Dallas Cowboys fans will be able to test out the long-hyped capabilities that a 5G wireless network provides at AT&T Stadium during the NFL season that begins Sunday.
Beginning with the Cowboys' regular-season opener, fans attending games at the Arlington stadium can participate in augmented reality experiences that place them beside their favorite players with the use of a Samsung Galaxy S10 5G smartphone, according to the company.
“We’re combining the physical and digital worlds to create a world-class experience for fans, and sports provide a perfect example of how our business-first 5G strategy will bring value to consumers," AT&T Chief Marketing Officer Mo Katibeh said in a statement.
AT&T's augmented reality experiences — which overlay digital imagery on real life through the use of a camera and, in this case specifically, a Samsung Galaxy S10 5G phone — will include a mobile game, interactive touchdown dances with players, and player and game statistics.
NFL stadiums across the U.S. have emerged as a proving ground of sorts for major providers launching 5G service. AT&T first equipped the Cowboys' stadium with the technology in February. Verizon outfitted 13 stadiums with 5G in collaboration with the league.
While 5G is expected to open up a host of opportunities for advanced technologies still in their infancy like augmented reality and self-driving cars, there are few mobile phones on the market that can take advantage of the faster data speeds.
Augmented reality and 3D video experiences are particularly data-intensive and require large amounts of data processing that wireless 5G technology can provide. The arrival of 5G wireless networks for most consumers is likely a year or two away.
"We’re paving the way for how immersive fan experiences could be built in venues across the country as our 5G network continues to grow,” AT&T's Katibeh said.
