Imagine experiencing the thrill of a live basketball game without being able to see the action. For visually impaired fans, this has long been a reality—until now. Thanks to groundbreaking technology, blind and low-vision supporters of the Denver Nuggets are now feeling the game in ways they never thought possible. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this isn’t just about watching—it’s about actively participating in the sport they love.
On a recent Friday night at Ball Arena, a group of Nuggets fans embarked on an unprecedented journey. For the first time, they could track every pass, shot, and fast break using a handheld device that translates live gameplay into tactile feedback. This innovation, developed by OneCourt, uses haptic technology to mirror the court’s action in real time, allowing users to feel the game’s rhythm beneath their fingertips.
Among the first to try this technology was Julie Deaton, executive director of the Colorado Center for the Blind. A lifelong basketball enthusiast and native Coloradan, Deaton has spent over 25 years empowering individuals who have lost their vision. Her organization teaches essential life skills—from independent travel and adaptive technology to Braille and employment readiness—all while fostering confidence and independence. And this is the part most people miss: Deaton believes blindness should never limit one’s ability to fully engage with life, whether it’s hiking in the mountains, skiing down slopes, or cheering at a basketball game.
For years, Deaton and her husband, Dan, have followed the Nuggets through radio broadcasts, a common experience for many visually impaired fans. While radio provides a vivid play-by-play, being in the arena offers a unique energy—one that Deaton rarely gets to enjoy in person. But Friday night was different. With the OneCourt device, she could ‘see’ the game through touch, feeling the ball’s movement and the players’ pace as if she were on the court herself.
‘It’s like visiting a museum where you can touch the exhibits instead of just walking past them,’ Deaton explained. She compared the experience to engaging multiple senses simultaneously, a concept often overlooked in a sight-dominated world. ‘You don’t have to see to feel the energy,’ she added. ‘There’s so much more to life than what meets the eye.’
But here’s the controversial part: While this technology is a game-changer for accessibility, it raises questions about inclusivity in sports. Why has it taken so long for such innovations to emerge? And will other sports follow suit? Deaton hopes so, advocating for expanded opportunities across all athletic arenas. ‘The more we can actively participate, the better,’ she said. ‘That’s the key.’
Thanks to a partnership between the Denver Nuggets, Ticketmaster, and OneCourt, this tactile broadcast technology is now available at every Nuggets home game this season. Five devices are offered free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis through Guest Services. It’s a small step toward a more inclusive future—but one that could redefine how visually impaired fans experience live sports.
So, what do you think? Is this technology a long-overdue innovation, or just the tip of the iceberg? Should other sports and entertainment industries adopt similar tools? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
