In an outstanding breakthrough for inclusivity, visually impaired supporters of the Denver Nuggets have been given a remarkable opportunity to experience the excitement of a basketball game like never before at Ball Arena. Thanks to innovative technology, these fans can now feel every pass, shot, and swift counterattack through their fingertips.
For many years, Julie and Dan Deaton, devoted followers of Denver's NBA team, have engaged with the games solely through radio broadcasts, much like numerous other blind fans. Julie, who serves as the executive director of the Colorado Center for the Blind, was among the trailblazers to test out OneCourt's groundbreaking tactile broadcast technology during a recent game against the Atlanta Hawks. This handheld device employs haptic feedback to convert live game action into vibrations that users can feel, effectively translating the dynamics of ball movement and gameplay into a tactile experience.
"Most spectators are able to visually perceive the events unfolding in real-time during a game," Deaton explained prior to the game’s start. "The prospect of using my fingertips to sense the action on the court genuinely excites me. I can't wait to experience this firsthand."
Deaton has been at the helm of the Colorado Center for the Blind for over 25 years, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals who have lost their sight. They focus on teaching essential skills that enable independence, demonstrating that blindness does not equate to a lack of opportunities.
At the center, students learn vital life skills, including how to navigate independently with canes and public transportation, cook and maintain hygiene safely, operate adaptive technologies such as screen readers and voiceover software, read Braille, and prepare for gainful employment. Additionally, the center emphasizes building confidence by engaging blind children with positive role models.
"Losing your vision doesn't signify the end of your life," Deaton asserted. "You can still engage fully in society."
This empowering philosophy extends into her passion for sports. A lifelong resident of Colorado, Deaton grew up listening to basketball games, even when the team was known as the Denver Rockets. As an adult, she generally tunes into Nuggets games on the radio and seldom attends games in person.
"The game's pace is exhilarating, and I adore that," she remarked. "Listening via the radio is always engaging. However, being present in the arena offers an entirely different atmosphere."
That very atmosphere was what made Friday night’s experience particularly unforgettable. The OneCourt device accurately reflects the court in real-time, enabling blind and low-vision fans to track the ball’s location, speed, and movements through touch. Deaton expressed that this technology provides an experience she had never encountered before at a live sporting event.
"I see this device as a means for us to engage actively," she noted. "It’s akin to visiting a museum where you can interact with the exhibits rather than merely passing by images you cannot see."
She likened the experience to employing multiple senses simultaneously, a phenomenon she believes is often overlooked.
"You don’t need to see to sense the energy around you," Deaton shared. "Whether it’s here at Ball Arena, hiking through the mountains, or skiing down a slope, there’s so much richness in life that transcends mere sight."
Looking ahead, she hopes the reach of this technology expands beyond basketball to encompass various sports.
"As individuals who are blind, the more avenues we have to actively engage in life, the better," Deaton commented. "That’s what truly matters."
The Denver Nuggets have partnered with Ticketmaster and OneCourt to provide this tactile broadcast technology at each home game this season. Attendees can access five devices at no cost, available on a first-come, first-served basis through Guest Services.
