NFL American football franchise the Minnesota Vikings has claimed a first for the league with the launch of a new virtual reality application, Vikings VR, that will provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Vikings VR app is compatible with the Oculus Rift and Gear VR and will also be available for Oculus Go.
The app will feature 360-degree videos and photos from Vikings games and events at U.S. Bank Stadium. The app will offer content from various phases from throughout the construction of the venue, as well as action from the first regular-season game at the stadium and every home game since.
“Virtual reality and 360 content is very important to our organisation,” the Vikings’ executive director of digital media and innovation, Scott Kegley, said. “We understand only a small percentage of our large fan base is able to attend a Vikings game or event. We want to bring experiences to them, and immersive technology is allowing us to do that.”
U.S. Bank Stadium has a capacity of 66,000 and opened in July 2016.
The Vikings have partnered with VR/360 company Zeality on the initiative.
Zeality co-founder and chief executive Dipak M. Patel said: “We’re excited to partner with the Vikings to drive a new category of experiences for their fans and partners.
“The Vikings are not only innovating new ways of creating content using immersive media, they are also one of the leaders in delivering these experiences to their fans.”
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