360°virtual-reality filming at the Cardiff final - bringing fans closer to the action

Broadcasters around the world – including the UEFA Champions League 2017 host broadcaster BT Sport – will be able to provide their audiences for Saturday's final in Cardiff with a more unique UEFA Champions League final experience than ever before - thanks to an innovative 360° virtual-reality (VR) live production.

The Cardiff showcase is set to be the most immersive final yet, with 16 specially equipped cameras capturing simultaneous images and audio from every angle, allowing viewers using a mobile, tablet or virtual-reality headset to feel as if they are in the stadium.

UEFA’s 360° virtual-reality filming will deliver broadcasters clips of the opening ceremony, the players in the tunnel as the excitement mounts before kick-off, and the winners on the podium as they lift the trophy.

Audiences will also be able to enjoy the entire match live in 360°, with UEFA and BT Sport delivering a curated feed, complete with graphics and replays, using 12 dedicated cameras – including cameras positioned behind the goals, next to the benches, high in the stands and at other key locations around the stadium.

Behind the scenes, UEFA’s dedicated VR multi-service van will centralise all VR camera feeds, and stitch together a complete 360° picture in real-time for international distribution.

UEFA’s TV production team have tested camera positions and workflows at 16 matches and other UEFA events this season, in order to coordinate a live 360° video experience at this year’s final.

No fewer than 125,716 viewers watched the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League quarter-final draws live in 360° video on UEFA.tv, with another 275,000 watching on demand later – and even more fans are expected to watch the 2017 final in 360° VR.