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Saint Peter's University Launches AR/VR Fan Experience

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 19:24 GMT by NJ.com

Jersey City, NJ - January 8, 2026 - Saint Peter's University is making waves in the world of college athletics, today announcing a pioneering partnership with tech firm Next Level Experiences to bring augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) directly to Peacocks fans. This ambitious project, launching with the men's basketball home game on January 15th, promises to redefine the viewing experience, offering unprecedented levels of immersion and interaction.

The initiative goes beyond simple streaming or highlight reels. Saint Peter's aims to place fans within the action, allowing them to virtually occupy prime real estate courtside during basketball games or on the sidelines during football matchups. Imagine standing shoulder-to-shoulder with NBA superstars, feeling the energy of the arena, or experiencing the intensity of an NFL game from a player's-eye view - all from the comfort of your own home or while traveling.

This isn't merely a visual upgrade. The experiences, accessible through the Peacocks' official app, are designed to be deeply interactive. Fans will have access to multiple camera angles, shifting perspectives that allow them to focus on specific players or game developments. Real-time statistics will be overlaid onto the virtual environment, providing instant access to crucial data. Interactive elements, still under wraps, are hinted at as potentially allowing fans to predict plays or participate in virtual challenges.

"We're not just showing the game; we're creating an experience," explains Michael Carman, Saint Peter's Athletic Director. "We want to connect our fans with the Peacocks in a way that hasn't been possible before. This partnership with Next Level Experiences is a crucial step in realizing that vision. We see this as more than a gimmick; it's an investment in the future of college sports fandom."

The decision to embrace AR/VR technology isn't a surprise, given the growing popularity of immersive experiences in other entertainment sectors. However, Saint Peter's is positioning itself as a leader in bringing this technology to college athletics, a space that has largely lagged behind professional sports in adopting such innovations. The university is betting that enhanced fan engagement will translate to increased ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and overall program support.

The initial focus on basketball is strategic. The relatively confined space of a basketball court lends itself well to VR immersion, providing a more believable and impactful experience. However, the university has confirmed plans to rapidly expand the AR/VR offerings to include football and other sports within the Peacocks athletic program, indicating a commitment to a comprehensive digital transformation.

Next Level Experiences, the company powering these experiences, is quickly becoming a prominent name in the sports and entertainment AR/VR space. Their expertise in real-time data integration and immersive environment creation is proving invaluable to institutions like Saint Peter's eager to capture the attention of a digitally-native fanbase. The company has previously partnered with several minor league baseball teams, testing and refining its technology before tackling the larger challenge of college athletics.

The implications of this move extend beyond Saint Peter's University. If successful, this AR/VR initiative could become a model for other colleges and universities seeking to differentiate themselves and attract fans in an increasingly competitive landscape. The question remains whether other institutions will be able to match Saint Peter's early investment and commitment to this emerging technology. The rise of streaming services and the changing habits of sports fans necessitate innovative approaches to fan engagement, and Saint Peter's appears to be leading the charge. The Peacocks' program, already known for its historic March Madness run in 2022, is now aiming to become a frontrunner in the digital arena as well. The university is keenly aware that the future of sports isn't just about the games played on the field, but about the experiences created for those watching.