Crystal Palace FC rolls out vision enhancement tech

Crystal Palace, a top football club in the Premier League, has teamed up with GiveVision and Shared Access to provide an innovative visual aid system for fans experiencing vision loss. This groundbreaking technology is set to launch at the Crystal Palace vs Manchester United match at Selhurst Park on September 21st, and it will be accessible to supporters from both teams.

The GiveVision headset, which operates on a specialized 5G network set up by Shared Access, allows fans to watch live match footage as it happens. This technology sends a three-dimensional video feed directly to the user’s retina, improving their existing vision and helping them to closely follow the action on the field.

The breakthrough here is the private 5G network set up at Selhurst Park. Unlike regular broadcasts, which can have delays, the GiveVision headsets powered by 5G get a smooth, real-time feed. This means users can watch every moment perfectly in line with what’s happening on the field.

In contrast to public networks, this private 5G setup has its own dedicated radio frequency, which helps it avoid slowdowns caused by the many mobile devices that are active during game days. This ensures a smooth experience for GiveVision users. The network spans the whole stadium, letting fans with partial sight enjoy their regular seats instead of being restricted to specific zones. Given that one in 30 individuals in the UK faces some level of vision impairment, this project fills an important need for better accessibility in football.

Sharon Lacey, the Chief Operating Officer of Crystal Palace FC, stated: “Crystal Palace FC is committed to inclusivity and wants everyone to have a special matchday experience at Selhurst Park. We are excited to implement GiveVision technology, which we believe will enhance our matchday services while supporting our continuous efforts in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion throughout the club and our community. Alongside the introduction of GiveVision and our collaboration with Shared Access, we are also the first Premier League club to install a private 5G network to ensure a smooth experience for users of GiveVision.”

Sam Jackman, the Chief Development Officer at Shared Access, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We've collaborated with Crystal Palace for more than five years, so when they came to us looking for a solution to introduce the impressive GiveVision technology throughout their stadium for their fans, we eagerly accepted the opportunity. While private 5G networks are still in the early stages, partnering with organizations like Crystal Palace is an excellent way to inspire and push the boundaries of technology in sports, driving innovation in this field.”

Joanna Liddington, the Head of Operations at GiveVision, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration: "We are thrilled to join forces with Shared Access and Crystal Palace FC, which has become the first football club globally to adopt our cutting-edge headsets for fans with visual impairments. This pioneering initiative underscores the club’s dedication to inclusivity and highlights how assistive technology can transform the sports experience. With the 5G network offered by Shared Access, fans with low vision can now follow the game in real-time from any location in the stadium, enjoying the match with their friends and family. Our mission is to ensure that football is accessible to everyone, creating a more inclusive and engaging experience for all supporters."