The NFL is set to test a groundbreaking new device designed specifically for blind and low-vision fans, allowing them to experience the Super Bowl like never before. OneCourt, a Seattle-based startup, has partnered with the league to provide an immersive tactile feedback system that simulates the game on the field.
Measuring roughly the size of an iPad, this innovative device features raised lines on its surface mapping out the field, allowing users to track the ball's position in real-time. Different vibrations signal specific plays, providing a level of engagement previously impossible for fans with visual impairments. The device also comes equipped with headphones, enabling users to follow along with their team's radio broadcast with minimal delay.
The idea behind OneCourt was born out of a personal experience: its CEO, Jerred Mace, stumbled upon a video of a blind fan attending a soccer match, where he observed the individual using a tactile game board. This sparked Mace's vision for creating a device that would allow similar individuals to fully engage with sports events.
To date, OneCourt has successfully tested their device at 15 NFL games during the regular season, including matches hosted by the Seahawks, Jaguars, and 49ers. For the upcoming Super Bowl on February 8th, about 10 blind and low-vision fans will have the opportunity to try out this revolutionary technology.
Scott Thornhill, executive director of the American Council of the Blind, is among those who will be given the chance to experience the device firsthand. "It will allow me to engage and enjoy the game as close as possible as people who can see," he said. "As someone who grew up playing sports before I lost my vision, it's getting a big part of my life back that I've been missing."
OneCourt has already made their devices available for fans at eight NBA arenas, including the Barclays Center and Ball Arena, and has also opened a waitlist for people interested in purchasing a device to use at home. This significant breakthrough marks an exciting step forward for sports accessibility and inclusivity.
Measuring roughly the size of an iPad, this innovative device features raised lines on its surface mapping out the field, allowing users to track the ball's position in real-time. Different vibrations signal specific plays, providing a level of engagement previously impossible for fans with visual impairments. The device also comes equipped with headphones, enabling users to follow along with their team's radio broadcast with minimal delay.
The idea behind OneCourt was born out of a personal experience: its CEO, Jerred Mace, stumbled upon a video of a blind fan attending a soccer match, where he observed the individual using a tactile game board. This sparked Mace's vision for creating a device that would allow similar individuals to fully engage with sports events.
To date, OneCourt has successfully tested their device at 15 NFL games during the regular season, including matches hosted by the Seahawks, Jaguars, and 49ers. For the upcoming Super Bowl on February 8th, about 10 blind and low-vision fans will have the opportunity to try out this revolutionary technology.
Scott Thornhill, executive director of the American Council of the Blind, is among those who will be given the chance to experience the device firsthand. "It will allow me to engage and enjoy the game as close as possible as people who can see," he said. "As someone who grew up playing sports before I lost my vision, it's getting a big part of my life back that I've been missing."
OneCourt has already made their devices available for fans at eight NBA arenas, including the Barclays Center and Ball Arena, and has also opened a waitlist for people interested in purchasing a device to use at home. This significant breakthrough marks an exciting step forward for sports accessibility and inclusivity.
! I mean, imagine being able to feel the action on the field like you're right there with the players 
! The idea of it is so cool, especially for people who can't see, but still wanna be part of the game vibe 
. I've got a friend who's blind and they always talk about how much they miss out on when it comes to sports, so this could be life changing for them 
. OneCourt is doing some real work here, partnering with the NFL and all that jazz 
. Can't wait to see more of these devies pop up at arenas and people start using them at home 
I think this is gonna be a game-changer (pun intended) for fans with visual impairments! It's so cool that the NFL is collaborating with a startup like OneCourt to create a device that can simulate the experience of watching a game. The fact that it's been tested at 15 games already and is getting rave reviews from people like Scott Thornhill, who's literally getting his "game back" 
, is super exciting! I'm also stoked to see more sports teams jumping on board with accessibility initiatives. It's all about inclusivity and making sure everyone can enjoy the game, no matter what their abilities are. Can't wait to see where this tech takes us next 
! The thought of 10 blind fans getting to experience the Super Bowl in a whole new way is amazing 
. It's awesome that OneCourt is pushing the boundaries like this. And I love how the CEO was inspired by something he saw online 
. Can't wait to see what other innovations come out of this partnership 
!
and its not just for nfl either, they got 1court stuff at nba arenas too 
so blind ppl can finally experience sports without havin 2 miss out cuz of their vision. scott thornhill is actually gonna try it out @ the super bowl lol cant wait to hear how its goes 
. These vibrations are gonna be a game-changer (pun intended) - can you imagine feeling like you're right there on the field with your favorite team? 
? Now we've got this OneCourt thingy that lets blind folks feel the game like they're right there on the field! It's wild. I can already imagine my old man watching the Super Bowl at home with this thing and feeling just as excited as he did back when he was playing in the league (if he ever played, lol 
). The fact that it's even got a headphone setup so they can listen to the radio broadcast is genius! It's just...it's so cool 
. And now they've partnered with the NFL to bring OneCourt to the Super Bowl? That's insane! 10 blind fans gettin' to experience the game in a whole new way... it's like, they're not left out or anything 
. I'm all about this tech and innovation. It's like, how come it took 'em so long to make somethin' like this? But now that it's here, it's gonna change the game for blind and low-vision fans everywhere 
plus, 10 fans will get to experience this amazing tech at the upcoming super bowl 
OneCourt is literally changing the game (no pun intended) by giving blind and low-vision fans a way to actually feel what's going on on the field. I mean, can you imagine being able to track the ball with your fingers? 
the NFL partnering with a startup to create this tactile feedback system is huge, i mean who says people with vision loss can't enjoy sports? it's not just about the technology, it's about accessibility and inclusion 
