The New York Jets unveil a “Digital Sideline”

NFL’s New York Jets has seemingly penned 2016 as a year in which they allow fans to get closer and more personal with the NFL franchise after unveiling its plans for a “Digital Sideline”, a VR journey that immerses fans in unmissable and unique experiences.

Teaming up with STRIVR Labs to deliver the experience, the Jets have spent some time testing the technology after purchasing it toward the beginning of 2015. At six home games, fans were offered a chance to use the revolutionary Oculus Rift technology and, through wearing headphones and the future-like VR googles, were transported into situations completely unique to the New York Jets.

Fans were afforded the opportunity to run out on the field with the team, take part in the coin toss, stand on the field for the national anthem, stand on the sideline during a touchdown and be in the crowd for the JETS chant.

While this kind of technology isn’t particularly new with other brands and sports using VR to allow fans a more immersive experience, they will be the first to introduce such a deep experience with most trial VR experiences currently only allowing fans to see or enjoy one or two aspects of their favourite team.

With no details yet about the official roll-out of the ‘Digital Sideline’, it’s unsure when it will be wholly available across the world. But, as with the likes of some franchises within the NBA, it’s not a matter of if it will be introduced but when.

From the locker room to the tunnel to the field in 360.

Posted by New York Jets on Friday, 27 November 2015

About author

Matt Tewhatu
Matt Tewhatu 155 posts

Matt is the editor of Digital Sport and Chief of Snack Media's rugby division and has a journalistic background both here in UK, Australia and in his native New Zealand. Follow him on Twitter @mtewhatu

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