I thank Twitter follower sox1918 for sending me this release. This story is just coming out now, that the first NFL game to be produced in 3-D will be provided exclusively for Verizon Fios customers in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. It will be a Verizon production. In addition, Verizon Fios will hold promotions at two sports bars, one in New York City and the other in my home area of Providence to demonstrate the power of 3-D.
Having seen 3-D in action for The Masters, it’s quite the experience. Here’s the release from Verizon which I had to steal off a website.
Verizon FiOS Scores First NFL Game on 3D TV: Giants-Patriots Preseason Match-Up on Sept. 2
Company to Produce and Broadcast the Game, Exclusively for FiOS TV Customers
NEW YORK – August 11, 2010 – Verizon is kicking off the football season with the production and broadcast of the first National Football League game in 3D on television for the company’s FiOS TV customers in parts of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.The game is the Sept. 2 preseason match-up between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Coverage begins at 6:45 p.m., with Verizon FiOS1 pre-game, half-time and post-game shows – all in 3D. The game begins at 7 p.m.
Verizon FiOS1 is producing the 3D broadcast, which will be shown on FiOS Channel 834 for FiOS TV subscribers in the New York City area, including Long Island and Westchester and Rockland counties, as well as for subscribers in northern New Jersey, Mercer County, N.J., Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Similar to previously offered 3D programming from Verizon, customers must have 3D TV sets, 3D glasses and a high-definition set-top box to view the broadcast.
The veteran on-air broadcast team includes play-by-play announcer Spero Dedes, analyst Howard Cross and sideline reporter Kimberly Jones.
“This is the next major step in our development of 3D experiences for our FiOS TV customers,” said Terry Denson, vice president of content strategy and acquisition for Verizon. “Broadcasting the first 3D NFL game delivers on our promise to FiOS customers to provide a superior TV offering, including 3D, HD and VOD programming, as well as interactivity that cable can’t match.”
Giants Chief Marketing Officer Mike Stevens said, “The Giants are excited to host the first 3D broadcast of an NFL Game in our new stadium. We have worked closely with our partner Verizon in developing new technology throughout the stadium for our fans, and now Verizon FiOS and the Giants will be taking the next step in innovation for our fans at home.”
In support of the 3D broadcast, Verizon will host customer viewing parties at New Meadowlands Stadium and at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Guests at Gillette Stadium will include youngsters from local Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Verizon also is working with two popular sports bars in the New York and New England markets — Slate Bar in Manhattan and Snookers in Providence, R.I. — to give consumers a first-hand look at the power of Verizon’s 3D experience. The company will set up 3D TVs at each location and hold promotional events there.
The broadcast marks Verizon’s third major 3D initiative this summer. On July 10 and 11, the company broadcast the first Major League Baseball games in 3D, between the New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners. And on July 15, Verizon announced that it will carry 3D programming on FiOS TV Video on Demand from WealthTV.
“We are committed to bringing our customers a consistently high-quality TV experience with the best programming available over the country’s only all-fiber network,” added Denson. “And there’s so much more yet to come, with new programming, applications and other enhancements that only FiOS can deliver.”
FiOS TV offers a broad collection of programming, with more than 565 all-digital channels including up to 142 HD channels and 18,000 monthly video-on-demand titles. FiOS also provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social networking, news and entertainment widgets; remote DVR management via broadband or cell phone; and more.
In addition, with NFL Mobile only from Verizon, Giants and Patriots fans can get news, scores and highlights all season long on their Verizon Wireless smartphones. For information on how to download, customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/nfl.
Kind of surprised I didn’t get anything from the NFL on this, but that’s ok. I found out and I’m able to provide this information to you.
