If you're ready to cheer for the Toronto Raptors from the sidelines, we've got good and bad news for you. The bad news is that the Raptors are in Florida, and you're not invited. However, the good news is that you can still show up to the game as an NBA virtual fan, and it's a lot cooler than it sounds. The NBA has come up with a new a digital experience for fans to still attend games from home. Editor's Choice: Draymond Green Says BLM Doesn't Affect The Raptors Because It's A Canadian Team (VIDEO) The new initiative will be set up through Microsoft's Teams app, reports the Financial Post. It'll use giant screens to put crowds in the stands, without risking the spread COVID-19. The courts will be surrounded by 17-foot tall LED screens showing virtual stands filled with spectators. Fans will be able to participate by using the Teams app's new feature called "Together mode." According to an NBA Analyst at Ringer, the home team will get to select 300 fans per game to feature on the screens, as well as families of the players. The NBA will have fans appear virtually on video boards surrounding the court live during games. The home team will choose 300 fans per game. Player families can be on it too. I saw it demoed today and it's honestly really cool. Super innovative. It'll begin during seeding games. pic.twitter.com/cyiBaYG54e— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 24, 2020 The NBA stated that virtual seats will be limited to 320 fans to accommodate the size of the venue and the number of screens. Home teams will select participating fans. However, the exact process of selection is still being mapped out. View this post on Instagram The NBA announced a multidimensional plan for in-venue and broadcast enhancements for the resumption of the 2019-20 season, highlighting a #WholeNewGame with a more connected and immersive experience for fans. Link in bio for the full release. A post shared by #WholeNewGame (@nba) on Jul 24, 2020 at 12:54pm PDT The Raptors gave fans their first real look at the team in action this week, after sharing photos of their intense training routine. The team will play their first scrimmage against the Houston Rockets at 8:30 p.m. tonight.
