Bell and Snap are teaming up for an augmented reality experience that will bring a competitive element to the stands of Scotiabank Arena, in addition to the action on the court.

Fans in attendance with a 5G device will be able to join a shared AR experience for the first time during Friday’s game between the Raptors and New York Knicks, where they can team up and compete against each other, shooting hoops like the pros in real time.

Snapchatters in attendance will access an exclusive “pop-a-shot” style AR lens, allowing them to choose a team to play for in real time, shooting baskets simultaneously. In addition to providing the interactive experience to fans, the execution is also meant to showcase the low latency and bandwidth capabilities of Bell’s 5G tech, which is what enables several thousand players to connect at once.

Those without a 5G device can still take part with a single player version of the lens on a 4G or LTE network.

According to Matt McGowan, general manager for Canada at Snap, its platform comprises a highly engaged community watching and talking about sports. “And with our more than six billion AR Lens plays per day, we see a demand for more immersive experiences to complement and enhance the real world.”

Other Raptors games where the lens will be available include Jan. 21 against the Boston Celtics, Feb. 10 against the Utah Jazz and March 18 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Claire Gillies, EVP of marketing and president of consumer at Bell, says 5G helps offer “fully immersive fan experiences,” which the company has started applying to sports.

In 2021, Bell launched 5G View, which allows those with a 5G-enabled device and network to zoom in, change and rotate camera angles, replay and go into slow motion during select live sports broadcasts on TSN and RDS. After beginning with the Montreal Canadiens, the offer was subsequently brought to other NHL teams and to the Raptors.