A select group of blind and low-vision fans will have unprecedented access to the Super Bowl this year, using a haptic device that tracks the location of the ball, provides vibrations for key plays and offers real-time audio commentary.
Advertisement
The NFL has collaborated with OneCourt and Ticketmaster to present 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 for the Blind, has expressed great anticipation for the event. Thornhill was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa when he was eight years old and later lost his sight.
“It will allow me to participate and enjoy the game as close as possible to the people who can watch it,” Thornhill said.
Approximately 10 blind and low vision fans will have the opportunity to try out this technology at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, when the Seattle Seahawks take on the New England Patriots on February 8. By placing their hands on the device, they will sense the location of the ball and receive audio updates on the progress of the game.
Advertisement
Seahawks fan Clark Roberts was invited to the team’s Dec. 14 home game against the Indianapolis Colts and was given the opportunity to try out the OneCourt device. Roberts lost his sight at the age of 24 due to retinitis pigmentosa.
“The device does two wonderful things,” Roberts explained. “It vibrates in different ways for different plays and through headphones I was able to hear the amazing Seattle announcer, Steve Raible. The real-time audio is the real beauty of the device because usually when I listen 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 happened.”
ONeCourt is also working to bring this innovation to other sports and leagues besides the NFL. They have partnered with NBA and Major League Baseball teams to provide access to these devices at games and are currently in talks with the NHL.
Co-founder Jerred Mace launched OneCourt in 2023 after watching a blind fan attend a University of Washington football game. The company is based in Seattle and uses NFL tracking data from Genius Sports, which it then translates into feedback for the device, creating unique vibrations on plays like touchdowns and tackles. That data is generated from chips and cameras embedded in balls, jerseys and other key components of a game.
“It’s a testament to the maturity of the product and our company that we’ve gone from delivering it to a handful of teams over the last year or two to having it at the biggest event in American sports,” said OneCourt co-founder Antyush Bollini. “The Super Bowl is an incredible event and now blind and low vision fans can use our technology in the way they deserve.”
This year’s Super Bowl will take place on February 8 from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, at 6:30 pm ET, and will air on NBC and Peacock.