Empire State Review Team 
Brooklyn Nets Introduce OneCourt for Enhanced Fan Experience
A Game-Changer for Visually Impaired Fans
BROOKLYN – Basketball enthusiasts at Barclays Center now have a new way to engage with the game, thanks to the innovative OneCourt device.
How OneCourt Works
The OneCourt technology employs real-time haptic feedback to provide users with tactile sensations that represent the movement of the ball on the court. This allows fans to physically feel each pass, dribble, and shot as they unfold during the game.
Developed by OneCourt, the device utilizes a compact, touch-sensitive panel that delivers updates on the ball’s position and key gameplay moments. In addition, fans can receive live score updates with the press of a button. The system operates on in-arena Wi-Fi or 5G, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the event. More details can be found at onecourt.io.
Fan Testimonials
Long-time sports fan Bryan Velazquez, who is visually impaired, expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s incredible. The atmosphere is amazing. This device is a reassurance of what’s happening.”
Michael Cush, Chief Program Officer at VISIONS, pointed out, “Having a fully immersed experience as somebody who’s blind is really unlike any other sporting event I’ve ever been to.”
Alvin Suarez, another dedicated fan, mentioned, “OneCourt helps bring the fast-paced game to life. Experiencing it this way lets you live the action as you anticipate it.”
Pioneering Accessibility in Sports
The Brooklyn Nets are leading the charge by being the first professional team on the East Coast to implement the OneCourt system. Partnering with Ticketmaster, NBA Launchpad, and VISIONS, the franchise is making the devices available free of charge to fans who attend games.
Suarez further shared, “Even if I can’t see the court, I like being part of the atmosphere. Cheering, booing the bad guys—that’s part of the experience. I really enjoy that as a fan.”
Inspiration Behind OneCourt
Antyush Bollini, co-founder of OneCourt, noted that the inspiration stemmed from witnessing a deaf-blind fan’s unique experience at a soccer match using tactile signing. The goal was to create a more independent and intuitive means for visually impaired fans to enjoy sports without dependence on a companion.
For many users like Velazquez, the device significantly enhances the enjoyment of the game: “You’re not really as lost about what’s happening anymore. You feel where the ball’s going. It adds a whole layer of enjoyment. It’s amazing.”
Conclusion
The introduction of OneCourt by the Brooklyn Nets demonstrates a significant step towards inclusive sports experiences, ensuring that every fan can fully engage with the excitement of live basketball.
