BT Sport is making it simple for fans to watch the upcoming UEFA Champions League final in virtual reality. Ahead of the match between Real Madrid and Juventus, fans will have a chance to get a pair of free VR Google Cardboard headsets.
Due to immense demand, BT Sport has actually sold out of the glasses in advance of the game. However, fans were able to get their hands on a pair of VR glasses by visiting the BT Shop online or visiting EE stores throughout the U.K. They’re also going to be giving them away at London Waterloo, London Liverpool Street and Birmingham New Street stations on June 2 on the eve of the big match.
“We’re delighted to be giving people the chance to get their hands on these headsets for free, enabling our viewers to get even closer to the action,” said the Managing Director of BT Consumer, Pete Oliver, in a statement. “This is the biggest club football match in world football and fans and viewers will be able to experience it on BT Sport in the most innovative and exciting way as the two footballing giants Juventus and Real Madrid take on each other for European glory.”
The game itself will be filmed using 360-degree cameras which will broadcast on YouTube and the new BT Sport Virtual Reality app. If you can’t get your hands on a headset you can still view the match in 360-degree video on your smartphone.
“This will mean viewers will be able to watch on YouTube or via the new BT Sport VR App, either watching a directed programme with commentary and graphics or they can choose their position to view from eight locations in the stadium,” CEO of BT Consumer John Petter said in a statement.
“We believe that VR can offer our viewers an immersive second screen view which will enhance our coverage. We’re excited to be broadcasting what we believe to be the biggest multi-camera live 360° sporting event ever for the first time to our customers.”
