NBA Finals in 3D! FSN Ohio Game 2 Watch Party brings it to Life

By Andrew Lippe

The NBA has led the way in technological breakthroughs with its recent efforts in digital archiving and 3D technology. Now the NBA will bring the 3D experience to the streets of Cleveland.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Pace will unveil the first-ever live game of the NBA Finals in 3D HD this Sunday June 10 at 9 pm ET at Quicken Loans Arena. “Cavaliers 3D HD Experience” will be presented by FSN Ohio at the viewing party for Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the San Antonio Spurs. The Cavs will be on the road for Games 1 and 2. All Finals games are broadcasted live on ABC “This is so exciting,” said Steve Hellmuth, Senior Vice President of Operations and Technology, for NBA Entertainment. “Dan Gilbert (owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers) attended our 3D HD viewing parties during NBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas and was impressed with what he saw and low and behold here we are.” (SVG also demonstrated the 3D technology at a special invite-only viewing party event during the NAB show in April.)

But unlike those viewings regular fans now get the chance to see the 3D experience. “We have been with the Cavaliers all season long and we will continue to be,” said Tom Farmer, FSN Ohio Vice President, production and programming. The Plaza from which the 3D experience will air was constructed earlier this postseason. In fact it was the scene of one of the wildest nights in Cleveland sports history. Lebron James scored 48 points in a win in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons.

“On the same night fans were leaving Jacobs Field. The Cleveland Indians had just finished a game with the Detroit Tigers,” said Farmer. “Fans spilled out into the plaza.” Large diamond vision screens were set up and fans watched Lebron’s masterpiece in awe. “It was Mardi Gras,” said Farmer. “Up to 10,000 people filled the streets.” The excitement had not been this high in Cleveland since the Indians made the 1995 and 1997 World Series.

For the 3D event they will have four 3D HD screens set up, each measuring 40 feet by 23 feet. DLP technology will power the High-tech projectors that will light up the screens outside Quicken Loans Arena. In the AT&T Center, they will install four of PACE’s Sports Fusion 3D HD camera systems that will be used to capture the basketball action and bring 3D to life. Fans will be provided with special 3D HD viewing glasses at the event.

FSN Ohio’s pre game festivities entitled Cavaliers Live, will air prior to every Finals game. Hosted by play by play man Jeff Phelps, along with former Cavaliers Austin Carr, Campy Russell they will discuss the upcoming games along with pre and post game interviews with coaches and players.