The dream of watching live sports courtside from the comfort of your home through VR is steadily becoming a reality. Oculus and Intel have teamed up with Turner Sports and CBS to stream six March Madness games live in VR, with prices starting at just $2.
The NCAA March Madness Live VR app returns for the 2017 basketball tournament which determines the national champion for the season. Gear VR users will be able to download the app and purchase access to watch six games live in VR. Sadly the app isn’t available on the Rift or any other VR headsets.
Here’s the coverage lineup, according to Oculus:
You’ll be able to watch six live VR games as March Madness heats up—with West Region coverage of the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight available in VR for the very first time. Here’s the full schedule of coverage:
- March 23 – Both Regional Semi-Final Games in San Jose
- March 25 – Regional Finals in San Jose
- April 1 – Both Final Four Match-Ups in Phoenix
- April 3 – Championship Game in Phoenix
Silver tickets start at $2 per game, which will get you “an amazing single-camera courtside view with featured commentary from the CBS broadcast. Gold tickets for $3 per game (or $8 for all six games) “let fans watch fully produced VR coverage with multiple camera angles and dedicated game commentary specific to the VR experience.”
With or without a ticket you’ll also be able to tune in to highlight from all six games.
This season the NCAA March Madness Live VR app has seen an overhaul which brings a bracket view to keep track of the tournaments progression, as well as 2D highlight videos, stats, and a virtual shot chart. You can even pick your favorite team to decorate the locker room environment with their colors and logos, complete with the jersey of your MVP hanging on display.