Australian Open tennis 2017: ‘Fan cam’ to allow selfies at Rod Laver Arena

A STATE-of-the-art “Fan Cam’’ to be unveiled at this month’s Australian Open will allow spectators to take control of a camera inside the stadium roof and snap a “selfie’’ in their seats.

A STATE-of-the-art “Fan Cam’’ to be unveiled at this month’s Australian Open will allow spectators to take control of a camera inside the stadium roof and snap a “selfie’’ in their seats.

Fans will be able to visit a mobile site via smartphone, enter their seat number and pose for a picture in the latest grand slam first at Rod Laver Arena.

Photos will then be sent to their phone and fans encouraged to share them on digital walls inside the stadium and social media with prizes awarded after matches for best images of the night.

LATEST TENNIS NEWS AND RESULTS

Sean Munaweera, 28 and Sian Powell, 32 in the stands of Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Tournament director Craig Tiley predicted it would be a hit. “The Fan Cam is just one example of cutting-edge technology being used at this year’s Australian Open,’’ he said.

“It lets fans use their smartphone to take the ultimate selfie by using the arena’s cameras to trigger real-time pics from their seats.’’

It is one of several hi-tech innovations at Melbourne Park as this year’s Open pushes new ground.

A stunning new sound and light show will kick off every night session on centre court as tournament organisers amp up the spectator experience.

More than 200 moving lights will be installed around the arena catwalk and at the top of stadium aisles, and music composed by acclaimed Australian producer Ned Beckley will play from stadium speakers.

A light beam display will fill the arena each evening.

And more than 200 different videos tailored to player match-ups every night will be played on 3m high digital screens around the venue.

“Traditionally pre-match entertainment in Rod Laver Arena has only been for the finals weekend,’’ Mr Tiley said.

“This year we wanted to extend it to the first week of the Australian Open so more people can experience it.’’

It comes as on-court seating metres away from players, and an in-seat butler service delivering food and drinks to the stands will be served up at the Open from January 16-29.

And giant LED screens in Garden Square will feature life-size player vision during matches.

“The Australian Open is renowned as being one of the most innovative sports and entertainment events in the world,” Mr Tiley said.

“We will be using state-of-the-art technology to improve the event experience of all our fans.’’

[e-mail]

@rolfep