MLS Primetime Thursday gets new graphic enhancements

The type of soccer-related graphics that have become a mainstay for European broadcasters will make the jump across the pond when ESPN kicks off the MLS Primetime Thursday coverage of MLS. ESPN will provide fans a virtual replay device that will display the trajectory and placement of set pieces in a match through the exclusive use of “Kick Trax.” The soccer production innovation was developed by SportVision in conjunction with ESPN.

MLS Primetime Thursday on ESPN2, the linchpin of ESPN’s domestic soccer television programming, will also feature a virtual Offside Line (another SportVision technical enhancement) and new graphics consistent with other ESPN marquee programming.

“The introduction of these production devices on MLS Primetime Thursday will broaden the traditional boundaries of the soccer genre in this country,” said Tim Scanlan, ESPN senior coordinating producer, remote productions. “The tools will allow us to present and describe Major League Soccer action in ways casual sports fans will understand.

“With our successful FIFA World Cup experience and long-term commitment to soccer, the next natural step is to establish MLS Primetime Thursday as the premier weekly soccer telecast that will attract new fans to the sport and retain its core, passionate base,” added Scanlan, who spearheaded ESPN’s 2006 FIFA World Cup production which was just nominated for a 2007 Emmy Awards in the ‘Live Special’ category.

The in-game enhancements will debut Saturday, April 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC and ABC HD during the 2007 MLS season-opening match – DC United at Colorado Rapids – from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will debut these innovations Thursday, March 12 from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. – site for the FC Dallas at Los Angeles Galaxy match and premiere of MLS Primetime Thursday.

Highlights of ESPN’s 2007 MLS Primetime Thursday production enhancements:
Kick Trax: A virtual replay device that displays on-screen the trajectory and placement of set pieces (free-, direct- and indirect-kicks) in a match. It also provides the distance of key crosses and long passes including hang-time on goal-kicks. It will be used as a telestrator by the analyst in explaining in-game strategies on critical plays. Kick Trax also features a “radar gun” system – much like in baseball – that will measure and provide the speed of key shots and set pieces. Click here to view graphics and click here to preview.
Offside Line: A key replay technology which displays a virtual line affixed to the last defender to show the viewer whether the referee’s offside decision is accurate.
SkyCam: A staple of ESPN’s many award-winning telecasts – NFL, college football and MLB – SkyCam will return on a more regular basis than in 2006 to provide aerial views of the field, giving fans a unique angle to appreciate the development and speed of match action. (MLS Primetime Thursday will be the only soccer telecast using this aerial, remote and mobile camera – SkyCam)