04.03.2025 17:20
The "Endless Bernabeu" project by Real Madrid President Florentino Perez was tested last month during the PSG-Monaco match. The project aims to allow millions of people to watch matches from virtual seats, going beyond the capacity of stadiums. If the project is implemented, watching matches in stadiums could become a thing of the past. However, there are some obstacles in front of this technology.
The project of Real Madrid President Florentino Perez to reach an infinite audience through cameras and virtual reality glasses to be installed at the Bernabeu is becoming a reality. The striking project was tested in France.
TESTED IN THE PSG-MONACO MATCH
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) made a breakthrough last month by broadcasting the match against Monaco through virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) glasses. Users were able to watch the match from any angle thanks to 360-degree cameras and felt as if they were in the stadium.
THE GOAL IS TO REACH MILLIONS WITH "INFINITE BERNABEU"
According to a report in the Spanish newspaper Marca, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez's "Bernabeu Infinito" (Infinite Bernabeu) project offers a similar vision. The goal is to go beyond the stadium's capacity of 80,000 and allow hundreds of thousands, even millions, to watch the match from virtual seats. If this project is implemented, watching matches in stadiums could become a thing of the past. The Madrid team plans to collaborate with world-renowned technology companies on this matter.
ATLETICO MADRID STARTED TRIALS LAST YEAR
Atletico Madrid began trials last year by offering this technology to VIP guests. Their stadiums have ultra-fast connections and low-cost 360-degree cameras. Users experience a realistic experience that makes them feel as if the ball is coming towards them.
THERE ARE SOME BARRIERS TO WIDESPREAD ADOPTION
However, there are some barriers to the widespread adoption of this technology;
- Connection issues: A strong infrastructure is required for real-time image streaming.
- Device quality: The broadcast can be in 8K or 4K, but the resolution of the glasses is a determining factor.
- User experience: Wearing glasses for 90 minutes can be tiring.
- Price: Advanced glasses range from 3,000 to 5,000 euros.
CONNECTION PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN NBA TRIALS
The NBA is broadcasting 52 games in VR format with Meta's Xtadium platform, but there are connection and quality issues. More development is needed for this technology to become fully widespread.
THE ISSUE OF BROADCAST RIGHTS IS ALSO A QUESTION MARK
However, there is a significant legal question mark: Do these broadcasts count as "increasing stadium capacity," or are they "violations of broadcast rights"? LaLiga is waiting for developments before making a decision on the licensing of such broadcasts.