Verizon continues to bring 5G capabilities to Sacramento, as the technology came courtside over the weekend to deliver a live 360 virtual reality experience to 20 fans at the Sacramento Kings basketball game.
Local youth from the Men’s and Women’s Leadership Academy and College Track Sacramento used AR/VR goggles to get a 360-degree view of the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers, delivered via a courtside camera feed streamed over Verizon’s 5G technology.
Verizon said this was the first time a professional U.S. sports franchise used 5G to enable a live VR fan experience.
“We’re giving fans a sneak peek at how 5G will ultimately change the way spectators experience live games, whether inside or outside of the arena, at home or on the go,” said Brian Mecum, VP of Network Engineering at Verizon, in a statement. “As 5G evolves, it will change the stadium experience offering real-time information on how to best get to your seats, wait-times at concession stands and restrooms, and customized content like exclusive perspectives from coaches and players before, during and after the game. It will also give access to a whole new audience of people who previously may never have had the opportunity to watch championship games live from the front row.”
Earlier this year, Verizon demoed 5G-powered goggles with NBA players Bradley Beal and Anthony Davis, who practiced shooting drills in real time.
Verizon has also brought 5G in-home broadband to customers in Sacramento as one of the first four cities where the company launched its fixed wireless 5G internet service in October.
Filed Under: Carriers
