Mobile network provider O2 unveiled two new VR experiences, "which will put fans at the centre of the action." The new experiences will be "based around music and sport." The technology will "work on VR platforms including Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive." O2 customers will be able to use the technology to "virtually transport themselves to the heart of an O2 Academy music venue and become either a person in the audience, or a member of the band performing." A second VR experience will allow O2 customers to "immerse themselves in a world of England Rugby" (EVENT MAGAZINE, 3/15).
The Cheltenham Festival is the "first big test of racing's gamble in switching from Channel 4 to ITV" to capitalize on the big occasions in the turf calendar. But the average viewing figure of 795,000 from opening day "looks to be a disappointing return on ITV's huge build-up to jump racing's showcase meeting." ITV execs and the sport's media rights partner RMG were "surprisingly pleased" with the numbers -- plus the 12% share of the audience and the advertising reaction (London DAILY MAIL, 3/15).
Gillette is "giving football fans the chance to star in its ads during Sky Sports’ flagship show, Gillette Soccer Saturday, through a nationwide competition encouraging budding 5-a-side teams" to "showcase their skills." For the campaign, the brand partnered with Powerleague football centers "which have been fitted with video technology allowing players to capture key moments in games" (THE DRUM, 3/15).
The Champions League match between Ligue 1 side Monaco and Man City drew an average audience of 1.4 million viewers on Canal+. The match, which Monaco won 3-1, reached a peak audience of 1.7 million. The numbers made Canal the sixth-most watched network in France on Wednesday (L’ÉQUIPE, 3/16).
