In a groundbreaking move to enhance accessibility for all fans, the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury Foundation have announced a new partnership with OneCourt, a leading accessibility technology provider, to improve the game-day experience for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The collaboration, which also involves Ticketmaster, promises to elevate the level of inclusion and accessibility at Suns and Mercury home games, ensuring that every fan has the opportunity to fully enjoy the excitement of live basketball action.
The Partnership
The new partnership leverages OneCourt’s innovative technology to create a more immersive and inclusive environment for fans who are blind or have low vision. OneCourt’s system uses cutting-edge auditory and navigational tools to provide real-time information about the game, arena, and other key elements for fans with visual impairments. The solution will be available at Footprint Center, the home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.
This collaboration will see the integration of OneCourt’s app-based technology with the Suns’ and Mercury’s in-venue experience, allowing fans to access live play-by-play commentary, descriptions of in-game action, arena navigation assistance, and even detailed information about the layout of the arena. The effort is part of a broader initiative to make the game more accessible for everyone and reflects the Suns’ commitment to creating an environment where all fans can enjoy the sport.
The Role of Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster’s involvement in this partnership is pivotal in ensuring a seamless experience for fans purchasing tickets to Suns and Mercury games. Through their collaboration with OneCourt, Ticketmaster will offer a streamlined process for blind and low vision fans to book accessible seating and utilize OneCourt’s features. This new functionality is designed to be both easy to use and fully integrated into Ticketmaster’s platform, meaning fans can access tickets with the added benefit of in-game support services right from the moment they make their purchase.
The initiative includes not only accessible seating but also personalized support for ticket holders to ensure that every aspect of their experience—before, during, and after the game—is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
A Major Step Towards Inclusivity
This partnership marks an important step in making professional sports more inclusive for all fans. Suns and Mercury President and CEO Jason Rowley expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all of our fans, and this partnership with OneCourt is an exciting step forward in fulfilling that commitment. Our goal is to create a game-day experience where every fan, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the excitement of Suns and Mercury basketball.”
The foundation has long been dedicated to fostering inclusivity, and the expansion of their outreach into accessibility technology is a reflection of that mission. The Suns and Mercury Foundation plans to continue exploring and supporting initiatives that provide underrepresented groups with opportunities to fully engage with the sports community.
Enhancing the Game-Day Experience
One of the key features of the partnership is real-time play-by-play narration that will be available via the OneCourt app. This feature will allow fans who are blind or have low vision to follow the game as it unfolds, with detailed descriptions of the action, player movements, and key moments. In addition to the in-game commentary, the app will provide arena navigation features, helping visually impaired fans to find their way around the Footprint Center with ease—whether they’re heading to their seats, visiting concessions, or navigating the restrooms.
The OneCourt app also integrates a crowd-sourced map of the venue, helping to highlight accessible routes and spaces, and is designed with intuitive features to ensure ease of use for fans with a wide range of abilities.
Empowering the Community
For many fans with vision impairments, attending live sporting events has historically been a challenge. While the NBA and WNBA have made strides in making their games more accessible, this partnership between the Suns, Mercury, Ticketmaster, and OneCourt sets a new standard in sports accessibility. The collaboration is a direct response to feedback from the community, with the aim of removing barriers and ensuring that all fans can engage with the game they love in a meaningful way.
Mark Sokol, CEO of OneCourt, shared his excitement for the partnership: “We’re proud to be working with the Phoenix Suns and Mercury to bring this innovative solution to fans. By leveraging technology and creating an accessible environment, we hope to enhance the experience of attending live events for the blind and low vision community. This is just the beginning—our vision is to transform the way fans with visual impairments experience sports, not just in Phoenix, but nationwide.”
A Community-Driven Approach
The Suns and Mercury Foundation, alongside OneCourt, will also be offering educational and outreach programs to further support fans with visual impairments. These programs will be designed to raise awareness, provide hands-on training, and foster greater community involvement in the accessibility initiatives.
The goal is to cultivate a sense of belonging and inclusion, making it clear that everyone—regardless of ability—can be part of the Suns and Mercury fan community. The partnership also emphasizes the importance of accessibility as a key part of the organization’s broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Looking Ahead
The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury have already taken steps toward greater accessibility by offering audio description services, braille programs, and dedicated seating options. This partnership with OneCourt and Ticketmaster marks a major leap forward, but it’s clear that the organizations are not stopping here.
“We see this as a stepping stone,” Rowley concluded. “Our hope is that this partnership will inspire other teams, leagues, and organizations to embrace similar initiatives and further our mission to make basketball an inclusive experience for everyone.”
Final Thoughts:
This collaboration between the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury Foundation, OneCourt, and Ticketmaster represents a significant advancement in making the live sports experience more accessible for fans who are blind or have low vision. By combining technology, thoughtful design, and a commitment to inclusion, the teams are creating a more welcoming environment for all basketball fans. As the partnership continues to evolve, it is clear that the Suns and Mercury are leading the way in making sports more accessible—one play at a time.
