The NFL and Google to launch VR series on Youtube and Daydream.

The NFL and Google announced an expansion of their relationship that will allow fans around the world to see the NFL as never before in virtual reality.  NFL Films,  will produce a 9-part series that gives viewers a 360-degree perspective of life in and around the NFL – from players, to coaches, to executives, to cheerleaders, to the fans themselves – detailing how each prepares for game day in a completely new and immersive way.

The first episode of the virtual reality series will be available to watch via the NFL channel on YouTube on Thanksgiving Day.  Later this year, episodes will also be available via the NFL VR app designed for Daydream, Google’s high-quality mobile VR offering, along with other immersive content experiences.

This will be the NFL’s first foray into producing content in virtual reality, after having experimented with the technology last season.  The series will also be the first episodic sports program in virtual reality.

“We are always looking for new ways to engage with our fans.  Virtual reality is an emerging platform that enables content experiences with a truly unique vantage point that brings fans closer to the game,” said Vishal Shah, Senior Vice President, Digital Media at the NFL.  “It’s an exciting new medium to explore as we look to evolve and grow our offerings, and this partnership with Google is an important step in that direction.”

The NFL Films series is currently in production and being shot using Jump, Google’s 360-degree camera and capture system.  In the first episode of the series, viewers will spend a week with the Philadelphia Eagles defensive line as they prepare for the upcoming matchup and gain exclusive access to the Eagles bench and sideline on game day.  Other episodes will give viewers the opportunity to tag along with the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, experience the distinctive football culture in Green Bay, and take a unique look inside the San Diego Chargers organization, to name a few.

“This series will give fans an opportunity to connect with the NFL like never before, whether they are on YouTube or using Google’s virtual reality headset, Daydream View,” said Amit Singh, Vice President, Google VR.  “We’re thrilled to work with the NFL to capture the series with Jump and bring it to YouTube and Daydream.”

“NFL Films has always been known for telling great football stories and capturing the emotional essence of our sport,” said Ross Ketover, Senior Executive at NFL Films.  “Now using Google VR technology, there’s potential to do that in a whole new way and we’re excited to bring that perspective to our fans.”

Minnesota Vikings fans can experience the team legacy in VR before games next season.

Minnesota Vikings fans will be able to experience the team like never before  in a 10,000-square foot interactive space located in the northwest corner of U.S. Bank Stadium. Set to be completed prior to the Vikings first preseason game fans will have the opportunity to participate in combine-themed events, including catching passes while wearing a virtual reality Vikings helmet, running a shuttle drill against a current Vikings player’s pace, and hitting a tackling sled that measures impact force. The space allows fans to track scores and compete against others at the various stations by wearing bracelets connected to the RFID system.

Designed by Dimensional Innovations and featuring MVP virtual reality technology, the privately-funded Voyage will be free for fans of all ages and open during all Vikings events. Within the innovative space, “As an organization, we constantly look to innovate and provide the best fan experience possible, and our approach was no different with the addition of the Vikings Voyage,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “The Voyage will bring fans together, allowing them to engage with their family and friends while celebrating Vikings history.”

Source: Vikings.com