Gravity Media goes big for in-stadium screen production for British & Irish Lions at Murrayfield

Gravity Media has been appointed by The British & Irish Lions rugby as technical partner for the big screen production at the Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup, which took place on 26 June at BT Murrayfield and saw the Lions’ first-ever clash with the Japanese Brave Blossoms team.

The match was the largest rugby event the UK has seen since the COVID-19 pandemic started, with a crowd of 16,500 people.

Gravity Media’s in-house OB truck Pictor made the trip up to Scotland, supported by RF camera equipment and EVS from its rental department and operated by an experienced team of engineers. Gravity Media’s design team created and operated a bespoke graphics package for the screens, utlitising the Lions’ new brand guidelines.

Gravity Media has a long history of delivering big screen productions, having worked with both The FA at Wembley and the RFU at Twickenham for almost a decade. Its relationship with Arsenal goes back even further, almost 30 years, having provided the in-stadium screen production first at Highbury and now at the Emirates Stadium. Most recently, it was appointed to run the screens at the Brentford Community Stadium, a venue that will soon be hosting Premier League football following Brentford FC’s playoff success last month.

Barry Aherne, event director for the British & Irish Lions, said: “We are delighted to be working with Gravity Media on this historic event. Their experience and big screens pedigree is unrivalled in the UK and they were always our first choice.

“This is the first time in 16 years that we have been able to host the Lions on home soil and we are delighted to have fans in attendance. We want the stadium show and big screens coverage to honour the occasion and to provide a truly memorable experience for those in attendance, we have every confidence Gravity Media will help us deliver that world-class experience.”

Blair Wood, director of business development for Gravity Media, said: “We are thrilled to be involved in such a special landmark event as The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup. We have a proud tradition of working in rugby, particularly around big screens, so to be appointed for such a prestigious event is an honour.

“We pride ourselves on flexibility and innovative technical solutions at Gravity Media, both of which are crucial for live events during these uncertain times. The British & Irish Lions had very ambitious plans for this match and, from the minute they approached us, we have worked hard to find solutions that will deliver an unforgettable event.”