In recent months, sports fans have had the new opportunity to view some of the biggest sporting events through virtual reality thanks to NextVR. To name a few, events such as NCAA’s March Madness, the 2016 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, and select International Champions Cup games have all been available to watch through their app and technology. Now the latest major event to be added to their VR broadcasting list was the US Open over the weekend.
“The use of virtual reality is a major milestone in our organization’s technological development. This collaboration with NextVR will offer our fans an unmatched experience of the US Open Tennis Championships. We are eager to bring tennis enthusiasts courtside as they watch renowned champions compete for the final Grand Slam title of the year,” said Chief Revenue Officer of the USTA, Lew Sherr.
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This experience was made available through a partnership between NextVR and the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA). Between the dates of Thursday, September 8th and Sunday, September 11th, fans were able to watch parts from six men’s and women’s Semifinals and Finals matches thanks to numerous cameras that were set up throughout Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. Fans were also be able to experience a virtual welcome tour led by tennis legend Billie Jean King, as well as an inside look at the venue’s new retractable roof and behind-the-scenes access.
Exclusive #VR tour of #USOpen w/ legend @BillieJeanKing now in @USOpen Channel on NextVR. https://t.co/H2Pmru92u3 pic.twitter.com/98NbUwDhST
— NextVR (@nextvr) September 8, 2016
“We are giving sports fans across the globe a courtside seat at one of the world’s most anticipated tennis tournaments. This broadcast will mark the first time that both NextVR and the USTA have showcased the US Open in virtual reality, and we look forward to making history together at this premier event,” said Executive Chairman of NextVR, Brad Allen.
To get access to the virtual reality content, fans just needed to purchase a Samsung Gear VR headset, own a Samsung mobile device and download their free app from the Oculus Store. The headset costs $99 but with how quickly NextVR has been spreading through the sports industry, there may not be any games or events NOT broadcast in VR in the near future.