In a significant moment for sports accessibility and together with the AFL, we are launching Telstra Touch and Track technology at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
In a step forward for more inclusive sports, Telstra Touch and Track provides a new way for blind and low vision fans to follow live AFL games by physically feeling every movement, after previously being reliant on sound.
The technology translates the movement of the ball on-field to a Wi-Fi enabled Telstra Touch and Track tablet that leverages the speed and low latency of our network. Fans with a vision impairment can then follow the action with their fingers by using a small metal ring on a trackpad that replicates the ball's movement.
Marvel Stadium is the first venue in the country to offer this experience, with Telstra Touch and Track devices readily available at no cost to fans with low vision.
Since announcing our work on a prototype, we’ve been collaborating closely with Champion Data and Field of Vision to evolve the capabilities and responsiveness of the device, consulting with Vision Australia and members of the blind and low vision community throughout the process.
The tactile device offers an intuitive way to follow the flow of the game not through a screen, but through the fingertips. As the ball moves, so does the magnet ring, allowing fans to feel the intensity and momentum of the match.
Ring shaped magnet: The device features a small magnet ring that moves across a tactile, CNC-machined map of the footy field.
Real-time ball tracking: Champion Data’s fully autonomous tracking system employs 14 high-mounted cameras and real-time event data to pinpoint ball movement with centimetre-level accuracy.
Power of the network: The ring mirrors the position of the ball in near real time, using the speed and low latency of Telstra’s network.
Vibration signals: Distinct vibrations indicate key game moments, like goals and behinds, so fans can physically feel the action.
Designed for accessibility: The experience has been co-designed with the blind and low vision community to be intuitive and easy to use.
We know there are over 450,000 people in Australia who are blind or have low vision from our consultation with Vision Australia, and this number is expected to grow to over 500,000 by 2030. We are proud to partner with the AFL to lead the way in making the game more accessible through innovation like Telstra Touch and Track technology, that will allow this group to experience the game in a much more immersive way. We intend to expand the reach of this technology out to more stadiums to make the devices available to more fans in the years to come.
Telstra Touch and Track devices will be available to blind and vission impaired fans attending all AFL matches held at Marvel Stadium from Round 15 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season onwards.
Fans can pre-book via the Marvel Stadium website.
OR hire on the day, pending availability.
Pick up the device from Gate 1 Guest Services in Marvel Stadium, available from gates opening.
All you need is a valid ID (proof of age, Medicare or pension card) which will be held until the device is returned.
At the end of the game, users can remain in their seat and Guest Services will collect the device and return their ID.
Shaun Keath, a passionate Western Bulldogs supporter who plays AFL Blind in the Victorian Blind Football League, trialled the device throughout the prototype phase.
As Shaun puts it: “It’s like finally being able to follow the game, not just the noise. It’s honestly pretty incredible to see how far the Telstra Touch and Track has come. As someone with low vision, it’s powerful to see this kind of technology giving our community the chance to not just hear or imagine the game, but to feel it unfold as it happens. I’ve always loved footy, and having it become more accessible means that more fans like me can be part of the action in a way we never could before.”
This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the speed, low latency and reliability of our Telstra network, which is already fully integrated into Marvel Stadium. The project also reflects the strength of our collaboration, bringing together Telstra Labs, Field of Vision, Champion Data, Vision Australia and the AFL. Together, we’re making live sport more accessible than ever before.
Already a leader in stadium technology, we’re proud to see Marvel Stadium become a global example of how innovation can drive greater inclusion and access for all fans.
To learn more about Telstra Touch and Track and how to access the devices, see the Marvel Stadium website.
As the technology partner, Telstra has collaborated extensively with Marvel Stadium to establish a Connected Stadiums Network. This partnership has created an ideal setting for the operation of Telstra Touch and Track technology. Our investment in new core and wireless network equipment at Marvel Stadium has been complemented by some smaller on-the-ground technical tweaks. We’ve also extensively tested the network to help optimise coverage across the stadium seating and the overall performance. We anticipate the solution configuration being confirmed in the near future and will continue to work on refining the Telstra Touch and Track experience in stadium.
