Major League Baseball announced that the first-ever game streamed via their virtual ballpark will take place when the Tampa Bay Rays host the Los Angeles Angels on September 20th at Tropicana Field.
The interactive experience will incorporate a three-dimensional representation of the game through Gameday 3D for its initial test. Fans around the world have the opportunity to login into the virtual ballpark can watch a three-dimensional representation of the game.
Fans who are tuned in will have a chance to interact with each other, in addition to viewing the game from angles that were previously unattainable. Spatial audio, trivia games, and a scavenger hunt are some of the many things that will be available for those in attendance.
The experience is available on internet-connected devices including computers, tablets and smartphones.
“With the virtual ballpark, we want to continue to give our fans options to experience the game they love in unique ways and test the boundaries of baseball content delivery,” said Kenny Gersh, MLB Executive Vice President, Media & Business Development. “Gameday 3D allows us to experiment even more within the virtual ballpark and should allow our fans to further immerse themselves into the experience of a game. Thanks to the Rays and Angels supporting this initiative, we can watch Major League Baseball in a format unlike any other.”
“The Rays are always looking for new ways to engage with fans through technology,” said Rays Chief Business Officer Bill Walsh. “In collaboration with MLB and the Angels, we’re excited to be able to offer fans this unique and immersive experience at the forefront of innovation in sports technology.”
The MLB virtual ballpark debuted with a special watch party for the MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game presented by Corona on July 8, developed in collaboration with Improbable, a London-based tech firm that develops virtual spaces to connect brands with consumers.
Gameday 3D transports fans into a fully immersive three-dimensional baseball environment, which offers a unique experience to view the action live, from any angle in the ballpark. MLB launched Gameday 3D earlier this season to provide fans with an alternate viewing experience of select games online.
The first-of-its-kind immersive animation will be on display between the Rays and Angels, featuring advanced tracking data via the latest computer vision technology.
Angels nominate Mike Trout for 2023 Roberto Clemente Award
The Roberto Clemente Award is viewed as one of Major League Baseball’s most sought after accolades. Each team in MLB selects one nominee, with the winner representing the game in its highest form through a display of extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
Trout’s reach goes well past the baseball field, spending both time and contributing financially to a number of causes. It’s his third nomination in the last four years.
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