Welcome to the AI game, Spurs fans. Time to strut your virtual stuff with the Silver and Black.
The Spurs announced Thursday the new Spurs AI Studio, an artificial intelligence platform that pops fans into personalized Spurs-themed videos with Spurs’ brand partners. The AI experience is now live at UltraArrivals.SpursAIStudio.com.
The platform’s first production, “ULTRA Arrivals,” turns your selfie into a player-style tunnel walk, complete with head-to-toe fashion and action as you saunter into Frost Bank Center just like Victor Wembanyama and other Spurs stars for that pregame preen. The activation is a collaboration with Michelob Ultra as part of the beer brand’s Ultra Courtside platform.
“Spurs AI Studio is about breaking down barriers and creating unforgettable experiences for our fans,” said Jordan Kolosey, vice president of Business Strategy, Innovation & Data Operations at Spurs Sports & Entertainment, in a press 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.”
The release goes on to say Spurs AI Studio will combine emerging AI technologies with creative storytelling and brand partnerships to “develop interactive experiences that deepen the connection between fans and the team. Through the platform, the Spurs will create immersive digital activations, personalized fan content and in-venue AI-powered moments designed to enhance the game-day experience while opening new avenues for innovation with new and existing partners.”
I gave the AI experience a go to pretty decent results. Just shoot a photo of yourself on your phone or laptop at the website, then follow the prompts to craft your look. The AI tech generates a 15-second cinematic “arrival” of you-but-not-quite-you in your personalized pregame duds, complete with quick-cuts and your choice of generic background music.
The streetwear option plopped me into a ho-hum unbuttoned light blue shirt with jeans and what looks like a dopp kit, while the Spurs road jersey option cast me as the now grown-up Frank Savage from “The Wonder Years” in a black T-shirt and jersey ensemble. The camera also added 10 pounds I’d like to think weren’t there before.
As for the fashion look, I must say I really dug it. I’m now on the hunt for the perfect khaki suit I never knew I could pull off, at least in the AIverse.
Fans are encouraged to share their ULTRA Arrivals on social media with the hashtag #ULTRACourtside. Oh, and this being a beer brand, you must be age 21+ to enter the virtual experience.