BTN To Produce Saturday’s Minnesota-Nebraska Game in Virtual Reality

BTN will be the first college sports network to offer live VR for a football game

Another major broadcaster is getting into the live–virtual-reality game. BTN will become the first college sports network to produce a football game live in VR when it partners with VOKE on Saturday to build a VR experience of the Minnesota-Nebraska game.

VOKE’s TrueVR platform will use four 180-degree HD cameras to bring viewers onto the field. BTN will add augmented graphics and a live audio stream to the feed. The network will also turn around real-time highlights in the app to accompany the live stream.

“We’re always exploring ways to integrate new technology into the Big Ten fan experience,” says Michael Calderon, VP, digital media and programming, BTN. “We see virtual reality and our partnership with VOKE as an opportunity to provide Big Ten fans a unique way to watch their favorite team from a whole new perspective.”

To access the experience, users must own a Samsung mobile phone and a Samsung Gear VR headset, enter VOKE’s GearVR app from the Oculus Store, and select the BTN channel.

“We are excited to partner with the Big Ten Network to create the first-ever live VR broadcast of a football game by a collegiate sports network,” says VOKE Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Jonas. “The history, tradition, and passion in the Big Ten is incredible, and this partnership will introduce live VR to a rabid fan base, while allowing BTN to provide their audience with a fully immersive experience no matter where they are.”