Manchester City Brings Matchday To VR
Manchester City, in collaboration with Jaunt Inc., has announced the arrival of a new 360° VR fan experience that allows fans to get closer to the matchday action at the Etihad Stadium.
The video captures different moments of the matchday experience and displays them in 360° cinematic VR. Providing access to the players’ changing room and a first-hand look as the players arrive on the blue carpet, whilst also showcasing all the people involved in delivering football moments.
The immersive VR content, the first full football matchday experience available on Jaunt’s VR platform, was filmed using Jaunt’s, Jaunt ONE camera, and premium VR technology. Using a high quality stereo VR, the VR experience gives fans an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the matchday atmosphere in the Etihad Stadium.
Diego Gigliani, senior vice-president of media and innovation for City Football Group said: “There’s nothing that compares with attending a match at the Etihad Stadium, but the emergence of 360 video and virtual reality has allowed us to capture some of that atmosphere and excitement in ways that weren’t possible in the past. 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.”
Dominic Collins, general manager, EMEA, Jaunt VR, added: “Working with a prestigious football club like Manchester City has been an amazing experience. The club is the perfect embodiment of the modern football club, and this is a further example of its commitment to innovation in sport.
“The Manchester City Match Day experience perfectly showcases what can be achieved with modern VR, and complements the fast-paced and passion-filled nature of Premier League football. VR is a new opportunity to engage with hundreds of millions of sports fans across the world, many of whom would otherwise never have the opportunity to experience a sports game at this level.”
The VR experience is best 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. The 360 experience can also be enjoyed in 2D without a VR headset by visiting either Manchester City’s Facebook page or the CityTV YouTube channel.
