Michigan First School to Use Virtual Reality in Recruiting, Fan Engagement

The University of Michigan athletic department is beginning to utilize Virtual Reality (VR) technology for recruiting and fan engagement.

Virtual Reality allows a user an immersive experience in the virtual environment. 360-degree photographs and videos allow a user to see and hear what they would experience if they were actually in a physical environment. Using this technology, recruits and fans can see and feel campus and athletic facilities from where ever they are.

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The school’s football program is piloting the project with a series of virtual reality films. A “Day in the Life” of a Michigan football player was filmed during fall camp, and “The Gameday Experience” was captured during last weekend’s game against Oregon State.

An immersive experience is coming. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/stKljoCRkv

— Michigan Athletics (@UMichAthletics) August 4, 2015

Michigan’s partner in building the virtual reality experience is HeadcaseVR, a company that builds VR experiences for entertainment and sports brands.

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The school will continue to gather new VR content throughout the 2015-16 academic year. 

Fans can get a glimpse of the technology by downloading the “Michigan VR” app through the iTunes App Store or Google Play.