Atlanta Braves Enter The Metaverse

The Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball franchise has become the first in the league to embrace the so-called ‘metaverse’ by creating a digital twin of its home stadium, Truist Park.

The virtual platform, created by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine technology, gives fans the opportunity to experience Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta in an immersive environment.

The launch of Digital Truist Park comes after the Brooklyn Nets NBA basketball franchise claimed last month to become the first professional sports team to enter the metaverse with the launch of an innovative video system that creates 3D renderings of the action on the court.

Derek Schiller, the Braves’ President and CEO, said, “It’s exciting to create a new way for our fans to connect with our team and their favourite ballpark. The digital version of Truist Park will offer limitless opportunities to create unique fan engagements in the metaverse and we are proud to be the first team to offer this immersive experience.

“We look forward to building enhancements along the way which will continue to showcase the innovation of the Braves brand in the digital world.”

Inside the virtual stadium, fans will be able to create and customise avatars; explore exclusive areas of Truist Park; enjoy exclusive content, performances and meet-and-greets; meet and interact with other Braves fans from around the world; and experience Braves’ history through interactive features, including a look back at the team’s 2021 World Series triumph.

The franchise added that the initiative, as well as future innovations with Web3, NFTs, cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based technologies will “position the Braves for future generations of fans”.

In partnership with MLB and SURREAL Events, the Braves will host an exclusive first look at Digital Truist Park in April, with fans able to apply for pre-registration for the event via the team’s website.

Image credit: Atlanta Braves