NFL Partners with OneCourt to Give Blind Fans Real-Time Tactile Experience at the Super Bowl
For decades, blind and low-vision sports fans have relied on audio commentary to follow their favorite teams. However, this approach often leaves them in the dark about key moments on the field or court. The National Football League (NFL) is set to change that with a cutting-edge device from Seattle-based startup OneCourt.
The device, roughly the size of an iPad, features raised lines on its surface mapping out the football field and provides real-time tactile feedback during major sporting events. Users can track the ball's position while vibrations signal specific plays. The device also comes equipped with headphones, allowing users to follow their team's radio broadcast with minimal delay.
OneCourt was founded by a group of students at the University of Washington in 2021 after its CEO, Jerred Mace, stumbled upon a video of a blind man attending a soccer match using a tactile game board. The NFL, OneCourt, and Ticketmaster collaborated during the most recent regular season to pilot the device at 15 games, including matchups hosted by the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and San Francisco 49ers.
For this year's Super Bowl on February 8th, about 10 blind and low-vision fans will have the opportunity to try out the device. One of those users is Scott Thornhill, the executive director of the American Council of the Blind, who expressed his excitement about being able to "engage and enjoy the game as close as possible" to sighted individuals.
OneCourt's devices are already available for use at eight NBA arenas, including major venues such as the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and Ball Arena in Denver. The company has also opened a waitlist for fans interested in purchasing a device to use at home, further expanding its accessibility and reach.
The NFL's partnership with OneCourt marks an innovative step towards inclusivity and accessibility in sports broadcasting, allowing blind and low-vision fans to experience the game on their own terms.
For decades, blind and low-vision sports fans have relied on audio commentary to follow their favorite teams. However, this approach often leaves them in the dark about key moments on the field or court. The National Football League (NFL) is set to change that with a cutting-edge device from Seattle-based startup OneCourt.
The device, roughly the size of an iPad, features raised lines on its surface mapping out the football field and provides real-time tactile feedback during major sporting events. Users can track the ball's position while vibrations signal specific plays. The device also comes equipped with headphones, allowing users to follow their team's radio broadcast with minimal delay.
OneCourt was founded by a group of students at the University of Washington in 2021 after its CEO, Jerred Mace, stumbled upon a video of a blind man attending a soccer match using a tactile game board. The NFL, OneCourt, and Ticketmaster collaborated during the most recent regular season to pilot the device at 15 games, including matchups hosted by the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and San Francisco 49ers.
For this year's Super Bowl on February 8th, about 10 blind and low-vision fans will have the opportunity to try out the device. One of those users is Scott Thornhill, the executive director of the American Council of the Blind, who expressed his excitement about being able to "engage and enjoy the game as close as possible" to sighted individuals.
OneCourt's devices are already available for use at eight NBA arenas, including major venues such as the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and Ball Arena in Denver. The company has also opened a waitlist for fans interested in purchasing a device to use at home, further expanding its accessibility and reach.
The NFL's partnership with OneCourt marks an innovative step towards inclusivity and accessibility in sports broadcasting, allowing blind and low-vision fans to experience the game on their own terms.
this is like totally amazing! 
i cant believe its happening!! the nfl is literally changing lives of blind & low vision fans! 
they're getting a real time tactile experience now! 
and it's not just about audio commentary anymore, its like they can feel the whole game happening! 
cant wait for this super bowl and seeing these amazing people enjoying the game in their own way! 
this is so cool! I mean, back in my day we didn't have all these fancy gadgets, but now it's like the NFL is literally "seeing" what they can do for accessibility... I'm serious though, a device that lets blind folks feel the game? That's genius! 
It's amazing how technology can bring people together, especially when it comes to something as awesome as sports 
️. The NFL partnering with OneCourt to create a tactile experience for blind fans is like, totally game-changing 
. I mean, imagine being able to feel the thrill of the game without needing any audio guidance 
. It's like having your own personal superpower! 
just saw this news about the NFL working with OneCourt to make the Super Bowl more accessible for blind fans... feels like a major win 
