Final Eight 2025: 3D graphics and augmented reality enhance fan engagement at home and in the arena

The Final Eight, the 2025 Italian Basketball Cup, took place in Turin at the Inalpi Arena from 12-16 February. Won by Dolomiti Energia Trentino, who defeated EA7 Emporio Armani Milano in the final, the tournament once again proved to be a great spectacle, welcoming a record 46,000 spectators over the five days of competition.

Once again this year, all phases of the production were handled by EMG / Gravity Media Italy. However, this edition saw the introduction of several innovations, particularly in the area of graphics, as Alessandro Curti, head of graphics, EMG / Gravity Media Italy, explains.

“We have introduced an innovative service,” he says, “including graphic contributions and statistics on the LED walls inside the arena for the first time, for the benefit of the fans present. The content was displayed across three different platforms: the side columns, the central cube – usually reserved for match data – and the LED walls around the court.

“The generated graphics were not broadcast simultaneously on all platforms but were strategically distributed using a system we specifically developed. Most of the information was displayed on the new large vertical screens at the sides of the arena, almost like visual columns, providing constant updates on team statistics, individual player performances and comparisons, enhancing the entire dataset we manage.”

This data, collected by Boost Graphics through proprietary systems, was provided to Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) as part of a season-long agreement.

“Additionally, during three key moments defined by the LBA as ‘dominance’, all graphics were displayed simultaneously on all platforms creating an integrated and dynamic visual experience,” he adds.

These three key moments were instant replay, the basketball equivalent of VAR in football, used for controversial referee decisions; crunch time, the final two minutes of the game; and time-out calls, during which dedicated graphic effects and team logos of the requesting team were displayed.

“The launch of this new service,” continues Curti, “was an absolute first, allowing us to enhance our in-house data management expertise. Thanks to this knowledge, we were able to distribute graphics in real time across multiple platforms, a specialisation that LBA acknowledges and entrusts to us as a highly qualified operator, not only in the management of live broadcast graphics but also in understanding the narrative dynamics and specific characteristics of this sport.”

The project was developed to meet the specific needs of LBA, with EMG / Gravity Media Italy working intensively to achieve the desired results.

The public responded positively to this new addition, which was further enhanced by collaboration with the official event announcer, who also highlighted key stats. Particularly in the pre-match phase, information and statistics were shared, enriching the spectator experience and amplifying the in-arena atmosphere.

For home viewers, the match was enriched with 3D graphics, augmented reality elements and large screens visible in the broadcast footage.

Virtual graphics

Following its debut during the previous edition of the Final Eight, the decision was made to continue developing and implementing 3D graphics live, created by the Boost Graphics team.

Real elements, such as the trophy or player photos, were integrated into the official LBA look and feel, enhancing statistical data through individual player cards, numerical comparisons and leaderboards for the top three scorers and rebounders.

The selection and placement of this content was agreed with the LBA, both in editorial and graphic terms, in full coordination with the production team, which further enhanced the 3D elements through carefully planned camera movements.

EMG / Gravity Media Italy also utilised a Robycam, which enabled the capture of dynamic aerial shots, integrated with 3D virtual graphics, delivering a visually striking impact throughout the Final Eight matches.

One of the most eye-catching graphic elements was the 3D model of the trophy, based on the actual cup won by the victorious team. Attention was also paid to the scoreboard and the award ceremony, which celebrated the values of the winning team.

Additionally, the starting five line-up presentation was enhanced with 3D elements, featuring player photos and individual cards with real-time statistical data and detailed information on key players, constantly updated.

During half-time, shooting percentages was represented using scenic 3D shot maps. These maps, structured as three-dimensional steps, recreated the court layout, highlighting each team’s shooting efficiency in different zones: the higher the column, the better the shooting percentage from that area.

On-site fan engagement

“This year,” concludes Curti, “the focus was on fan engagement, thanks to the introduction of the LED screens, where we brought statistics to life with visible and functional elements, going beyond the mere spectacle of the game.

“Boost Graphics transformed data into an accessible experience, offering an innovative visualisation of technical content. These are insights often reserved for TV audiences, but now we have made them available inside the arena as well, with highly positive feedback from both LBA and the fans.”