NHL Adds Haptic Tablets for Blind Fans

Complimentary OneCourt tablets convert live game data into vibrations at select NHL events across North America this season.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Hockey

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The NHL and Ticketmaster are providing complimentary OneCourt haptic tablets to blind and low-vision fans at League tentpole events in North America this season. The program began at the 2026 Tim Horton's NHL Heritage Classic on Oct. 25 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Why it matters

The initiative expands access to live hockey for blind and low-vision fans, who can follow each play as it happens through vibrations. The NHL and Ticketmaster say the effort aims to make live events inclusive and accessible to every fan.

The program uses OneCourt's broadcast technology, which converts real-time game data into vibrations, and is combined with NHL EDGE Puck & Player Tracking data. OneCourt was founded in 2021 at the University of Washington and is based in Seattle, and the source does not specify tablet quantities or pricing.

The players

National Hockey League (NHL)

The NHL is a professional ice hockey league in North America and the only major professional sports league to produce live game broadcasts in American Sign Language.

Ticketmaster

Ticketmaster is a major live-event ticketing company that is partnering with the NHL to provide the complimentary tablets.

OneCourt

OneCourt is a haptics technology company founded in 2021 at the University of Washington and based in Seattle.

The details

Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings will be the first NHL teams to offer OneCourt tablets to fans at home games. The NHL is the only major professional sports league to produce live game broadcasts in American Sign Language.

Oct. 25, 2026: OneCourt program began at the Heritage Classic in Winnipeg
Dec. 31, 2026: Tablets offered at the Winter Classic in Salt Lake City
Feb. 5-6, 2027: Tablets offered at All-Star Weekend in New York
Feb. 20, 2027: Tablets offered at the Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium in Dallas

Season Trajectory

The NHL's rollout of OneCourt tablets builds on its existing accessibility work, including live American Sign Language broadcasts. The program's first appearances at marquee outdoor and All-Star events signal a push to extend accessibility features from broadcasts into arena experiences.

Blind and low-vision fans attending the listed home games can request complimentary OneCourt tablets to follow play-by-play action through vibrations. Fans should check with their home team or arena for availability details.

The takeaway

The rollout shows how league accessibility efforts can move beyond broadcasts into the live arena experience. Fans who rely on non-visual tools may find this program a practical way to engage with in-person games this season.

What happens next

The program continues at the Discover NHL Winter Classic on Dec. 31, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah, followed by All-Star Weekend on Feb. 5-6, 2027 and the Stadium Series on Feb. 20, 2027.