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Leagues and Governing Bodies

NBA, Microsoft Partnership Brings Virtual Fan Feature To Life

Most of the virtual seats are allocated to the home team at each of the Orlando gamesNBAE/GETTY IMAGES

The NBA and partner Microsoft have "harnessed the magic of 21st century computer technology to beam fans" onto the virtual fan boards around the court in the Orlando bubble, according to Scott Cacciola of the N.Y. TIMES. As part of its "expansive efforts to build atmosphere for games," select fans are "being livestreamed onto three video boards that extend along each baseline and one sideline." There are "10 sections in all, each with 32 seats, helping produce the vague appearance of bleachers -- along with the all-too-familiar feel of a video conference call." Most of the virtual seats are "allotted to the designated 'home' team, with one section typically reserved for the players’ family members and friends." The rest "largely go to season-ticket holders, sponsors and fans who apply online, though there have been celebrity cameos" as well. Grizzlies fan Malenda Meacham "signed a three-page waiver that detailed various rules." She was "looking at a split screen of the rest of the fans in her section, in the form of a video conference, and a live feed of the game itself." She also had the "regional broadcast of the game on her television." Grizzlies account exec Peggy Rounds "policed Meacham’s section as a moderator" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/8).

QUIRK WORKS: In Toronto, Doug Smith noted there are "about 320 'seats' occupied by the visages of fans that, in the case of the Raptors, will be chosen from the team’s season-ticket base of about 15,000 when the playoffs begin later this month." The team also expects to "see regular 'fans' at post-season games, meaning the likes of Superfan Nav Bhatia and global ambassador Drake." Raptors coach Nick Nurse said, "We’re seeing familiar faces on those screens, and who knows what it’ll evolve to here two months from now." Smith wrote the virtual fans have "become a quirky sidebar" (TORONTO STAR, 8/8).

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