In a groundbreaking move for Australian sport, the AFL, in collaboration with Telstra, is set to revolutionize the fan experience at Marvel Stadium with the introduction of the Telstra Touch and Track technology. This innovative technology, a first of its kind in Australia, aims to provide blind and low-vision individuals with a unique way to engage with live sports events.
The Telstra Touch and Track devices will be unveiled at Marvel Stadium this weekend, marking a significant milestone in making sports more accessible for all fans. These devices will be available for blind and vision-impaired attendees at all AFL matches held at Marvel Stadium starting from Round 15 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Telstra has partnered with Field of Vision and Champion Data to develop the Touch and Track tablet, a handheld device that offers a tactile map of the AFL field, allowing visually impaired individuals to feel the on-field action through vibrations and real-time ball movement tracking. This technology, supported by Telstra’s high-speed network, enhances the live sports experience for fans with disabilities.
The Touch and Track tablet, equipped with a ring-shaped magnet that mimics the ball’s position, utilizes Champion Data’s advanced tracking system with high-mounted cameras to provide accurate ball movement data. Vibrations on the device indicate key moments in the game, such as goals and kicks, enabling fans to follow the match’s intensity and flow through touch.
Each team on the field will have a distinct vibration pattern, aiding fans in identifying the teams and their direction of play. The technology can also be paired with low-latency radio commentary via the Marvel Stadium app, further enhancing the user experience for blind and low-vision spectators.
With over 450,000 Australians living with blindness or low vision, the introduction of the Telstra Touch and Track technology represents a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility in sports. The collaboration between Telstra and the AFL underscores their commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment for all fans, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the excitement of live footy.
AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial, Bec Haagsma, emphasized the importance of this partnership in creating a more inclusive sports culture. The initiative reflects the ongoing efforts to connect fans with the sports they love, making significant strides in ensuring that the game remains accessible to a diverse audience.
Marty McGrath, Telstra’s Product and Technology Executive, expressed pride in leveraging technical innovation to enhance the accessibility of live sports. The Touch and Track technology represents a significant advancement in making sports more inclusive, with the aim of expanding this offering to stadiums nationwide in the future.
Shaun Keath, a vision-impaired player and Bulldogs supporter, shared his enthusiasm for the new technology, highlighting how it empowers blind and low-vision fans to engage with the game in real-time. By actively involving individuals from the blind and low-vision community in testing the device, Telstra aims to ensure that the technology meets the diverse needs of fans with disabilities.
Marvel Stadium’s commitment to providing fan-first experiences and supporting inclusive innovations has been instrumental in implementing the Telstra Touch and Track technology. The stadium’s proactive approach in embracing new technologies sets a precedent for other venues to follow suit in creating more accessible sports experiences for all fans.
As Telstra continues to lead the way in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports, the introduction of the Touch and Track technology at Marvel Stadium marks a significant milestone in enhancing the live sports experience for blind and low-vision individuals. By prioritizing accessibility and innovation, Telstra and the AFL are setting a new standard for fan engagement in the sporting world.
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