# Spectator Immersion Brands design VR activations that put users in the shoes of pro athletes. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Apr 19, 2016 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spectator-immersion ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Spectator Immersion trend? **Spectator Immersion:** As consumers search for more experiential ways to interact with their favorite sports brands, many of those brands are emerging with immersive virtual reality experiences that place users in the perspective of professional athletes. Such interactions are primarily emotional experiences for fans, helping to reinforce an innate sense of belonging to the community of the team at large. This progression highlights the opportunity for brands to activate and reaffirm relationships with individual consumers by enabling exclusive behind-the-scenes access. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 9, 2015 to May 17, 2016 - Published: Apr 19, 2016 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [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 Spectator Immersion trend ### Immersive VR Experiences Virtual reality experiences are providing fans with immersive encounters in the sports world ### Personalized Fan Engagement Sports brands are providing personalized fan engagement through innovative technology ### Live Streaming in VR Live streaming in virtual reality enables viewers to experience the event from anywhere. ## What the Spectator Immersion trend means for industry ### For Sports and Entertainment The sports and entertainment industry has the potential to revolutionize through VR and personalized fan engagement. ### For Technology Emerging technologies such as VR, online streaming, and mobile apps will revolutionize user experiences in the sports industry and beyond. ### For Marketing and Advertising Marketing and advertising tactics in the sports industry are changing to engage and delight fans with immersive technology experiences. ## Workshop question Where can you enhance accessibility in order to create communal bonding within your consumer group? ## Trend signals for Spectator Immersion Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 42%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 42% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Spectator Immersion trend 7 featured examples from Jul 9, 2015 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. - [VR Cricket Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cricket): 'A Proper Ball' is a VR Event from Yorkshire Tea and the ECB (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Virtual reality technology can revolutionize the way consumers engage with live sports and entertainment events, providing new revenue streams and increased fan engagement. - [Live Sports VR Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sports-vr): LikeLive VR Makes Watching the Game at Home a More Immersive Experience (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The integration of virtual reality in live sports broadcasting presents new opportunities for broadcasters to enhance the way sports events are delivered to viewers. - [Rugby Championship VR Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/school-of-rugby): The 'School of Rugby' Experience by Samsung is Back for Six Nations (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities for businesses to develop VR technology solutions for the sports industry. - [Virtual Golf Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-golf): The 'Dell Play Through' App Lets Users Play a Course Through the City of Austin (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate virtual golfing experiences into sports entertainment venues, providing a unique and accessible activity for fans. - [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. - [Virtual Reality Baseball Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-baseball): Gatorade Puts Fans in the Shoes of Bryce Harper (Category: Marketing) Implication: Virtual reality technology can offer new and engaging ways to create advertising content. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)