How AFL, broadcasters plan to make fans part of the game when footy returns in empty stadiums
The AFL and broadcasters are exploring new ways to make fans part of the game when footy returns next week in empty stadiums, and Gillon McLachlan has revealed a new ‘digital’ idea.
AFL
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Projecting “digital” images of fans onto stadium seating is one option being explored by broadcasters ahead of footy’s reboot, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has revealed.
With cardboard cutouts of supporters to sit behind the goals being explored by a number of clubs and artificial crowd noise to be played on match broadcasts, McLachlan said that every avenue would be explored as football prepares to return for Round 2 next Thursday night.
“The digital option is certainly something that people are working on,” he said on ABC Melbourne radio.
“(Broadcasters) are looking at lots of things. Clearly they’re trying to engage with our members and our supporters and trying to give the game the best atmosphere, and that’s visually as well as in an audio sense.
“There’s lots of different options ... different broadcasters have got different views. Where they actually land next Thursday night, they’re still working on but hopefully it will be engaging our members and supporters and we’ll have a look and feel that generates some energy.”
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Italian soccer powerhouse Juventus has explored a similar initiative to project holograms of star players including Cristiano Ronaldo onto empty stands when the Serie A competition resumes on June 20.
McLachlan maintained that he league will “be ready” whenever fans could return to matches, and conceded that while he wants to attend next Thursday night’s MCG clash between Richmond and Collingwood, he was wrestling with doing so given “the heartbeat of the game” — supporters — “can’t be there”.
“I don’t know (if I’m allowed to go) … I think technically, yes,” he said.
“I’d like to go to be honest, certainly, for that first game, but I’ve got to work in with the protocols and what’s right and what’s appropriate. Thinking about it … If I am there, I’ll be distanced from everyone else.”
FOOTY GOGGLEBOX? FANS WILL BE PART OF BROADCAST
Jay Clark
Broadcasters will incorporate vision of fans watching games from home to help liven up the footy coverage.
Without crowds, Channel 7 and Foxtel want shots of fans celebrating goals and big marks from their lounge rooms for the Round 2 matches next week.
The vision of the home team fans could also be used on the LED signs around the grounds.
Clubs were this week urged to make contact with members who would want to be part of the live broadcast.
Up to 12 groups of club fans will be included in a “fan zone” which will be shown on screen after key moments for each game.
The fans will be encouraged to sing songs and create their own supportive messages.
Broadcasters hope the fan vision will add some excitement and human interest to games which will be played in front of empty stands.
AFL INVESTIGATES UP TO 50 FANS ATTENDING
Jay Clark
The AFL is investigating whether up to 50 fans could attend games as soon as next month.
The league has formed a working party to oversee the return of spectators at games including the possibility of starting with 50 seated patrons at the MCG and Marvel Stadium.
While a timeline has not been set, there are increasing hopes the State Government will consider allowing small AFL crowds from July.
It would be a massive boost for the sport and particularly longstanding club members who look set to be the first in line for any available tickets.
The “return to crowds” working party — led by Marvel Stadium chief executive Michael Green and AFL product and innovation general manager David Stevenson — is considering how the tickets would be divided among club, MCC and AFL members, and some corporate partners.
An AFL spokesman on Wednesday night said the league wanted to reward the loyalty of its fans and partners throughout the recent shutdown if the restrictions eased.
“The AFL has formed a working group to explore the possibility of crowds attending matches, and how it could be successfully and safely implemented should changes to government restrictions in the future allow for the return of supporters,” the spokesman said.
“The group will also work with clubs to ensure club members and other key partners who have supported them through the COVID-19 pandemic are rewarded for their loyalty and commitment.
“Like all decisions though the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be led by the State Governments and relevant Chief Health Officers as to if and when this can become a reality.”
From June 22, up to 50 people will be able to gather in some public venues including zoos, amusement parks and restaurants. AFL venues are currently not included, but there are hopes they could be next in line to benefit as restrictions continue to ease around the country.
Sporting venues are developing safe-seating plans which would cater for thousands of fans to watch lives games in accordance with social distancing protocols.
Up to 30,000 fans could be seated for the AFL Grand Final, pending approval from authorities.
It means fans would be separated by empty seats and be required to arrive and exit the venue at prescribed times and use allocated amenities including toilets.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said the public’s health was always the top priority.
“Decisions on crowds at sporting events will be made based on the advice of the Chief Health Officer,” Mr Pakula said.
“We understand the desire of Victorians to once again attend sporting events, but public safety must remain the number one consideration.”
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Originally published as How AFL, broadcasters plan to make fans part of the game when footy returns in empty stadiums