Parramatta in push to give fans next-level experience in line with the best on offer in the world

Parramatta will unveil an unparalleled game-day experience when their new stadium opens next month, with fans to be treated to entertainment in line with that of the best in the USA.

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Lights, camera, action.

Parramatta fans, you’re about to take a seat alongside the New York Yankees, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Cowboys.

In an unprecedented raising of the bar for spectator experience in the NRL, the Eels have teamed-up with two of the world’s leaders for in-stadium entertainment ahead of the grand opening of their new home Bankwest Stadium on April 22.

Five years in the making, including research and study tours to the world’s leading stadiums, notably Seattle’s Century Link Stadium in 2014, the Eels have partnered with TLA Australia and Game Changer MVP.

Game Changer is an American company with a reputation as a leader for multimedia and big screen innovation that has also worked on major Hollywood films and TV shows including Transformers 3, Shrek, Titanic and Game of Thrones.

The construction of Bankwest Stadium has provided the Eels with world-class technology, which is superior to any of the other NRL stadiums.

Optus Stadium in Perth is the only other sporting ground in Australia that can boast similar LED and jumbo screen technology which allows the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers to bring their players to life, elevate the profile of their commercial partners via multiple LED lighting and screens and, most importantly, incorporate their fans into the action.

WATCH: Get a feel for what Eels fans are on offer with the pump-up video at the top of the page!

Parramatta have linked with Game Changer, who have worked on shows such as Game of Thrones. Picture: HBO

For example, the Eels will soon announce a fan engagement phone app which with one flick of a switch from a stadium control room, the stadium lights will be turned off and simultaneously turn on the torch of every phone connected to the app.

The innovation is a fan-favourite in the US, building atmosphere and excitement prior to tip-off in the NBA, when the referee drops the puck in the NHL — or kick-off here in the NRL.

With access to four levels of LED screens at Bankwest, the technology will also give fans unrivalled display of up-to-the-minute in-game statistics, SuperCoach scores, tackle counts and interchanges.

The Eels have resisted commercialising the top-two levels of the stadium in order to focus on increasing the information provided to fans.

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Player videos and content, prior to kick-off or when an Eels player scores a try, will be of Hollywood standard.

Every member of the Parramatta squad spent an entire afternoon last month at Western Sydney University filming in front of a “green screen”.

That content has since been sent to Game Changer in the US and is currently in the final stages of production.

The new Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta will feature four levels of LED screens. Picture: Damian Shaw

Throughout the construction phase Eels CEO Bernie Gurr has boasted that Bankwest will deliver fans the best stadium experience in Australia — and he says this partnership as proof of that.

“Combined with the opening of Bankwest Stadium in April 2019, this partnership provides the perfect platform to bring our Members and fans world class game day experience,” said Gurr said.

“TLA Australia and Game Changer MVP will also provide our corporate partners and sponsors the opportunity to be showcased through industry leading game day production and innovation.

“This will ensure that Parramatta Eels will be at the forefront of sponsor and partner activation in both the NRL and Australian sport.”

The Eels faithful will be treated to the best gameday experience in the country. Picture: AAP

TLA Australia are an award-winning agency across sports marketing, innovation in sport and fan engagement.

TLA Australia head of events and consultancy James Ward said: “We’re very excited to have been given the opportunity by the Parramatta Eels to help them bring to life the big screens and the LED in their new home.

“Through our collaboration with Game Changer MVP we will be combining global expertise with local knowledge and experience to deliver some amazing content to Bankwest Stadium.’’

The Eels official unveiling of their new home will be against the Wests Tigers on Easter Monday, April 22. The match is nearing a sell-out.