The Viewing Experience: American Football
- Mar 27, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 29, 2020
Is there a point at which every Sunday during the NFL season ceases to make a man feel like a kid on Christmas morning? – Mike Alexander
American football originated in North American colleges in the 1800s, evolving from the sports of soccer and rugby. It gained popularity quickly and the first evidence of professionalism came before the 20th century. In the decades since, high school, college, and professional football have all grown into regulated structures. The popularity of the sport across the US is remarkable.
Professional Popularity
Looking specifically at the professional game, and the most elite National Football League (NFL), the viewership ratings are extraordinary. In 2019, 47 of the top 50 most-watched TV shows, were NFL games. 'Sunday Night Football' achieved an average of 20 million viewers. Mike Alexander's quote shows how the game has become a mainstay in the homes of many Americans each and every weekend. The cult-like status of the sport is further emphasized by this little ditty, sang by Carrie Underwood (and commercialized in the most American fashion), to ring in the weekly presentation.
Despite being a staple of American life for decades, the NFL is still managing to increase viewership ratings. 2019 saw an increase of 5% from 2018, equating to 16.5 million new viewers. Using Google Trends, we can see that more and more people are searching for the NFL during the season. How are they doing this? How is a game, that can take up to 4 hours, still drawing in a generation that are often associated with reduced attention spans? The answer is technology.
Technology
The NFL pioneered the use of a video replay official back in 1985, although the technology wasn't full utilized due to resistance from owners. They have adapted the use of video replay officials and today they are a key part of the game. Similar technology to rugby and soccer is used. The NFL has also been ahead of the curve in terms of introducing technology such as player mics and sky cameras, more of which can be read about here. The use of augmented reality has long been a part of NFL broadcasts; the most simple and most brilliant manifestation of such, being the yellow first-down line. Today, I will look at some of the more cutting-edge tech that is increasing interest in the sport right now.
RedZone
Seven hours of commercial-free football.
Those are the words of NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson, that echo in the homes of millions of Americans every Sunday afternoon. RedZone has revolutionized live sport by televising up to 8 games simultaneously. The host broadcasts the most exciting moments from each game sometimes live and sometimes with replays. It is a remarkable feat of logistics and technology to be able to do so in real-time. RedZone has helped to ensure that the sport can be consumed by the most devout fans, as NFL Vice-President Brian Rolapp said "people who watch it talk about it religiously and love it.” It is also tailored for the new generation who can process more information than before. One host, Andrew Siciliano said "we didn’t create America’s short attention span, but we came along at the right time."
Intel True View
Intel's FreeD System and True View technology deliver views that traditional camera can't. This means 360-degree-replays and even point-of-view replays from the perspective of players on the field. Will Deng said that Intel's technology will help "bring fans closer to the game" and fan reaction has been positive. It uses 38 5K cameras placed around the stadium, generating volumetric data (3D pixels). Footage and data has to be processed and then production teams can use it to provide astonishing replays. The video below highlights how this technology will improve the viewing experience of the NFL.
Microsoft HoloLens
The NFL and Microsoft have been working on new holographic technology that will bring live games to living rooms all over the US. The Mixed Reality technology will also improve the viewing experience for coaches who can use within their work. The headset has multiple optical sensors for 'environment understanding' and to pick up hand motions. The 'Holographic Processing Unit' does the work of blending holograms with the real environment. The technology still has some way to go, but it is always advancing, and we can see more and more mixed reality in the NFL.
The NFL has remained innovative in its use of technology to improve the viewing experience for all. Their strategies have been proven by remarkable viewing figures all over the US. American football popularity has grown worldwide too, although it has yet to reach the global audiences of soccer. In the future, the NFL will strive to reach new markets by implementing more technology. That way people all over the globe can sit back with some food, and enjoy the viewing experience.
Jack O'Donoghue
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