In a groundbreaking move towards inclusivity in sports, Marvel Stadium in Melbourne has become the first venue in Australia to offer a revolutionary technology for blind and low vision fans attending live AFL games. The Telstra Touch and Track device allows these fans to physically feel the game’s movements, offering an experience previously reliant solely on auditory cues.
The technology works by translating the ball’s on-field movements into a Wi-Fi-enabled tablet, leveraging Telstra’s high-speed, low-latency network. Fans can follow the action with their fingers using a small metal ring on a trackpad that mirrors the ball’s movement in real-time.
How the Telstra Touch and Track Device Works
The Telstra Touch and Track device provides an intuitive way for fans to engage with the game through touch rather than sight. As the ball moves, the magnet ring on the device moves correspondingly, allowing fans to feel the game’s intensity and momentum.
Key Features of the Device
- Ring-shaped magnet: The device features a small magnet ring that glides across a tactile, CNC-machined map of the footy field.
- Real-time ball tracking: Champion Data’s autonomous tracking system uses 14 high-mounted cameras and real-time event data to pinpoint ball movement with centimetre-level accuracy.
- Network power: The ring mirrors the ball’s position almost instantaneously, thanks to Telstra’s network speed and low latency.
- Vibration signals: Distinct vibrations indicate key moments like goals and behinds, allowing fans to physically feel the action.
- Designed for accessibility: The experience has been co-designed with input from the blind and low vision community to ensure ease of use.
Creating an Inclusive Game Day Experience
According to Vision Australia, over 450,000 Australians are blind or have low vision, a number expected to rise to over 500,000 by 2030. This initiative by Telstra and the AFL aims to make the game more accessible, with plans to expand the technology to more stadiums in the future.
Shaun Keath, a Western Bulldogs supporter and AFL Blind player, trialled the device during its prototype phase. He shared his experience, stating,
“It’s like finally being able to follow the game, not just the noise. It’s honestly pretty incredible to see how far the Telstra Touch and Track has come. As someone with low vision, it’s powerful to see this kind of technology giving our community the chance to not just hear or imagine the game, but to feel it unfold as it happens.”
Accessing the Telstra Touch and Track Device
From Round 15 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, Telstra Touch and Track devices will be available at Marvel Stadium for all AFL matches. Fans can pre-book through the Marvel Stadium website or hire on the day, subject to availability.
Devices can be picked up from Gate 1 Guest Services at Marvel Stadium when gates open. A valid ID, such as a proof of age, Medicare, or pension card, is required and will be held until the device is returned. At the end of the game, Guest Services will collect the device and return the ID to the user.
The Power of Telstra’s Network and Partnership
This advancement in accessibility is underpinned by the speed, low latency, and reliability of Telstra’s network, already integrated into Marvel Stadium. The project exemplifies a collaborative effort between Telstra Labs, Field of Vision, Champion Data, Vision Australia, and the AFL, setting a global standard for inclusive live sports experiences.
Marvel Stadium, already a leader in stadium technology, now stands as a beacon of how innovation can foster greater inclusion and access for all fans. To learn more about the Telstra Touch and Track and how to access the devices, visit the Marvel Stadium website.
