The Portland Trail Blazers have taken a significant step towards inclusivity by partnering with Seattle-based startup, OneCourt, to offer a groundbreaking haptic device for visually impaired fans. This technology, first piloted during the previous season, translates live basketball game action into trackable vibrations, allowing blind and low-vision fans to follow the game with their fingertips. This partnership marks the first instance of a professional sports team providing this assistive technology at every home game, setting a precedent for accessibility in the sporting world. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between live sporting events and visually impaired fans who traditionally rely solely on audio commentary, which can often lag behind the actual gameplay and lack crucial spatial details.
OneCourt’s innovative technology employs generative audio and haptics, transforming real-time game data into a tactile experience. The device receives live gameplay tracking data directly from the NBA, enabling synchronized vibrations that correspond to the movement of players and the ball on the court. This provides a more immersive and engaging experience for visually impaired fans, allowing them to perceive the spatial dynamics of the game in a way that audio commentary alone cannot achieve. The collaboration between the Trail Blazers, the NBA, and OneCourt demonstrates a commitment to making sporting events more inclusive and accessible to all fans, regardless of their visual abilities.
The challenge for visually impaired sports fans lies in the limitations of traditional audio commentary. While audio provides a narrative of the game, it often falls short in conveying the real-time spatial information crucial for understanding the flow and intricacies of the action. This delay and lack of spatial detail can diminish the in-stadium experience for these fans, making it less engaging and immersive. OneCourt’s haptic device addresses these limitations by providing a tangible representation of the game’s spatial dynamics, allowing users to “feel” the action unfold in real-time. This innovative approach enhances the overall experience for visually impaired fans, bringing them closer to the on-court action and fostering a deeper connection with the game.
The genesis of OneCourt lies in the vision of a group of University of Washington graduates, led by CEO Jerred Mace, who recognized the need for greater inclusivity in sports. Their mission is to make sports accessible to everyone, regardless of visual ability. The successful pilot program with the Trail Blazers last season validated the effectiveness of the haptic device, demonstrating its potential to not only make live games accessible but also to enhance the enjoyment for fans of all ages and backgrounds. This positive feedback further solidified the Trail Blazers’ decision to implement the technology permanently, reinforcing their commitment to creating a more inclusive and engaging fan experience.
The Trail Blazers, owned by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, have partnered with Ticketmaster to facilitate the distribution of the OneCourt devices. Five devices are available at each home game at the Moda Center in Portland, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. This allocation allows fans to experience the innovative technology and provides valuable feedback for future development and implementation. The team has also established a dedicated email address, [email protected], for reservation inquiries, streamlining the process for fans seeking to utilize the haptic devices. This user-friendly approach underscores the Trail Blazers’ dedication to ensuring seamless access to this assistive technology.
The OneCourt devices can be checked out from designated guest services stands located throughout the Moda Center. These designated locations are strategically positioned at entry points A7 and A24 on the 100-Level, and C23 on the 300-Level, providing convenient access for fans seated in different sections of the arena. This thoughtful distribution strategy ensures that visually impaired fans, regardless of their seat location, can easily obtain and utilize the haptic devices. The collaborative efforts between the Trail Blazers, OneCourt, and Ticketmaster highlight a shared commitment to fostering a more inclusive and accessible environment for all sports fans. By prioritizing the needs of visually impaired fans, the Trail Blazers are setting a positive example for other sports organizations and paving the way for a more equitable future in the world of professional sports.
