NHL and Ticketmaster expand tactile game access for blind fans
OneCourt tablets will be available free at major North American league events and at home games of four NHL clubs.
Blind and low-vision hockey fans will have free access to OneCourt tablets at the NHL’s major North American events this season under a programme announced by the league and Ticketmaster on Thursday.
The devices use vibrations to convey live game action. The NHL says the system will draw on its NHL EDGE puck and player tracking data so fans can follow play through touch.
The programme began at the Heritage Classic in Winnipeg on Oct. 25. Its next stops include the Winter Classic in Salt Lake City on Dec. 31, All-Star Weekend at UBS Arena on Feb. 5-6 and the Stadium Series in Arlington on Feb. 20.
Colorado, Washington, Chicago and Detroit will also introduce the tablets at their home games, becoming the first four NHL clubs to offer them. OneCourt chief executive Jerred Mace said hockey had been a request from the company’s community since its early days.
