French Open 2017: Roland-Garros and France Télévisions present new VR experience

Roland-Garros and francetvsport have released a new virtual reality application, Roland-Garros VR, that is designed to offer users a truly immersive experience. The app, developed by LiveLike and produced by LiveLike and Deltatre, was released on 26 May. It can be downloaded from the iOS, Android, and Oculus stores for smartphones, tablets, and virtual reality headsets.
The idea is simple, but innovative: the user is transported to a VIP box with a 180° view of Philippe-Chatrier Court, where they can watch live matches. Three other viewpoints (a second 180º one and two 360º options) are also available.

The virtual box, emulating the style of the new Roland-Garros stadium project, contains an interactive table, where the user can obtain information such as scores and statistics. There is also a function allowing the user to watch up to four matches simultaneously, while match replays (both 2D and 360º) can be viewed on demand. In addition, the box contains 3D images of Roland-Garros products, trophies and other objects. The app gives brands an innovative way of being associated with tournament broadcasts.

Roland-Garros has always been at the forefront of innovation, and is currently the only sporting event to offer a virtual reality application on this scale.

“Roland-Garros is a unique event that is constantly innovating. We strive to always be on the cutting edge of technology in order to inspire other sporting events. This ground-breaking application, available to all tennis lovers, perfectly embodies this ambition,” explained Stephan Post, deputy vice-president and spokesman of the FFT in charge of the federal division, communication and marketing.

Laurent-Eric Le Lay, sports director at France Télévisions, said: “For the past 30 years, France Télévisions has worked with the French Tennis Federation to develop innovations revolutionising the viewer experience. France Télévisions, which aims to be a leader in this field, has tested a number of other technologies at previous Roland-Garros tournaments, including HD, 4K and now 4K VR. Our editorial commitment involves offering new services to viewers on the francetvsport platform before anyone else.”