’ve touched on frequently this last year. Neil Glat, the President of the New York Jets recently undertook an interview with Sportechie.com in which he described the efforts being undertaken by the franchise to utilise technology – including VR.
Later describing VR as a “key initiative” going forward into 2017, when first asked about what tech had blown him away in recent times. VR was the first thing mentioned.
“We are very excited about what is going on in virtual reality and digital ticketing. We believe strongly in both and have robust initiatives for each.” He explained. “Through our partnership with STRIVR Labs, our football operations staff uses the technology for player development and on the fan engagement side we have utilized it to enhance our game day experience. Specifically, through our VR Lounge, we have created an immersion zone that has enabled our fans to experience such things as running out of the tunnel with the team, standing in the center of the locker room and witnessing up-close, in-game action. It has become one of the most popular pre-game destinations, consistently serving hundreds of fans every Sunday.”
It’s A Time For Giving In Baltimore
Meanwhile, if you can’t get a head-mounted display this Christmas and you live in Baltimore, you may have to look to your own American Football team for the cause. ABC News reported the unusual story that the Raven’s quarterback Joe Flacco gave the teams offensive linemen all VR headsets for Christmas.
That’s 14 systems for the squad – can anyone have spent more on VR systems this Christmas?
VRFocus will return with another look at how VR is impacting sport next week.