NextVR continued Virtual Reality expansion at U.S. Open

NextVR added the U.S. Open to its long list of successful Virtual Reality broadcasts this weekend.

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In recent months, sports fans have had the new opportunity to view some of the biggest sporting events through Virtual Reality thanks to NextVR. Events such as the NCAA tournament, the Home Run Derby and select International Champions Cup games have been available to watch through their app and technology. Now the latest major event to be added to the company’s VR broadcasting list was the U.S. Open.

“The use of Virtual Reality is a major milestone in our organization’s technological development,” USTA CRO Lew Sherr said in a statement. “This collaboration with NextVR will offer our fans an unmatched experience of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships. We are eager to bring tennis enthusiasts courtside as they watch renowned champions compete for the final Grand Slam title of the year.”

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This experience was made available through a partnership between NextVR and the United States Tennis Association (USTA). From Sept. 8 to 11, fans were able to watch parts from six men’s and women’s semifinals and finals matches thanks to numerous cameras that were set up throughout Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. Fans were also be able to experience a virtual welcome tour led by tennis legend Billie Jean King, as well as an inside look at the venue’s new retractable roof and behind-the-scenes access.

“We are giving sports fans across the globe a courtside seat at one of the world’s most anticipated tennis tournaments,” NextVR executive chairman Brad Allen said in a statement. “This broadcast will mark the first time that both NextVR and the USTA have showcased the US Open in Virtual Reality, and we look forward to making history together at this premier event.”

To get access to the VR content, fans just needed to purchase a Samsung Gear VR headset, own a Samsung mobile device and download their free app from the Oculus Store.