A small number of blind and low-vision fans will experience the Super Bowl in a way that goes far beyond audio alone. A new tactile tablet will allow users to track the football in real time through touch, turning every drive, pass, and scramble into something they can physically follow with their hands.
The device, created by OneCourt in partnership with the NFL and Ticketmaster, transforms live game data into raised motion on a tablet surface. Paired with synced audio commentary through headphones, the experience keeps fans connected to the action without the frustrating delays that often come with radio or streaming broadcasts.
This year’s setup will be available at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where Seattle faces New England on February 8. Around ten attendees are expected to use the tactile system from their seats, listening to a live broadcast feed from Westwood One while tracking the game directly beneath their fingertips.
For fans who rely on audio alone, timing has always been a challenge. Even a short delay can ruin a key moment when the crowd reacts before the play is described. By combining touch and live commentary, the OneCourt tablet keeps everything aligned so the moment arrives when it should.
A football field you can feel
The tablet itself is roughly the size of a thick iPad, with raised outlines that map the full football field. As the ball moves, users can feel its position shift upfield, toward the sidelines, or back toward the line of scrimmage. Keeping both hands on the surface gives fans a spatial sense of the play as it unfolds.
Vibration cues add another layer of detail. Different patterns signal specific events, such as a snap, a major gain, or a change in possession. These subtle alerts help fans recognize key moments instantly, even before someone nearby reacts.
According to OneCourt, the NFL has already tested the system at 15 regular-season games. Teams involved in those trials included the Seahawks, Jaguars, 49ers, Falcons, and Vikings. Bringing the technology to the Super Bowl marks its highest-profile appearance so far.
Touch alone would not be enough to follow a complex sport like football. That is why the tablet is designed to work alongside live audio, ensuring what fans feel matches what they hear. The result is a more complete understanding of each play, without relying on delayed streams or secondhand explanations.
What comes next for tactile sports tech
While football is the focus for the Super Bowl, OneCourt is already expanding into other leagues. The company has partnered with NBA and Major League Baseball teams to bring similar tactile experiences to basketball courts and baseball diamonds. Discussions are also underway with the NHL and additional sports organizations.
For now, access remains limited, and details about how fans request a device or how widely it will be offered in the future are still unclear. The real test will come next season, when fans will see whether this kind of tactile access becomes a standard accommodation at stadiums rather than a special trial.
As assistive technology continues to evolve, tools like OneCourt’s tablet point toward a future where live sports are not just heard, but felt. For blind and low-vision fans, that shift could make attending a game as immersive and intuitive as it is for anyone else.
Related accessibility innovations can be explored through resources like the American Foundation for the Blind and broader coverage of assistive technology at Florida Reporter Tech.
