In a move to make America's favorite pastime more accessible, the Arizona Diamondbacks have rolled out a new feature at Chase Field specifically designed for blind and low-vision fans. FOX 10 Phoenix reports that the team has introduced the OneCourt Tactile Broadcast device, a system that allows fans to 'feel' the game through vibrations.
Taylor Merwin from the Diamondbacks described the technology, saying, "What the count is, who’s up to bat, what the score is, all the things your eyes can see," confirming that these fans can now experience this information with ease through the OneCourt device, which vibrates to convey real-time game action. According to a different report by ABC15, Merwin also noted that the device takes live gameplay data from Major League Baseball and translates it into vibrational and auditory signals, thus enabling fans to feel where the ball is on the field and where the players are positioned.
As for availability, it appears there are currently only five devices at the stadium, although Merwin expressed a hope for future expansion; the devices are offered first-come, first-served but can be reserved ahead of time through Sharon Holmes, the team's guest services manager, according to an interview in the ABC15 report. In addition to the in-stadium experience, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation is collaborating with OneCourt to provide these tactile broadcasts as part of their initiative to grow the sport's fan base, working with non-profits to offer free tickets and device reservations for the blind and low-vision community.
A fan, Michaela Griffin, voiced her appreciation for the technology, telling FOX 10 Phoenix, "I wish I could really feel what’s going on and see what’s going on, and I can now!" a sentiment that underscores the significant impact such technology can have on fan experience. The Diamondbacks venture into tactile broadcasting seems well-received, with Merwin expressing in the ABC15 interview hopes that other teams will follow their lead, having already observed success with comparable technologies in the NBA among teams like the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets.
