You may call it soccer or you may call it football, regardless, there is no arguing that the sport by the numbers is the most popular in the world. Whether a team is competing for the FIFA World Cup or in a standard league game, their fans are fiercely loyal, incredibly passionate and always committed. With fans so intense and devoted, it’s only right that the sport allows them to get in on the action. And while they may not be able to suit up and play with the pros, they are now able to interact with the live game on-screen thanks to an innovative partnership between iPoWow and Red Bull Media House. These two companies have been working together to create a new precedent for the future of sports and television.
That precedent was set in January, when the world’s first soccer game utilizing Participation Television took place during the live airing of the FC Bayern München vs FC Red Bull Salzburg match. The game, which aired via Red Bull Media House’s ServusTV, allowed fans to control on-screen elements from their smartphone, tablet or computer. These elements were displayed live on-screen, showing viewers how they were effecting the results as it happened. To do this, viewers used their digital devices to weigh in on questions and events happening around the game-play and players. Second-by-second, these results were updated within the broadcast using pristine on-screen graphics, as well as on the device itself. Both the TV and second screen were synchronous, showing the exact audience sentiments as the game unfolded.
Since then, Red Bull Media House and iPoWow have extended their partnership into another popular sport. Beginning March 9th, DEL (German ice hockey league) fans will be able to interact in real-time with live game broadcasts on ServusTV. Ice hockey fanatics will be able to choose the “Man of the Match” and for the first time in history, vote live to determine the game that will be broadcast the following week. Yes, you heard that correctly—viewers can choose which game airs! Using the Sound2go.net platform, show producers are able to engage viewers in a live television experience while benefiting from their responses by generating new revenue streams, enhancing brand recognition and driving viewership.
“Red Bull Media House has been a valuable partner. Their vision for how to engage their fans and enhance the experience for the viewer has been revolutionary,” tells Gavin Douglas, Chief Commercial Officer of iPowow. “The key to a successful execution relies on how well you can include the fan in the story and enhance the viewing experience. Our partner does just that with first the soccer match and now the DEL playoffs – giving fans a chance to be a part of the story throughout the entire experience.”
Between hockey and soccer, UK sports fans should prepare for an unprecedented viewer experience. And just across the pond, U.S. fans are also getting in on the action as iPoWow teams up with broadcasters to create a truly global sporting experience. Gaging sentiments of fellow fans, as well as voicing your own, will allow fans worldwide to partake in a game-day experience that is unmatched in the world of sports. It’s time for sports fans to start talking…go on, we’re all listening!