A Scottish technology company is helping to change the way disabled people can experience their favorite sports teams after releasing the UK’s first ever virtual reality accessible stadium tour, which provides the fans a chance to see how suitable a venue is before they attend.
OOVIRT has partnered with Dundee United soccer club to provide a full stadium virtual walk-through of Tannadice Park giving both home and away visitors the ability to go from the perimeter of the venue, all the way into the stands, accessible toilets, the players’ tunnel and changing rooms, and even virtually walk on the pitch.
“Research has shown that disabled people, their families and friends, believe many venues could do more to help disabled people access the information they need. It benefits wheelchair users, older people and those living with autism, among others, to know exactly how accessible a venue or destination will be for them,” said Richard Meiklejohn, managing director at OOVIRT.
The technology works in a similar fashion to Google Maps’ Street View with the browser-based tour being controlled by the click of a mouse or using keyboard cursor keys. As well as being able to choose to view the accessibility sections of Tannadice Park, users are able to choose other stadium areas such as seating around the ground.
“We are delighted with the way the virtual reality tour has turned out and have already had some great feedback,” said Joe Rice, head of communication at Dundee United. “By working with OOVIRT to produce something with this quality of information, Dundee United is supporting the work of organizations like The Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFÉ) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission by improving the provision of information for all venues.”
As well as a drive to make soccer more inclusive for over 13 million disabled people in the UK, the stadium tour will also be used as a business case for the club whereby it can entice potential visitors with the ability to look at the view from stands, hospitality areas and corporate suites around the stadium before they purchase tickets.
March 28, 2018
