Bryn Forbes and Davis Bertans of the San Antonio Spurs defend against a shot by Lou Williams of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on Nov. 15, 2018. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers have launched a new augmented reality Pop-A-Shot basketball game for fans. The mobile game was developed in partnership with Vertebrae, is firm that creates web-based AR experiences for brands.
Fans can play the “Clippers AR Moneyball Challenge” on smartphones or tablets via the game’s mobile browsing page—no app is required. It is reminiscent of the classic Pop-A-Shot arcade game where players are tasked with making as many shots in a basketball hoop before time expires.
At real Clippers games, lucky fans can be given a chance to play the Agua Caliente Moneyball Challenge, taking shots at the hoop with both normal basketballs and a golden “Moneyball.” In the AR game, every fifth ball is a golden ball worth three times as many points.
“We work hard to give Clippers fans the best in-arena experience possible, and the Agua Caliente Moneyball Challenge is a crowd favorite,” said Matt Paye, L.A. Clippers VP of Marketing, in an offical press release. “Now, through this augmented reality experience built by Vertebrae, we are able to expand the excitement, anticipation and fun of the Agua Caliente Moneyball Challenge so that all of Clipper Nation can participate no matter where they are.”
The immersive game is sponsored by Agua Caliente Casino Resorts, which has been a Clippers sponsor since 2015 and hosts the halftime free-throw shooting competition for fans at Clippers home games. (The Clippers’ G-League affiliate is also branded by the casino: the Aqua Caliente Clippers.) Top scorers in the AR pop-a-shot mobile game aged 21 and older are eligible to win free Clippers tickets, merchandise, and complimentary nights at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. Prizes are awarded to randomly selected top performers every month with the grand prize winner given courtside seats to a game and a two-night Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa experience.
“AR offers a powerful way to blend the physical and virtual worlds to drive positive association and fan engagement,” added Vince Cacace, CEO of Vertebrae.
SportTechie Takeaway
Before the start of the 2018-19 NBA season, the Clippers launched a team app for Fox Sports Ticket subscribers that enables users to watch live games in different AR-broadcasting modes. Augmented reality is attractive to teams because it can enhance the fan experience, and build stronger connections to teams’ fanbases. And more connected fans may spend more on buying tickets and other promotional offers.
