July 31 – Back in the Premier League for the 2025/26 season, Burnley are stepping into new territory off the pitch as well – using virtual reality (VR) to widen their reach and engage a younger, more digitally native fanbase.
In partnership with VR tech firm Rezzil, Burnley will broadcast their final pre-season friendly against Lazio in virtual reality, giving supporters around the world a seat inside Turf Moor via the Premier League Player app on Meta Quest headsets.
The VR stream, available free of charge, will offer fans a live panoramic view of the match, along with real-time graphics and commentary. Though not a replacement for traditional broadcasting, the initiative is seen as a way to test new formats that could appeal to younger audiences and expand the club’s digital footprint globally.
Burnley chairman Alan Pace said the move was part of a broader strategy to modernise fan engagement.
“We’re always looking for ways to connect with supporters wherever they are,” he said. “This offers a different kind of matchday experience and allows us to explore how emerging technologies can serve our fans, especially younger ones.”
Rezzil, a long-standing provider of VR training tools for professional clubs and athletes, is now applying its technology to the supporter experience. The company is also an official partner of the Premier League.
“VR won’t replace the stadium experience, but it offers something different – particularly for younger fans who are used to digital-first environments,” said Rezzil co-founder Andy Etches.
Burnley’s return to the top flight comes under manager Scott Parker, with the club looking to make a stable impact on and off the pitch. While the uptake of VR match viewing remains a niche, this kind of initiative highlights how clubs are experimenting with new platforms to build loyalty and visibility in an increasingly global game.
Burnley vs Lazio takes place at Turf Moor on Saturday 9 August.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1754141219labto1754141219ofdlr1754141219owedi1754141219sni@g1754141219niwe.1754141219yrrah1754141219