Florida International University’s Vice Night isn’t just about football — it’s also a celebration of innovation. During the annual event, students from FIU’s D.R.E.A.M. program debuted immersive technology, creating a hologram of Roary the Panther, using a virtual reality app to enhance the fan experience.
Spearheaded by Professor Travis Cloyd, the program provides students with hands-on experience in location-based entertainment, merging sports and technology in real-time. Pink and blue jerseys filled the stands, but the real action extended beyond the field as fans explored this cutting-edge digital experience.
“Experts in LBE here at FIU working with our students in real-world experiential learning,” said the dean of CARTA, Brian Schriner. “This isn’t theory-based — it’s actually working with real events and making them come to life.”
The collaboration between students, professors and athletics highlights FIU’s commitment to innovation and experiential learning, demonstrating that game day excitement can extend far beyond the scoreboard.
For more information about FIU’s D.R.E.A.M. program and its initiatives in location-based entertainment, visit their website.
