LaLiga re-start: Virtualised fans to be added to match coverage for 11 June return

Mediapro to use Vizrt tech to augment coverage with 'to-scale images of seated fans'

The virtualisation of supporters inside stadiums and simulated crowd audio, as well as new camera positions, will be used when coverage of LaLiga returns on Thursday 11 June.

With matches being played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the innovations will help to replicate and make up for the lack of, natural ambience and atmosphere created by supporters inside stadiums.

Mediapro, the official production partner and host broadcaster of LaLiga, will produce the coverage and handle the new innovations which will be offered to international rights holders.

To replace supporters, the stands will be virtualised and offer to-scale images of seated fans wearing the colours of the home club.

This is being done using technology from Vizrt.

When the match action stops, the fan image will be transformed into a canvas that matches the colour of the home team and will carry institutional messages, among other things.

“We are in an exceptional situation, but for us it has been important to be able to adapt and offer a compelling, cutting-edge broadcast to our fans.”

For the virtual sound, a collaboration with EA Sports FIFA, called Sounds of the Stands, will see an audio library that was recorded in real stadiums implemented in real-time during the match.

It will be adapted to the flow of the game as certain situations occur, such as a goal or a foul, creating what is being called Atmospheric Audio.

The matches themselves will also be seen differently due to new camera positions.

Some cameras will be moved to positions where they would previously have affected the sightline of fans in the stands.

At the same time, the aerial camera will modify its flight path to offer new shots, the bench camera will be moved to the opposite stand, while robotic cameras will be used in the tunnel for reasons of health and safety.

“We have made these broadcasting changes so fans can enjoy LaLiga,” said LaLiga President Javier Tebas.

“We work with global partners to offer a great viewer experience. We are in an exceptional situation, but for us it has been important to be able to adapt and offer a compelling, cutting-edge broadcast to our fans.”

All the innovations will remain in place until such point as fans are allowed back into the stadiums, the league added.

LaLiga returns to action on 11 June with Sevilla vs Real Betis.

To learn more about how broadcasters are covering the re-start of football leagues around Europe, register for SVG Europe’s Football Summit 2020. The live-streamed conference will feature Sky Sports, BT Sport, Sky Germany, Sportcast and Ekstraklasa Live Park. To find out more visit: Football Summit 2020