Penn State announces VR sports channel, free headset

(Image courtesy Penn State.)
(Image courtesy Penn State.)

Press release: Penn State Athletics Launching Virtual Reality Channel

Nittany Lions fans to have access to exclusive virtual reality content; will receive free VR headset to watch content from all 31 programs

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.– Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics and EON Sports VR today announced a partnership to create a virtual reality (VR) channel, LionVision VR, for the Nittany Lions’ loyal and passionate alumni and fans.

The partnership between Penn State and EON Sports VR, the world’s leading virtual reality sports training and fan experience company, is among the first offerings nationally in intercollegiate athletics to provide fans with an all-access virtual reality channel.

Through EON Sports’ proprietary technology, Penn Staters can view dynamic content via their iOS or Android based smartphone. LionVision VR will provide fans a behind-the-scenes views of practice, pre and post game locker room coaches’ talks and a wide array of iconic Penn State experiences, while immersed inside a customized virtual reality environment. LionVision VR sales will launch on August 25.

To access LionVision VR, Penn State fans will have the opportunity to purchase an annual subscription to LionVision VR for $29.95 in this first year. The 2016-17 subscription will run through June 30, 2017 and include a free, Penn State branded Dodocase VR headset, sent directly to subscribers who sign up by October 3. Updated practice footage, scrimmages, huddles, and interviews from all 31 teams, are just a few examples of content to be presented on LionVision VR.

“Penn Staters are the most passionate alumni and fans in the nation,” said Michael Cross, Assistant Athletic Director for New Business Development. “LionVision VR will allow Nittany Lion fans spread across the world to see, hear and feel what it’s like to be part of practice and game day in ways that were never previously possible. This is the next best thing to being in State College. If you love Penn State, you can look forward to having regular experiences with LionVision VR.”

“We’re very excited to partner with Penn State Athletics, and together, look forward to providing Nittany Lion fans with a fresh and exciting way to view content,” said Brendan Reilly, CEO and founder of EON Sports VR. “Additionally, we commend Penn State for being the first Big Ten University to lead the charge within the Virtual Reality fan-engagement space.”

The technology and hardware is available for purchase, starting August 25 at GoPSUsports.com/vr. Fans who subscribe by October 3, 2016, will receive a free Penn State branded head set to view the content in VR. Penn State plans to debut the new technology to fans in mid-October, building toward content from all 31 teams during the upcoming year.

About Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics

Penn State Athletics boasts one of the nation’s most comprehensive and successful athletic programs, featuring approximately 800 student-athletes across 31 sports. Penn State student-athletes have an NCAA Graduation Success Rate of 88 percent and have earned 193 CoSIDA Academic All-America selections, the fourth-highest total among all Division I programs. The Nittany Lions have won 76 team national championships and 97 Big Ten Conference crowns all-time and their 29 NCAA Championships since 1992-93 are the most of any Big Ten institution. For more information, visit GoPSUsports.com.

About EON Sports VR

EON Sports VR is the world’s leading interactive 3D software provider for sports performance training and also specialized in fan engagement. Established in 2013, EON Sports VR uses cutting edge visualization software to help coaches coach, and athletes get better. EON Sports VR technology is currently helping athletes in the MLB, NFL, Big 10, SEC, ACC, Pac 12, Big 12 and MAC conferences, as well as hundreds of youth and high school teams. EON Sports VR is the only developer of a simulator that can be powered by the smartphone, and currently works with thousands of athletes nationwide as part of their daily training regimen. For more information, visit www.eonsportsvr.com.