Brooklyn Nets Enhance Game Experience for Visually Impaired Fans with OneCourt
BROOKLYN – In a significant move towards inclusivity, the Brooklyn Nets have introduced a revolutionary device at Barclays Center aimed at improving the live game experience for visually impaired fans.
Introducing OneCourt
Developed by the innovative startup OneCourt, this device employs real-time haptics and vibrations to communicate key moments during a basketball game. Fans can now feel every pass, dribble, and shot through a touch-sensitive board, transforming their engagement with the game.
User Experience
Longtime sports enthusiast Bryan Velazquez, who was born blind, expressed his excitement: “It’s incredible. The atmosphere is amazing. This device is a reassurance of what’s happening.” The technology enables users to stay in sync with the fast-paced game dynamics, providing an immersive experience that has been previously unavailable.
How OneCourt Works
The device functions by transmitting the ball’s position in real time, making it possible for fans to follow the action closely. It also allows users to get updated scores at the touch of a button, utilizing in-arena Wi-Fi or 5G for seamless connectivity. Michael Cush, Chief Program Officer at VISIONS, an organization dedicated to supporting visually impaired individuals, noted, “Having a fully immersed experience as somebody who’s blind is really unlike any other sporting event I’ve ever been to.”
Impact on the Game
Local sports fan Alvin Suarez shared his thoughts on the OneCourt system. He stated, “It’s a really fast game. You don’t really know where the ball is. But experiencing it this way lets you live the action as you anticipate it.” This positive feedback illustrates how technology can bridge gaps in accessibility in sports.
Significance of the Initiative
The Nets stand out as the first professional sports team on the East Coast to implement OneCourt, collaborating with Ticketmaster, the NBA Launchpad program, and VISIONS. Remarkably, these devices are provided free of charge to fans attending games, emphasizing the team’s commitment to accessibility.
Catalyst for Change
Antyush Bollini, co-founder of OneCourt, found inspiration for the device after witnessing a deaf-blind soccer fan using tactile signing to enjoy a match. The creators aimed to offer a more intuitive and independent way for visually impaired fans to engage with sports, minimizing reliance on companions.
Conclusion
With the introduction of the OneCourt device, Bryan Velazquez highlighted that fans are no longer in the dark about game events. “You feel where the ball’s going,” he remarked. “This adds a whole layer of enjoyment. It’s amazing.” The Brooklyn Nets’ initiative marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive sports environment for all fans.
