LOS ANGELES – The first few moments in the VR headset are filled with coastal views and seaside streets. Then, former LA Galaxy midfielder Nigel de Jong appears and it seems as if he’s five feet away, standing on the pitch at StubHub Center–so close you can see the abs under his purple t-shirt. Surrounding you on all sides elsewhere, a bright Los Angeles day and sunbathed grandstands.
That’s the view from a Laduma headset loaded with Galaxy content. Produced with Laduma exclusively for the Galaxy, the content is meant to bring fans closer, both in feeling and perceived proximity, to the team.
“We have young players that have great stories, we have older players like Steven Gerrard that are coming here and have a new experience that have amazing stories. And then to be able to tell that story in this way… it’s so impressive to me,” said LA Galaxy president Chris Klein.
In addition to upcoming headset access provided at Stubhub Center, fans can download the LA Galaxy VR app, launched on Sept. 1. The app (available through iTunes and Google Play) allows viewers to access the 360 degree VR content, including a five-part series, through “all VR platforms,” according to a press release. The app allows the team to expand their fan base globally.
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“Our aim with the Galaxy was not just to attract new fans in the U.S. It was about bringing fans from all around the world who are maybe not just soccer fans, but fans of just going to LA for a few minutes,” said Ben Smith, CEO of Laduma.
With the Laduma content focusing on the players, Galaxy president Chris Klein sees an opportunity to connect with young fans. The five-part series featured on the app includes looks into the lives of Galaxy players Gerard, Ashley Cole, Gyasi Zardes, Jelle Van Damme and Robbie Keane.
“Our sport, more than any other–more than basketball, more than football, more than hockey, more than baseball–is positioned for this next generation. They want to see stuff like this,” Klein said.
The headset, with the help of a pair of headphones, completely transports the viewer to another place. To some, that may sound disorienting. But the idea of a new, cutting-edge experience for Galaxy fans is what drew Klein to the project.
“Being able to produce this takes tremendous partnership, a willingness to put ourselves out there and do things that maybe we’ve never tried before, and that’s where a great partner like Leduma comes in to where we can lean on them and their expertise to build off of and make a fantastic product,” Klein said.