Eurosport has launched a ground-breaking new virtual reality application that promises to give fans the chance to become immersed within the heart of world class sport.
Released ahead of the start of the French Open tennis tournament, Eurosport VR app will feature daily highlights of the best matches from Roland Garros, including ‘Shots of the Day’, and exclusive behind the scenes footage in stunning VR.
During Roland Garros, fans will be able to see the world through the eyes of some of the tennis’ biggest stars, with dramatic 360° on-court views during exclusive player interviews.
Throughout the year, Eurosport VR will allow viewers to get closer to the sporting action than ever before.
The innovation builds on the development of a range of breathtaking VR content released by Eurosport and its owner Discovery Communications.
This includes the incredible 360° film which allowed fans to experience Vancouver 2010 gold medallist and four-time world champion skier Bode Miller’s point of view as he tackled the Beaver Creek course ahead of last winter’s Alpine Skiing World Cup event at the venue.
It is hoped the launch of the Eurosport VR app will enable the broadcaster to showcase different methods of covering top class sport, allow fans to get a glimpse of the experience that top sporting stars go through as they perform.
Peter Hutton, Eurosport CEO, said: “We continually strive to deliver new and exciting ways for fans to immerse themselves in world-class sport.
“Using innovative production technologies, the Eurosport VR app will transport fans right to the heart of the action and bring them closer than ever to their heroes.
“There was an amazing reaction to our first VR video featuring Bode Miller and we can’t wait for fans to experience tennis in VR, many for the very first time.”
Virtual reality is set to be the next frontier in sports broadcasting innovation, with Sky recently making a major commitment to VR by setting up its own VR production unit.
Eurosport VR is available to download now on iOS, Android and Oculus devices.
Fans can experience all films via VR goggles, such as Samsung Gear VR, or solutions such as Google Cardboard.
To sample Bode miller’s stunning 360° Virtual Reality journey with Eurosport, watch the video below.
