OneCourt Haptic Device Expands Access to Live Sports at Super Bowl

A new haptic sports device, OneCourt, was trialled at the Super Bowl this year, offering blind attendees a real-time, tactile way to follow the game. Speaking on Double Tap, American Council of the Blind Executive Director Scott Thornhill and Development Officer Kolby Garrison detailed how the technology enabled greater independence and understanding during the live event.

OneCourt combines tactile feedback, audio, and accessible controls in a single device. Users place their hands on a raised surface representing the field, where vibrations track the ball’s movement in real time. An integrated “info” button provides spoken updates including possession, field position, score, and time remaining. “You could actually feel the ball move… in real time,” Thornhill said, noting the synchronisation between haptic feedback and live radio commentary.

Garrison, who has been blind since birth, described the experience as transformative. “Having OneCourt made all the difference… I actually really enjoyed this,” she said, adding that it provided a level of understanding previously unavailable when attending live sports.

The device was accessed through a partnership between the National Football League and the ACB. The league is currently evaluating whether to expand the technology across its 32 teams. OneCourt is already being tested in other sports, including basketball and baseball, with plans for a home-use version in development.

Despite the progress, gaps remain. Thornhill highlighted the absence of live audio description for elements outside gameplay, such as halftime shows and in-stadium events. “That’s something we’re really pushing for,” he said.

The discussion also emphasised the importance of user demand. Garrison noted that individuals can advocate for the technology in local venues, while Thornhill stressed that adoption depends on both accessibility needs and commercial viability.

OneCourt addresses a longstanding barrier in live sports, where blind attendees often rely on companions for commentary. By combining tactile and audio feedback, it offers a more independent and immersive experience. Its potential rollout across major leagues could significantly expand access to live events.

Resources

• OneCourt official website https://www.onecourt.io
• American Council of the Blind (ACB) https://www.acb.org/home