Get your team signs and megaphone ready! Groove Jones — the 360, VR, and AR content creation studio recently announced that Under Armour and the U.S. Army will be hosting their VR experiences for American Football fans this season.
Under Armour All-America Football
High school football players, their families, and football fans will attend The Under Armour All-America Game on January 4, 2018, in Florida. The top 100 high school football players in the United States will get together to compete and show off their skills for fans, coaches, and other players. Past NFL pros that have played in the All-America Bowl are Julio Jones, A.J. Green, and other notable players.
U.S. Army All-American Bowl
The U.S. Army All American Bowl on January 6th will host an East versus West game at the Alamodome, where those 100 of the best high school football players will play for to showcase their skills and have a moment in the spotlight. Famous NFL players like Tim Tebow, Odell Beckham Jr. and 400 other pro football players and Heisman trophy recipients have been in attendance or have played at the event in seasons past.
American Family Insurance VR Quarterback Challenge
Both All-American Bowls will have the Quarterback Challenge at their events, and will also be taken on a mobile tour at various high school football games. This mini-tour will showcase immersive sports VR content and gets fans engaged in the event.
Fans and players will get to step into the virtual experience and see what it’s like to be at the center of a football field and stadium as they pass the pigskin and practice throwing at targets. The player will have 60 seconds to throw footballs at various distances and heights while making those targets as a full completion will get you more points and a higher overall score.
There’s no word about what displays they’ll be using or are sponsored for these two events, but Groove Jones as a studio is known for their top-notch studio development and have already worked with huge events like The Daytona 500 and Super Bowl 50. In the past, they’ve worked with mobile and tethered headsets like Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift.
Football Takes Skills
Throwing virtual footballs down a field will seem easy when you see how competitive the process is to achieve a top 100 standing as a student-athlete. You’ve got the added weight of academics mixed in with the physical and mental demands it takes to stay at the top. The Under Armour All-America Game selects their talent through a series of programs like Under Armour Next and Future 50 to qualify for the big game.
Student-athletes who have been chosen to play at the Alamodome for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl spent their fall season going through a tough selection process. One hundred student football players have been picked from over 200 high schools and across 35 states. At the end, there’s a ceremony to show recognition to one standout player and one exceptional marching band student.
Exceptional Student-Athletes
Working hard and strategizing on the field and in school takes a lot of focus, dedication, and passion to get to the Top 100 spot. Being awarded a U.S. Army or Under Armour jersey is a moment of achievement that players like Kyle Pitts, Phil Jurkovec, Tyrone Sampson, Jr. and other exceptional players. For these 100 players, January 4th and 6th will be a day that showcases every practice, every teachable moment, and every game they’ve experienced so far.
Step into the VR booth in January 2018 to get a taste of what it’s like to feel like a first string football star by playing the Quarterback Challenge on game day. Maybe you’ll get the top score and have a moment in the spotlight all your own.