With Nebraska-Minnesota game, BTN to be first college sports network to produce live football game in VR

One college sports network will take a giant step toward the future in very short order.

Nebraska will play host to Minnesota Saturday night in a matchup between a pair of teams that, along with Wisconsin, are tied atop the Big Ten West. Adding to the divisional intrigue? The Big Ten, which will be televising the contest, announced Thursday that the game will be produced in virtual reality.

According to the league, and in partnership with VOKE, one of the world’s leaders in VR, the BTN will become the first college sports network to produce a live football game in such a format.

“We’re always exploring ways to integrate new technology into the Big Ten fan experience,” said Michael Calderon, BTN Vice President of Digital Media and Programming, in a statement. “We see virtual reality and our partnership with VOKE as an opportunity to provide Big Ten fans a unique way to watch their favorite team from a whole new perspective.”

The press release goes on to explain how fans can take advantage of the VR experience:

VOKE’s TrueVR platform will utilize four 180-degree HD cameras to bring fans onto the field and into the action no matter where they are. Augmented graphics and live audio stream will allow fans to stay informed throughout the game. Fans will be able to access the TrueVR experience by downloading VOKE’s GearVR app from the Oculus Store and using a Gear VR headset and Samsung mobile phone. The game will be available on the BTN channel within the VOKE GearVR app. There will also be “live” highlights posted in the app in near real time throughout the game, a first for a live VR broadcast. Additionally, VOKE will provide several headsets in the press box to sample the experience for media.