Online ticket seller StubHub is bringing a new feature called ‘Virtual View’ to its platform.
Virtual View allows customers to check out a full, 360 degree panoramic view of a venue from the vantage point of the very seat they are intending to purchase. This new experience will be available within the StubHub smartphone app.
Virtual View was announced on March 31 via StubHub’s press page. According to the release, the service is currently only available at two venues:
“Everyone wants a sneak peek at what the view from their seats will be like at an event, and with this new feature, basketball and baseball fans alike can open up their StubHub app to get a 360° view of their future section at NRG Stadium and AT&T Park.”
This choice of stadiums was most likely made to coincide with the soon to be resolved March Madness NCAA college basketball, and the ongoing MLB season. Despite this limited choice of usable locations for Virtual View, StubHub made it clear that the lack of options is only temporary and that more possibilities will be added as the service continues to grow:
“Here’s some more good news: StubHub’s Virtual view at NRG Stadium and AT&T Park is only the beginning – more venues will be supported in the coming weeks, and we’ve got even more innovations in the works that we can’t wait to share with you.”
In addition to the 360 panoramas, StubHub is also offering 3D virtual reality renderings of seat views within these two stadiums. These previews are also accessible via the StubHub app and will work in conjunction with Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR mobile headsets.
A report by re/Code about this new feature shines additional light onto StubHub’s ambitions for continued VR implementation within its platform. According to the article, Devin Wenig, CEO at eBay – StubHub’s parent company – views VR as a scalable “platform” rather than a momentary gimmick.
The future looks promising for VR integration on StubHub and other online ticketing platforms. Virtual View for these two stadiums was reportedly created in just a few weeks by a team of less than twelve people. With more time, money, and manpower VR seat previewing could become a natural next step for online event shopping in the years to come.
