Sports Technology

Three Tech Touchdowns for Super Bowl LV

Overview New technologies are leveraged every year on Super Bowl Sunday to create an engaging fan-first experience. In a year when large gatherings are still on hiatus, technology has stepped up to make sure Super Bowl LV is as immersive as ever.

Like many events this past year, Super Bowl LV must take into account new and evolving safety and health considerations. But despite welcoming far fewer in-person fans this year, this year’s Super Bowl will offer the millions of fans tuning in from around the world an immersive and equally engaging experience.

The Super Bowl has been a stage for many technological innovations through the years, and 2021 will be no different.

Explore three ways tech tackles new considerations to bring an immersive, never-before experience to Super Bowl Sunday.

 

An Augmented Experience with Augmented Reality

This year’s graphics will feature augmented reality (AR) abilities that change the game. CES® 2021 keynoting company Verizon is showcasing the power of AR on the NFL mobile app. In the 5G SuperStadium, fans can access various viewing angles and project overlays of NFL’s Next Gen Stats for Players.

CBS Sports is also poised to use four AR cameras to provide the Super Bowl LV motif of sea and sand, creating engaging at-home viewing experiences.

 

Every Angle, Every Perspective

The CBS broadcast is also leveraging a variety of cameras to offer never-before viewing angles.

Trolley Cam: The Trolley Cam is able to zipline from one end of the stadium to the other at speeds up to 65 mph, offering an unparalleled viewing angle of a fan in the eighth row of the stands.

Venice Cameras: Two Sony Venice cameras, typically used for cinema-style applications, will be used for the first time live at Super Bowl LV. It provides full-frame, short-depth shots for a cinematographic feel.

Movie Bird Crane: a 53-foot Move Bird crane, reserved for major motion pictures and productions will be leveraged at Super Bowl LV, to show game action and serving as an AR-enabled camera.

 

Bringing the Game to Gaming

The Verizon 5G Stadium in Fortnite Creative, the largest activation ever build in Fortnite’s Creative Mode, gives gamers the unique experience to interact with NFL players and other pro gamers. The activation features football-inspired games and more.

The virtual stadium is powered by the Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband network.

“As the number of arenas and stadiums with Verizon 5G continues to grow, we’re seeing how our technology brings a new dimension to all aspects of the fan experience,” said Kyle Malady, CTO of Verizon in a blog post.

 

A new generation of sports technology is set to kick off on Super Bowl Sunday, perhaps redefining how sports games are enjoyed from afar forever.

Verizon Chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg delivered a CES 2021 keynote address. Watch the full keynote on demand.

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