# Athletic Projection Sports fans get an enriched experience with virtual reality tech. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Sep 22, 2015 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-projection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Athletic Projection trend? **Athletic Projection:** Given the increasing inaccessibility of experiencing professional sports in person, brands have begun employing virtual reality technology as a means to enhancing the spectator experience. Whether to show off the luxuries of a stadium's best seats or to provide an on-field perspective, such applications of virtual reality serve to create meaningful experiences between a brand and consumer while offering a feeling of customization that is not otherwise possible for those at home. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 7, 2014 to May 17, 2016 - Published: Sep 22, 2015 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Athletic Projection trend ### Virtual Reality Spectator Experience Brands are employing virtual reality to enhance spectator experiences and provide meaningful, customizable experiences to fans. ### Player-Connected Wearable Technology Wearable technology is being used to allow fans to connect with athletes and experience their emotions and physical sensations. ### Virtual Reality Broadcasting VR technology is being utilized to give fans a more immersive experience when it comes to watching live sports. ## What the Athletic Projection trend means for industry ### For Sports Brands are looking to enhance the spectator experience with the use of technology. ### For Wearable Technology Wearable technology is being used to create emotional and physical connections between athletes and fans. ### For Broadcasting Virtual reality and other technologies are being employed to elevate the game-watching experience and keep fans engaged. ## Trend signals for Athletic Projection Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 37%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 65% - Activity: 37% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Athletic Projection trend 6 featured examples from Feb 7, 2014 to May 17, 2016. - [VR-Powered Stadium Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boston-red-sox-vr): The Boston Red Sox VR Concept Transports Fans Behind the Scenes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The sports industry is using VR to enhance fan experiences and provide a more engaging viewing experience. - [Virtual Soccer Stadium Visits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manchester-united-front-row): Manchester United 'Front Row' Brought Fans to the Field with Google+ (Category: Marketing) Implication: Creating immersive virtual experiences for fans to attend sporting events from their own homes. - [VR Soccer Broadcasts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-broadcast): The Manchester City VR Broadcast Gives Fans a New Way to Enjoy Soccer Games (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The VR soccer broadcast trend opens up opportunities for the sports broadcasting industry to revolutionize the way fans experience live games. - [Virtual Rugby Training Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wear-the-rose): Wear the Rose by O2 Lets Fans Play with Elite Rugby Players (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The sports technology industry can explore opportunities to develop virtual reality platforms and tools that facilitate immersive sports training experiences. - [Player-Connected Rugby Jerseys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rugby-jerseys): This Smart Jersey Will Allow Fans to Feel the Exhaustion of Players (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities in developing wearable sports technology that enhances fan experiences. - [First-Person Soccer Videos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-video): Nike's Virtual Reality Video Lets Fans Feel 'The Neymar Jr. Effect' (Category: Fashion) Implication: Sports companies can use interactive virtual reality to promote their brands and enhance engagement with fans. ## Recent trend clusters - [Festive Fusions](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/festive-fusions) (Lifestyle) - [Engineered Layers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/engineered-layers) (Fashion) - [Embedded Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/embedded-intelligence) (Tech) - [Crafted Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/crafted-timepieces) (Luxury) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)