DETROIT - Mirroring the rejuvenation efforts underway in Detroit, the Tigers are driven to mix in more youth and athleticism on the field in an effort to build a championship caliber team for the future. Now, with the introduction of Monsterful VR's Play the Pros Baseball, they are also assuming a leadership role in creating the ballpark experience of the future.
Play the Pros (PtP), an immersive virtual reality game, enables fans to step up to the plate and face Major League heat or challenge themselves at Little League or Minor League levels. It feels real right down to the play-by-play, with the action called by the Tigers' radio voice, Dan Dickerson. Featuring an entire pitch arsenal, with the accurate spin rate and trajectory of each pitch, PtP is unlike anything seen before in Major League Baseball.
"Play the Pros is the MVP of Comerica Park," Tigers Vice President of Marketing, Ellen Hill Zeringue said. "It is great fun for the whole family to participate, and just one more reason to visit Comerica Park for a Tigers game. Fans are arriving early for more opportunities to play!"
"Working with Jarett and his team has been a wonderful experience," said Zeringue. "His group has a wealth of creative ideas and energy that will enhance the overall gameday experience for Tigers fans."
Before jumping into the cage to take hacks, each fan is prompted to create a user account and then an awesome avatar. When up at bat, whether hitting singles or going yard, fans rack up points that are attributed to their accounts. They can compete to climb the on-screen Leaderboard, win prizes from sponsors, or even be featured on the scoreboard!
Play the Pros virtual reality fan experiences offer brand sponsors a variety of ways to connect with fans in new and meaningful ways. The concept is a win-win that puts the fans first while also benefitting ball clubs and their brand sponsors.
While watching Tigers' fans interact with his product, Jarett Sims, CEO & Founder of Monsterful VR, said "It was thrilling to see fans ages 6 to 86 leave our VR batting cage with excitement written all over their faces. Play the Pros Baseball is different from any other sports VR product on the market because it is more than just an activation, but rather a product ecosystem we've built that pairs brands with consumers in a dual-sided marketplace."
Monsterful VR is broadening its Play the Pros platform to include games for other sports that will be part of activations at stadiums, hospitality venues and retail establishments.