A Visionary Goal: Headset Brings Premier League Matches to Visually Impaired Fans
TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com
Crystal Palace sets a new standard for accessibility with groundbreaking technology.
Transforming Matchday for Visually Impaired Fans
Crystal Palace Football Club has become the first in the world to implement permanent technology for visually impaired fans, revolutionizing how they experience live matches. The innovative Give Vision headset, launched earlier this season, utilizes a private 5G network at Selhurst Park to provide live, high-definition visuals of the game.
A Game-Changer for Fans Like Neale Ormston
For lifelong Crystal Palace supporter Neale Ormston, the headset has reignited his love for attending matches.
“It’s given the enjoyment factor a complete buzz,” he said. “Being able to see the far side of the pitch, fans cheering—it’s fantastic. It’s enabled people to come back and be part of something instead of being stuck at home.”
How the Technology Works
The Give Vision headset offers two key functions:
-
Magnification: Acts as a digital magnifying glass, zooming in on specific areas of the pitch or stadium.
-
Live Feed: Streams real-time footage directly from the broadcast feed, mirroring the experience of watching on TV but with the immersive atmosphere of the stadium.
Joanna Liddington from Give Vision likened it to hearing aids: “It allows people to regain some of that sight by stimulating photoreceptor cells in the retina.”
Accessibility Movement Gains Momentum
Crystal Palace hopes this pioneering technology will inspire other clubs to adopt similar measures.
“This is a movement for accessibility,” said Sharon Lacey, Crystal Palace’s chief operating officer. “Clubs across the Premier League are keen to make sport more inclusive.”
The technology relies on robust 5G connectivity installed stadium-wide, ensuring all fans—home and away—can access the service from any seat.
“If we were using WiFi, it would be very difficult,” explained Sam Jackman from Shared Access, the company behind the 5G platform. “With this network, every fan gets to benefit from the experience.”
The initiative marks a significant step forward in making football more accessible to everyone, reinforcing Crystal Palace’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation.
Related Posts