How I Experienced a Diamondbacks Game Without Seeing It

A New Way to Experience Live Sports

Technology has made the world more accessible. Whether it’s something as complex as screen-reading software on phones and laptops or as basic as an elevator or ramp, life is easier for most people. However, for someone who is completely blind, experiencing live sports can be a challenge. I was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma when I was 5, and while technology has helped me navigate daily life, it hasn’t always kept up with the excitement of live sports. That’s where OneCourt comes in.

OneCourt is a company that aims to change how blind and low-vision fans experience live games. Their device is designed to provide real-time information about a game through audio and tactile vibrations. I had the opportunity to try this innovative tool at a recent Arizona Diamondbacks game and found it both impressive and groundbreaking.

The OneCourt Device: A Game-Changer

The OneCourt device is about the size of a tablet and offers a unique way to experience a game. It converts live gameplay into audio and tactile feedback, allowing users to feel and hear what's happening on the field. In addition to the audio and vibrational cues, the device also simulates the playing surface, which in my case was a baseball field.

When I first tried the device, I was amazed by how accurately it recreated the layout of the field. For someone who has never seen a baseball field, this level of detail was crucial. The bases, the outfield, and even the pitcher’s mound were all clearly represented, giving me a sense of the game's structure.

As the game began, the pitcher’s mound started to vibrate, and I could feel the movement of the ball as it was thrown. The device also provided audio updates after each pitch, describing everything from a home run to a foul ball. This feature allowed me to stay informed about every play without relying on visual cues.

Real-Time Information and User Experience

One of the standout features of the OneCourt device is its speed. The delay between the action on the field and the vibrations on the device is minimal—probably less than a second. This quick response time means that users can keep up with the fast-paced nature of live sports.

However, the amount of information processed in such a short time can be overwhelming. I found myself moving my hands quickly to catch all the vibrations, which sometimes made it difficult to track where the feedback was coming from. While this might seem like a drawback, I actually see it as a positive. The goal is to give blind or low-vision fans the closest experience to seeing the game as possible, and the more information the better.

Expanding the Reach of OneCourt

OneCourt was founded in September 2021 by CEO and owner Jerred Mace. The idea came from a video he saw of someone describing a soccer match to a blind person using a game board. Since then, the company has partnered with several NBA teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Portland Trail Blazers, to bring the OneCourt device to their fans.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are the first MLB team to offer this device, and I was excited to try it out. My experience with the OneCourt device was positive, and I hope that more professional teams will adopt this technology in the future.

Looking Ahead

While there is still room for improvement, the OneCourt device represents a significant step forward in making live sports more inclusive. As technology continues to evolve, it's essential that innovations like this become more widely available. For fans who are blind or have low vision, these tools can make all the difference in experiencing the thrill of live sports.