



The University of Miami keeps expanding its brand in cool, technologically savvy ways.

EON Sports VR, "the world's leading virtual reality and fan experience company,'' according to its just released email, has announced a partnership with the University of Miami "to create the first virtual reality (VR) channel for fans.

Date of the intended launch: early October, when, according to EON Sports, "Immersive 360-degree content will bring fans closer to their favorite team and players than ever before."

The partnership will enable the Hurricanes to be "the first college team to provide fans with an all-access virtual reality pass to experience intercollegiate athletics up close and personal,'' the release said.

Content from men's and women's programs will be available.

Canes fans can access the VR channel by purchasing a "UM-branded VR headset.'' Cost: $29.95.

EON Sports said that examples of what fans will have access to include scrimmages, practice footage, huddles and interviews that will be streamed to the channel.

“We’re incredibly excited to be working with EON Sports to put this virtual reality channel together. At the University of Miami, we strive to be on the cutting edge of digital, video, social, and web technologies and EON and their team have helped immensely in that endeavor," said Jason Layton, Miami Senior Associate Athletic Director for Communications and Sales. "After an investment in broadcast and video production, we wanted to expand into other ventures, including 360º video and we’re able to do that with this immersive product. As we look forward to an October launch, we’re excited to show off what our team has been working on in conjunction with EON Sports.”

Get your credit cards ready.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN