The Sacramento Kings have teamed up with Ticketmaster and OneCourt to revolutionize the way Blind and Low Vision fans experience basketball at the Golden 1 Center. This exciting collaboration, launched for the NBA 2024-25 regular season, introduces groundbreaking technology to make live sports more accessible and inclusive.
With a firm commitment to inclusivity, the Kings are excited to announce the availability of OneCourt’s innovative haptic display during all home games. This device allows fans to feel the real-time action of games with their fingertips, transforming the way individuals with visual impairments engage with live sporting events.
“At the Kings, we are committed to making live sports more accessible and inclusive for all fans,” said John Rinehart, President of Business Operations for the Sacramento Kings. “Partnering with Ticketmaster to make OneCourt technology available at Golden 1 Center allows us to deliver an innovative, real-time experience.”
OneCourt's haptic displays will be available for checkout at Guest Services, which is conveniently located near Sections 109 and 207. Five devices will be accessible on a first-come, first-served basis for each home game, which expands the reach and engagement of the technology for more fans.
Using this innovative technology, live gameplay is converted not only to audio but also to trackable vibrations, permitting users to follow the game with unprecedented precision. The Sacramento Kings worked closely with the NBA to configure OneCourt with the league’s live gameplay tracking system, ensuring fans receive immediate updates through the device’s intuitive interface.
Scott Aller, Ticketmaster’s Senior Director of Client Development, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “Our partnership with the Sacramento Kings brings OneCourt’s adaptive technology to fans at Golden 1 Center, helping make gamedays more immersive and inclusive. Live experiences are for everyone, and this initiative is part of Ticketmaster’s work to expand opportunities for how every type of fan can connect with and experience their favorite events.”
The OneCourt technology not only enhances the game experience but also empowers fans to engage wholeheartedly with the action on the court. Jerred Mace, the Founder and CEO of OneCourt, expressed these sentiments perfectly: “We believe sports are for everyone, and at OneCourt, we have created an intuitive tactile broadcast to make sports more enjoyable for fans of any age, background, or visual ability. Fans feel more empowered than ever before to attend live sporting events and join the action.”
This initiative introduces significant advancements for accessibility within the live sports sector, illustrating how technology can bridge gaps and create meaningful connections. The Sacramento Kings, along with Ticketmaster and OneCourt, pave the way for future developments aimed at enhancing the experiences of all sports fans, ensuring everyone can feel the thrill of the game, regardless of their visual capabilities.
Fans and advocates alike are hopeful about what this collaboration could mean for the future of sports accessibility. The reach and impact of OneCourt’s technology could inspire similar initiatives across different sports leagues, encouraging other organizations to rethink how they accommodate audiences with varying needs.
Through these advancements, the Sacramento Kings are not just enhancing the game experience for low-vision fans but also setting new standards for others to follow. Their efforts reflect the growing awareness and dedication to inclusivity within the sports industry, promoting the message of accessibility - sports truly are for everyone.
Looking forward, it is clear this initiative will mark just the beginning of substantive changes as technology continues to evolve. The partnership between the Kings, Ticketmaster, and OneCourt is bound to inspire other franchises to adopt similar measures, thereby broadening the scope of accessibility for countless fans worldwide. With such collaborative efforts paving the way, the future looks promising for enhancing live sports experiences for all individuals, regardless of challenges faced.
For interested fans, activating the OneCourt technology will be as simple as visiting the Guest Services at the Golden 1 Center. With eager anticipation, supporters are ready to take part and feel the exhilarating atmosphere of live NBA action like never before, promising unforgettable experiences for Blind and Low Vision attendees throughout the season.