Panasonic AW-HN40H TV Technology: Guide to Sports Production - Page 2

SPORTS FOR TELEVISION By Tom Butts, Content Director, TV Technology Esports revenues will reach $905 million in 2018 and grow to $1.4 billion worldwide by 2020 as brand investment doubles, according to market research firm Newzoo. It's a cliché that today's sports business wouldn't exist without television. In fact, most of the popular televised sports leagues develop and revise many of their rules because of television. And some sports are made for television- what is tennis but a version of Pong but with humans involved? But has there ever been a sport that based its very origin on television? There is now. Say what you will about whether or not it's a "sport," eSports-the business of video game competition-is serious business. From social media to dedicated networks providing the latest championship news, eSports is a worldwide fast-growing multi-million dollar business that shows no signs of slowing down. However, there's perhaps no other sport in the world today that illustrates the digital "get off my lawn" generation gap between Millennials and other sports fans. Sports is for athletes, so where does this generation get off, identifying a couch potato culture as a "sport?" Well, sports is also competition as well, and when it comes to "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat," video game competitions take it to the next level. When arenas that host world-class gamers sell out in a matter of minutes, it's time to pay attention. It's a culture that's also full of glamour and glitz, so it's no surprise that Las Vegas is getting in on the act. In our latest guide to sports production, we profile the new Luxor Esports Arena Las Vegas, a 30,000 square foot multilevel venue that can host every form of competitive gaming. The facility is fairly unique in that it was built for eSports, which means it was built for broadcast and video production. Producing for the events bears all the hallmarks of today's broadcasts, adapting for interactive play or broadcasting to tens of thousands of fans in attendance. There's perhaps no other sport in the world today that illustrates the digital "get off my lawn" generation gap between Millennials and other sports fans. INSIDE It's Gaming of the Other Kind at Vegas' Luxor........ 3 NBC's Kentucky Derby Coverage Shines Despite Soggy Conditions 8 D.C. United's New Audi Field Maximizes Fan Engagement 12 From the Rink to a Screen Near You 17 We can't overlook tradition, however, so in this ebook, we also take a look back at one of the oldest traditions in the U.S., the Kentucky Derby. We also preview the latest technology going into the new MLS D.C. United stadium, which opens this summer, as well as the growing popularity of small and mid-market sized hockey leagues and how the availability of cost-effective and user-friendly production tools are bringing the game to a growing online fanbase. As always, we value your feedback. Got a comment or suggestion? Contact us at [email protected]. [2] GUIDE TO SPORTS PRODUCTION | MAY 2018