Samsung Partners With UFC, X Games on VR Live Pass
Gear VR users will be able to live-stream selected sports events, music performances
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Samsung recently announced that fans of the UFC and X Games will be able to stream immersive virtual-reality broadcasts of their favorite action-sports events, thanks to VR Live Pass, available on Gear VR. VR Live Pass, which also covers selected Live Nation music performances, will be available through the Samsung VR app in early June.
“We are excited to offer Samsung Gear VR users the opportunity to experience their favorite live music and sporting events through our industry-leading VR ecosystem,” said Younghee Lee, CMO/EVP, Samsung Electronics, in a press release. “Partnering with these companies to expand our VR services helps us to open up a new gateway of opportunities for fans and demonstrate our commitment to delivering experiences that make the seemingly impossible possible.”
Gear VR users will be able to live-stream selected events and performances, including UFC 212: Aldo vs. Holloway in Rio de Janeiro on June 3 and X Games Minneapolis July 13-16.
UFC 212 marks the first time in UFC history that an event will be live-streamed in virtual reality, and fans will be treated to a high-quality 360-degree stream of the bout as well as additional VR content, including pre/post-event–show highlights with the contenders.
“We’ve always felt that the potential of combining UFC events with virtual reality would give our fans the ultimate enhanced experience,” said UFC COO Ike Lawrence Epstein. “We’re excited to partner with Samsung on this game-changing initiative to further revolutionize how fight fans consume our content and live events around the world.”
In July, X Games fans will be able to watch the world’s best BMX riders and skaters compete in the biggest action-sports event of the year.
According to Samsung, Gear VR users will be given an unrivaled “live pass” to shows and will be able to witness live action shots and extreme close-ups, taking spectatorship to an entirely new level. In addition, Samsung recently expanded its global presence to 45 countries, enabling more consumers around the world to enjoy the Gear VR platform.
