The LA Galaxy are jumping on the virtual reality band wagon by teaming up with Laduma, a VR company, and creating an immersive VR experience for fans. Together, the soccer club and the VR company are making a six-part VR series that features players, coaches and behind the scenes glimpses into the team.
#LAGalaxy partners with @Laduma to bring virtual reality experiences to fans: https://t.co/q0XvRJJASg pic.twitter.com/QRZDu51UjZ
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 12, 2016
The experience will bring fans onto the field to virtually hang out with some of the LA Galaxy players. They will be able to go into the locker room, and see locations like player Steve Gerrard’s house and where player Robbie Keane likes to hang out in LA. “It gives fans a more real-life sense of things,” said LA Galaxy forward Gyasi Zares. “It’s amazing for people who can’t make it out to Los Angeles to experience the atmosphere at the stadium.”
Fans will also be able to experience this VR world at two LA Galaxy home games this season in certain areas of the StubHub Center. Fans who aren’t at the games will be able to get the experience through the LA Galaxy VR app and on the Laduma website. Laduma and the LA Galaxy will also be creating 2D media that will highlight more perspectives from around the soccer club.
Many pro sports teams are starting to move towards using virtual reality to increase fan engagement. Some of the leaders in VR utilization are the NBA and MLB, while most recently the Olympics are using VR to give fans a new experience.