Manchester City give global fanbase ‘a taste’ of matchdays with latest VR collaboration

Manchester City have announced a collaboration with virtual reality (VR) firm Jaunt Inc. to give fans the chance to get closer to the matchday action.

In partnership with the tech firm, the club have released a new 360° video offering on Jaunt’s VR platform.

The project will let supporters experience the sights and sounds of matchdays at the Etihad both on and off the pitch, including exclusive access to the players’ changing room and a first-hand look at the team as they arrive on the Blue Carpet.

Created using Jaunt’s VR technology, City said the experience is best viewed using the Jaunt VR App but is available across a number of platforms, including Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PlayStation VR.

For those without access to a VR device, the experience is viewable on Facebook and YouTube.

The senior vice-president of media and innovation at MCFC owner City Football Group, Diego Gigliani, said: “There’s nothing that compares with attending a match at the Etihad Stadium, but the emergence of 360 video and virtual reality has allowed us to capture some of that atmosphere and excitement in ways that weren’t possible in the past.

“As our fan base continues to grow, both within the UK and globally, we want all of our fans to get a taste for what it’s like to be at the Etihad Stadium – from cheering in the stands and watching players line up in the tunnel to welcoming the team off the bus and standing by-side with the stewards ensuring the crowd’s safety.”

He added: “We hope this pilot on the Jaunt platform reaches both existing and new fans, and reaffirms our commitment to exploring innovative ways of using VR to enhancing the fan experience to Manchester City fans, near and far.”

The offer is the first full football matchday video made available via Jaunt.