Edgbaston becomes first cricket stadium in the world to trial new assistive technology supporting visually impaired fans 

Edgbaston Stadium has completed a world-first trial of GiveVision’s ground breaking assistive technology, giving visually impaired cricket fans a new way to watch and experience live sport. 

On Friday 8 August, during The Hundred's Midlands derby between Birmingham Phoenix and Nottingham’s Trent Rockets, a select group of nine cricket fans with varying visual impairments trialled the technology within the stadium environment. 

In a world-first for cricket, the participants were able to watch the matches using GiveVision headsets, powered by a private 5G network supplied by Shared Access.  

Using an immersive stereoscopic feed, similar to that used in virtual reality, the headsets stream live match footage to the working part of the user’s retina, enhancing the individual’s remaining vision and enabling them to follow the game in real-time, and in unprecedented detail. 

The group of trial participants featured players from Birmingham Stars, a visually impaired cricket team.

Theresa Robberts, a member of the UK's first Women's Blind Cricket team, said: “That was the first time I’ve seen a catch live and been able to see it in full detail! I’ve been able to see everything.” 

Founded in 2014, GiveVision’s technology enhances the matchday experience for fans with sight loss by bringing the on-field action into view in real time—so they can enjoy it alongside the atmosphere of a live crowd and the company of friends and family. 

With one in 30 people facing visual impairments in the UK, the trial forms part of Edgbaston’s continued efforts to expand its audience and create an inclusive environment for cricket fans.  

Following the trial with GiveVision and Shared Access, the results and findings from the two trials at Edgbaston Stadium will be collated into a report which, upon approval, will grant access to funding that will enable the technology to become a permanent feature for Edgbaston in the near future. 

Thomas Cunningham Smith, Safeguarding & Compliance Manager at Edgbaston, said: “The live event trial with GiveVision and Shared Access allowed us to gain essential feedback from spectators with visual impairments, an important part of our work to ensure the stadium experience at Edgbaston is as inclusive as possible. 

“Helping visually impaired cricket fans to feel more included and experience the atmosphere of a stadium fixture live ​​​​for the first time was truly moving, and we’re proud to continue our efforts to ensure all fans who require additional adjustments feel safe, supported and welcome at Edgbaston.” 

Joanna Liddington, ​head of ​operations at GiveVision, said: “This world-first in cricket meant many fans taking part in the trial could follow every ball on the pitch for the very first time while still soaking up the match-day atmosphere.  

“Thanks to Edgbaston for opening their doors to innovation and championing accessibility in cricket, and to Shared Access for providing the private 5G network, we could bring GiveVision to life and make this moment possible.” 

Click here for more information about GiveVision and Shared Access.