Technology

Man City offer fans new VR matchday experience

Fans of English Premier League club Manchester City can now enjoy games through a new 360-degree virtual reality video offering.

The club’s new digital fan experience, launched in collaboration with VR specialist Jaunt, promises to bring Blues fans “closer to the action”. It is the first full football matchday video to be made available on Jaunt’s VR platform, and will capture sights and sounds on and off the pitch and display it in 360-degree cinematic virtual reality.

Fans will receive exclusive access to the players’ changing room and a first-hand look as the team arrive on the Blue Carpet, as part of an authentic, behind-the-scenes view of the matchday atmosphere in the Etihad.

To see Man City’s VR experience click here

Diego Gigliani, senior vice-president of media and innovation for City Football Group, said the launch continues the club’s ongoing commitment to providing the most engaging and innovative fan experience possible.

“There’s nothing that compares with attending a match at the Etihad Stadium, but the emergence of 360-degree video and virtual reality has allowed us to capture some of that atmosphere and excitement in ways that weren’t possible in the past,” he said.

“As our fan base continues to grow, both within the UK and globally, we want all of our fans to get a taste for what it’s like to be at the Etihad Stadium – from cheering in the stands and watching players line up in the tunnel to welcoming the team off the bus and standing by-side with the stewards ensuring the crowd’s safety.

“We hope this pilot on the Jaunt platform reaches both existing and new fans, and reaffirms our commitment to exploring innovative ways of using VR to enhancing the fan experience to Manchester City fans, near and far.”

The club said the VR experience can be viewed via the Jaunt VR App within the Sky section, and is also available across a range of VR platforms, including PlayStation VR, iOS, Android, Gear VR, Google Daydream, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and major desktop browsers. It can also be accessed on Facebook and YouTube, for those without a VR device.