Lincoln-based tech start-up, Collab, will be opening a virtual sports stadium for football fans to meet up via video chat whilst they enjoy watching the Imps take on Peterborough United live on Sky Sports this weekend.
Collab Virtual World is an intuitive new platform which enables people to meet up in virtual offices, bars, and sports stadiums. The platform also enables participants to video chat to friends in their group as well as the opportunity to move their emojis between seats, to choose who they wish to speak to.
The virtual sports bar will open its doors from 10am on Friday for fans to check out, before returning back with friends over the weekend. On a matchday, fans can enter the sports bar with their group to share a virtual drink ahead of the game and then click into a uniquely designed virtual version of the LNER Stadium. This will be separated into 'home' and 'away' seating areas. Fans can then watch the game on Sky Sports (or Now TV) and enjoy the match in real time, together.
Behind Collab is the tech team at Lincoln-based Gusto Group, who since the beginning of lockdown in March last year, have been working with different video conferencing platforms to create a more realistic experience for users.
The team at Collab have previously hosted local, national/global conferences, business clubs, and a glitzy awards dinner, and most recently they have launched a virtual office platform, allowing business teams to stay connected whilst remote working.
Lincoln City FC’s Liam Scully said, “Having won awards for creating a fantastic match day experience for our fans prior to the global pandemic which has prevented our supporters from attending, we are keen to continue leading the way by teaming up with Collab.”
“The Collab Virtual Stadium is an exciting new platform which will significantly add to the match day experience for supporters during these difficult times”.
Gusto Group and Collab CEO, Steff Wright added, "Fans from all corners of the globe have been kept away from their normal match day experience over the past few months, but now, thanks to the Collab Sports Bars and Collab Stadiums, fans can join up with their mates again and enjoy match day banter from the sofa in front of their TV.”
"I'm really pleased that we're bringing fans back together, to enjoy the game on our virtual terraces which hold up to 800 fans”.
Attendance to both the sports bar and stadium ahead of the match versus Posh tomorrow is free of charge. To ensure you receive the best experience, users can log on using Google Chrome on a laptop or desk top computer.
You can find out more information by visiting their website HERE.
