The Detroit Pistons NBA franchise has teamed up with immersive AI technology company MeetKai to launch a new virtual arena experience for fans.
Detroit Pistons World will enable fans to sample an exact replica of the Pistons’ home court at Little Caesars Arena. Users will be cheered on by fans as they compete in a mini-game where they can test their skills with a t-shirt cannon, aiming to hit targets and win prizes.
The virtual arena will also serve as a hub for future sponsorships, offering fans an opportunity to engage with brands in new ways. The experience has been launched after the Pistons announced a partnership with MeetKai earlier in the year.
The experience will be powered by MeetKai’s digital twin technology and will also feature a virtual fan marketplace, where supporters can visit a digital recreation of the in-person Pistons team store. The store will enable them to ‘try on’ merchandise before making a purchase.
A new feature for MeetKai is the locker room, which will include a digital tour for fans and will house new weekly content. This area of Detroit Pistons World will also include virtual meet-and-greets with players.
MeetKai’s avatar customisation technology will also be used to enable fans to easily create their own personalised avatars by uploading three selfies. The experience will offer a range of Pistons-themed clothing options.
James Kaplan, co-founder and chief executive of MeetKai, said: “We are incredibly excited to bring this immersive virtual experience to life in collaboration with the Pistons. With a vision to bring fans closer to the game, this collaboration marks a transformative step in how sports teams engage with their global fan base, blending the physical and digital worlds in a way that has never been done before.”
Adam Falkson, vice-president of business intelligence at the Pistons, added: “At the Pistons, we’re focused on staying at the forefront of innovation and investing in the technologies that are reshaping the future of the game and sports fan engagement. Debuting this experience is a testament to our commitment to bringing Pistons fans closer to the action, no matter where they are, and we look forward to seeing how our partnership with MeetKai evolves and elevates how our beloved fans interact with us.”
