Virtual Reality Poised to Redefine Sports Spectatorship, Potentially Reducing Event Carbon Footprint
PARIS – Virtual reality technology is rapidly advancing to a point where it could fundamentally alter how sports are consumed, offering a potential solution to the environmental impact of large-scale events and raising questions about the future of in-person attendance. The technology’s development is attracting attention from the sports world, which sees opportunities to address sustainability concerns and broaden access to events.
Currently, 75% of the carbon footprint of a sporting event or competition stems from individual travel to the stadium, according to sports marketing specialist Virgile caillet.VR offers a pathway to “divide [that footprint] considerably” by allowing fans to experience events remotely. This shift also prompts debate about prioritizing local attendance and finding alternative viewing options for international fans, questioning the sustainability of bringing millions of spectators to events like the Olympic Games or the world cup. “Is it acceptable today to bring one or two million spectators to the Olympic Games or a World Cup? Should we not favor domestic populations in stadiums and find alternatives for foreign populations?” Caillet posited, highlighting the emerging ethical and logistical considerations.
