Ever wonder how it would feel to walk down the Frost Bank Center tunnel while thousands of fans cheer? Now regular schmos can experience the game-day rush with the launch of the San Antonio Spurs' new AI project, ULTRA Arrivals.
The simulation is part of the Spurs AU Studio, an initiative the team describes as “a new innovation platform designed to create AI-powered fan experiences in collaboration with leading brand partners and OpenAI.” As you may have already guessed, the first collab is with Michelob ULTRA beer.
Here’s how the arrivals work. After combing through legalese and signing off on the terms and conditions, users aged 21-plus can load a photo in-app. The interface is a little finicky, so make sure you are not standing in front of a light source.
From there, it’s time to customize the arrival look. Fans can choose from the black home jersey, the more colorful Fiesta City Edition, streetwear, or a high-fashion look. The latter is matter or perspective — think Obama-era khaki suits rather than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s fur coats.
The arrivals can be further personalized with a choice of player number and a hip-hop, country, rock, or pop soundtrack. The actual music is stock, so don’t expect to strut your stuff to “Get Low” or “San Antonio, Where We Roll.”
Once all the selections are made, the platform generates a video. This does take a bit of time, but ULTRA ARRIVALS will email you the results if you’d rather go back to doomscrolling.
The final product is a reasonable facsimile of your likeness, but be warned that it does tend to add a little bulk. This user, a slight 140 pounds, looked a little like actor Nick Offerman from Parks & Recreation.
The Spurs say ULTRA Arrivals will be followed by other widgets, although the team didn’t tease what’s next. Maybe the experience will get more parasocial by allowing users to step into Wemby’s shoes à la Being John Malkovich. Or virtually coach a game, being Gregg Popovich.
“Spurs AI Studio is about breaking down barriers and creating unforgettable experiences for our fans,” explains Jordan Kolosey, VP of Business Strategy, Innovation & Data Operations at Spurs Sports & Entertainment, in a release. “This represents the future of fan engagement, and by working alongside innovative partners like Michelob ULTRA, we’re unlocking moments that were once impossible and bringing fans closer to the game than ever before.”