Bradford City Stadium VR Project Showcases Supporters’ Memories

New virtual reality experience captures the history and emotions of Bradford City AFC fans

A virtual reality (VR) project centred on Bradford City AFC supporters’ memories has been developed and showcased at the University of Bradford. The project, titled Stories from Valley Parade, offers a digital recreation of the University of Bradford Stadium, commonly known as Valley Parade, allowing users to explore the stadium through immersive VR technology.

Project presentation and technology

The VR experience was presented to a group of Bradford City supporters in the University’s iGloo, a seven-metre 360-degree floor-to-ceiling immersive learning space. The iGloo uses floor projection technology to create an ultra-realistic environment, funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council Capability for Collections Scheme (CapCo).

Professor Chris Gaffney, Professor of Archaeological Science at the University of Bradford, explained that the project aims to strengthen connections between the University, the football club, and the local community. He noted that the team now has a process for creating detailed models enriched with supporters’ stories and is exploring opportunities to replicate this approach with other clubs. Plans are also underway to update the VR images, including capturing recent changes such as new seating in the Kop stand.

Capturing supporters’ stories

The project invited participants to share their experiences of supporting Bradford City AFC, also known as the Bantams. Supporters were asked about their first and most memorable matches, how they began following the club, family connections to the club, their usual seating locations at Valley Parade, and what being a Bradford City supporter means to them.

One significant aspect of the survey addressed community support following the tragic fire at Valley Parade on 11 May 1985, which resulted in 56 deaths and 258 injuries.

Creative collaboration

A range of artists contributed to bringing fans’ stories to life, including:

• Lucie Lee Sykes, interdisciplinary artist and researcher
• Morgan Archer, filmmaker and writer
• Samantha Walsh, fashion and graphic designer
• Richard Dunbar, podcast producer

These collaborators produced a video featuring interviews about memories of the 1985 fire and celebrating the club’s promotion to Sky Bet League One in May 2025.

Community and university partnership

The Stories from Valley Parade project is part of the University of Bradford’s Bradford 2025 programme, which highlights the pride, belonging, and wellbeing associated with being a football fan in the city.

Since 2022, the University has held a four-year sponsorship agreement with Bradford City AFC. This includes the University’s logo appearing on the back of the team’s kits and the renaming of Valley Parade as the University of Bradford Stadium.

Project significance

The initiative reflects the University’s strategy to use innovation and collaboration to enhance community ties. By combining modern technology with local heritage, the project supports wellbeing and social impact, promoting a sense of pride and belonging among supporters.

It also aligns with broader efforts at the University of Bradford to explore digital heritage, including work with refugee and mixed communities in Jordan to protect cultural heritage for the future.

For more information about the University of Bradford’s projects and initiatives, visit their official website.