Virtual Reality

Kings Rocket Department

On Saturday, the Sacramento Kings will become the first United States sports franchise to use Verizon’s 5G technology to deliver a live, in-game, 360 virtual reality experience to fans. Working with Verizon, the Kings are inviting local youth from the Men’s and Women’s Leadership Academy and College Track Sacramento to be the first to experience this technology during Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Each student will experience the game from the simulated perspective of the scorer’s table through immersive virtual reality goggles with content delivered through Verizon’s 5G wireless technology in Golden 1 Center.

“We are excited to be the first professional sports team in the United States with the ability to demonstrate how AR/VR powered by Verizon’s 5G technology can transform the fan experience,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Technology Officer Ryan Montoya. “This is an extension of our commitment to using technology to enhance the way fans engage with the team – whether live streaming a game in virtual reality, downloading real-time statistics via our award winning dual mode app, or watching 4K replays on our ultra HD videoboard, technology allows us to create and deliver engaging content."  

“We continue to deliver first on 5G experiences,” said Verizon Vice President of Network Engineering Brian Mecum. “The Kings are leading the way in using technology to improve fan engagement. The experience we’re demonstrating in Golden 1 Center provides a glimpse into 5G-powered sports entertainment.”

Verizon was first on 5G with the launch of its 5G home service last month in Sacramento, as well as Houston, Los Angeles and Indianapolis, and will also be first to deploy 5G mobile service in 2019.

5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology. 5G will have a massive impact on how we live, learn, work and play. Autonomous cars, smart communities, the industrial Internet of Things (IoT), immersive education—they will all rely on 5G. 5G will usher in the fourth industrial revolution, paving the way for unprecedented innovations that will reshape the world. Ultimately, 5G will be faster, with massive bandwidth, greater opportunities for connectivity and improved network reliability. When fully implemented, 5G will provide up to100x the capacity of today’s 4G LTE network and 20 times faster download speeds. 

The Sacramento Kings Golden 1 Center is recognized as the world’s most technologically advanced and sustainable arena. Recently, the organization has been recognized as Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Company in Sports,” recipient of Sports Business Journal’s “Facility of the Year,” and leaders in sustainability by the Green Sports Alliance. Golden 1 Center sits at the center of the Kings $1 billion investment in downtown Sacramento, sparking dynamic economic growth, a revitalization in the urban core, and a newfound energy that is shaping the next great American city.   

For more information or to buy tickets, visit Kings.com.

WHAT: Community Youth Experience Live, NBA Game Action in Virtual Reality Powered by Verizon 5G Wireless Technology

DATE/TIME: Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Golden 1 Center Esports Training Facility and Content Studio located at 500 David J. Stern Walk in Sacramento

sacramento-kings-and-verizon-demo-first-live-360-virtual-reality-experience-for-fans-powered-by-5g

Sacramento Kings and Verizon Demo First Live 360 Virtual Reality Experience for Fans Powered by 5G

Katie Cracchiolo

Recently, the Sacramento Kings announced an investment in virtual reality leader VOKE. The media company uses its proprietary camera to distribute a 180-degree view of a given event through an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset. The mechanism features six cameras that stitch together seamlessly to provide an undistorted full-width view.

Originally tested by the organization at 2015 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and in two preseason home games, use of the new technology demonstrates the team's ongoing commitment to enhance the fan experience — not only in-arena — but across the globe.

“Around the world, there are fans who may never have the chance to be a part of the spectacle of NBA basketball,” said Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé.

In partnership with Sacramento Kings Foundation, NBA India and Kaiser Permanente, VR was utilized to provide a feed of Sacramento's first regular season game against the L.A. Clippers to fans in-arena, in Dhirubai Ambani International School in Mumbai, India, and at Kaiser Permanente Women and Children’s Center in Roseville, Calf.

The broadcast allowed Kings fans to experience the in-arena excitement in real time courtside.

“Through technology,” Ranadivé added, “we’ll connect with emerging fans, find new ones and provide a truly unique experience.”

Virtual Reality

Sacramento Kings and Verizon Demo First Live 360 Virtual Reality Experience for Fans Powered by 5G

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