This year’s Madrid Open aims to enhance the fan experience of the tournament with a series of new technological developments.
The tournament is set to become the first ever combined ATP/WTA event to be broadcasted live in virtual reality with ‘the highest resolution tested so far.’ Those watching the tournament will be able to view the centre court in 360 degrees from special VR stands located around the court. It means that viewers can watch matches from every angle. Samsung and Orange fibre optical are two companies involved in the new initiative.
Spanish-American Start-up company Yerba Buena VR is the driving force behind the plan. They have already used their 360 technology to broadcast two Spanish Davis Cup ties this year. Broadcasting in resolutions of up to 8K, fans can watch via VR glasses, a computer or mobile phone.
“We are proud to bring to a global impact tournament such as Mutua Open the latest technology in Virtual Reality. I can´t think of a better scenario to show the public the revolution in sports broadcasting,” says Héctor Prieto, CEO of YBVR.
From Wednesday, May 9th, the games will be broadcasted live online through TVE’s YouTube Channel. Fans can move the video around with their mouse to watch matches from the angle they want to in a similar way to how the Davis Cup was shown.
Speaking about the new development, Madrid Open president Gerard Tsobanian said it is part of their commitment to innovation. The tournament will also host a ‘virtual Madrid Open’ with the Beta version of upcoming game Tennis World Tour being played. Similar to that of the French Open. In total 64 participants will play in six qualifying rounds with the top two in each reaching the final of the esports competition. The top three participants will share 10,000 euros between them. The winner will also receive tickets of the finals of the championships.
“The Virtual Reality will make fans live a unique experience. I am happy that two great partners such as SAMSUNG and ORANGE have decided to join our commitment to innovation. The Mutua Madrid Open has a technological vocation, something that we demonstrate year after year. And I think the new 360 stands will be a success,” said Tsobanian.
Other new features this year include a FanCam located at the top of Manolo Santana stadium. Giving attendees a ‘direct perspective’ of the 12,500 capacity stadium. A chatbox will also be used to ‘facilitate at all times the information’ for fans. It will operate through the official app, website and social media accounts.
The Madrid Open will get underway on May 7th. Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep are the defending champions.
