NextVR Announces International Champions Cup Match Coverage
Virtual Reality Programing Includes El Clásico Miami Live and Nine ICC VR Match Highlights
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 18, 2017 – NextVR, the leader in broadcasting live events in virtual reality, in partnership with Relevent Sports, a division of RSE Ventures, will transport fans onto the pitch to experience the best plays of the International Champions Cup (ICC) in virtual reality. Soccer fanatics will experience El Clásico live for the first time in VR, as well as relive each goal from nine ICC matches in the NextVR app.
Kicking things off today, the ICC Pre-Tournament Show sets the stage for the invasion of eight of the world’s premier soccer clubs that is available in the NextVR app. US National Soccer Hall of Famer Cobi Jones, known for his standout performances with Team USA and LA Galaxy, will be joined in the NextVR Studio by Heath Pearce, former Bundesliga and New York Red Bulls defender, to preview the matchups fans can expect to witness while the ICC is stateside.
“We’re thrilled to be broadcasting El Clásico live in VR for the first time and to give fans new experiences like the pre and post tournament shows to further enhance our ICC programing,” said David Cole, NextVR CEO. “Virtual reality immerses you in the action and we’re able to transport fans into the match to provide them unprecedented access to one of the world’s most premier sporting events.”
El Clásico, the legendary rivalry between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona, will be broadcast live in VR enabling fans to experience each goal and dominant defensive plays, by the beautiful game’s most iconic playmakers. The VR broadcast of this epic match will include dedicated announcers, the halftime show featuring five-time Grammy Award winner and global music icon Marc Anthony, and behind-the-scenes footage exclusive to VR. Twelve VR cameras will be positioned along the pitch and throughout Hard Rock Stadium to transport fans into the most dynamic live soccer event. Calling the match will be 2004 Mexico Olympic Team Captain and 2007 FIFA World All-Star Monica Gonzalez, Health Pearce, and seasoned MLS and NBA sportscaster Mark Rogondino.
Following El Clásico Miami, NextVR will distribute an ICC Recap Show that will assemble the best matchups and plays from each of the nine matches captured in virtual reality for fans to relive the excitement.
“The ICC is thrilled to be partnering with NextVR to bring soccer fans across the world a viewing experience unlike any other,” said Bruce Bundrant, Chief Commercial Officer at Relevent Sports. “This year’s tournament features the strongest lineup of clubs, matchups and venues to date, highlighted by the biggest match in our history when Real Madrid meets Barcelona in El Clásico Miami. The ICC offers a premium viewing experience whether you’re in the stadium or at home and this partnership will play a key role in following through on that promise.”
Fans with a Samsung GearVR headset or Google Daydream View, along with a compatible smartphone, can download the free NextVR app from the Oculus Store for GearVR or the Google Play Store for Daydream users. Fans can go to nextvr.com/icc for additional details including how to get started in VR, as well as countries to view ICC. For updates make sure to follow @NextVR on Twitter and Instagram and /NextVR on Facebook.
About NextVR
NextVR is the world’s leading virtual reality platform for delivering live sports and music in virtual reality to fans globally. Launched in 2009, the company has multiple patented technologies that deliver an unparalleled virtual reality experience, providing fans extraordinary access and profound immersion. NextVR has world-class partnerships with leaders in sports and entertainment including the NFL, NBA, FOX Sports, Live Nation, and the International Champions Cup. NextVR was founded by industry leaders with decades of experience in 3D stereoscopic imaging, compression technology, and VR broadcasting. For more information, visit nextvr.com.
About the International Champions Cup presented by Heineken® The International Champions Cup is the world’s premier summer soccer tournament organized by Relevent Sports, featuring the best clubs from around the world. A staple property of Relevent Sports and RSE Ventures, the International Champions Cup works with leading sponsors such as Heineken, Nike, Visit Orlando and Ally, among others, to bring the best in soccer to iconic sports venues across North America, Europe and China.
The International Champions Cup has hosted some of the most iconic matchups in the world, including the two most attended soccer matches in U.S. history. First came when 109,318 fans saw Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester United play in Michigan Stadium at the University of Michigan. Real Madrid C.F. returned to the “Big House” to take on Chelsea in front of 105,826 fans, second all-time, as part of the 2016 tournament. The International Champions Cup also has hosted the most attended soccer matches in Minnesota (64,101 at U.S. Bank Stadium) and Ohio (86,641 at Ohio Stadium) state history. In its four-year history, Real Madrid C.F., Manchester United, Juventus F.C. and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. all have won installments of the tournament.