In a groundbreaking move, Major League Baseball is set to unveil its virtual ballpark for a regular-season showdown. On the 20th of September, fans will have the unique opportunity to step into the digital stadium as they witness the Tampa Bay Rays facing off against the Los Angeles Angels. While the league previously introduced the digital park during a celebrity softball game amidst the All-Star Game festivities this summer, this upcoming game will signify the first instance of a non-exhibition match utilizing this metaverse-like digital arena.
What can fans expect from this cutting-edge experience? Well, for starters, a 3D representation of on-field avatars that mirror the real-time action of the game will be at the heart of the spectacle. These avatars will be tracked using the same Sony Hawk-Eye cameras renowned for their role in providing Statcast data for the league. However, for those who prefer a more conventional viewing experience, fear not! You can still catch the game via the television broadcast, which will be projected on the virtual park’s colossal Jumbotrons hovering around the field and parking area.
But wait, there’s more! To ensure that fans are thoroughly entertained throughout, the stadium will support spatial audio, enhancing the immersive atmosphere. And here’s where it gets even more exciting – you’ll have the opportunity to interact with fellow fans nearby, engage in trivia games, and embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt, all with the chance to win NFT collectible “cards.”
The entire setup seems like something straight out of the future, reminiscent of what you might expect with a VR or AR headset, such as Meta Quest or Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro. However, the intriguing part is that you won’t need any high-tech headgear for this experience. You can access the game right on your flat screens through a web browser. MLB recommends using a desktop or laptop for the best experience, but if you’re on the go, Safari on iOS or Chrome on Android will do the trick for mobile access.
Mark your calendars for 6:40 PM ET on September 20th, as this is when the magic begins. To join in on this digital baseball adventure, you’ll need to create an MLB profile. After that, head over to the park’s webpage, where you can fashion a custom avatar sporting your favorite team’s apparel and dive headfirst into this innovative world of baseball.
And a quick update for you on this exciting development: The article’s headline has been corrected to accurately reflect the team pairing for the game. We sincerely apologize for any confusion. It’s clear that the future of baseball is evolving, and this virtual ballpark is just the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating journey for fans and players alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Virtual Baseball Experience
Q: How can I watch the MLB’s virtual ballpark game on September 20?
A: To watch the MLB’s virtual ballpark game on September 20, you’ll need to create an MLB profile. Afterward, simply head to the park’s webpage to customize your avatar and start exploring the digital stadium.
Q: What is the special feature of the digital park during the game?
A: The digital park offers a 3D representation of on-field avatars that mimic the real-time action of the game. This feature is made possible by the same Sony Hawk-Eye cameras used for Statcast data in the league.
Q: Can I watch the game on my mobile device?
A: Yes, you can tune in on your mobile device. MLB recommends using Safari on iOS or Chrome on Android for the best mobile experience. However, it’s accessible through a web browser on flat screens, so you don’t need VR or AR headsets.
Q: What additional entertainment options are available during the game?
A: Aside from the baseball action, fans can enjoy spatial audio for an immersive atmosphere. Plus, you can interact with nearby fans, play trivia games, and participate in a scavenger hunt with the chance to win NFT collectible “cards.”
Q: Is this the first time MLB has used the virtual ballpark for a regular-season game?
A: Yes, this game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Los Angeles Angels will mark the first non-exhibition game to utilize MLB’s metaverse-like digital park during the regular season.
More about Virtual Baseball Experience
- MLB Official Website: For official updates and information about the virtual ballpark game.
- Sony Hawk-Eye Technology: Learn more about the cutting-edge technology behind the 3D representation of on-field avatars.
- Meta Quest VR Headset: Explore the possibilities of VR headsets, which might offer similar experiences in the future.
- Apple’s Vision Pro: Stay updated on Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro, potentially relevant for immersive sports experiences.
- MLB Profile Creation: Create your MLB profile to access the virtual ballpark experience.
5 comments
trivia and nft cards during the game? count me in!
im so hyped for this, gonna be awesome!
sony hawk eye cams tracking avatars that’s like sci-fi stuff crazy cool
no need vr headset but still immersive sign me up
whoa this sounds super cool i wanna watch this game gotta make a MLB profile