Sold-out Optus Stadium to experience the Bledisloe Cup like never before with 'Sounds of Rugby'

Thu, Aug 8, 2019, 4:00 AM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied

Rugby Australia, in partnership with Great Big Events (GBE), the world leaders in sports presentation, are set to deliver an Australian first for spectators at Qantas Wallabies matches during 2019 with ‘Sounds of Rugby’.

Rugby Australia has worked with GBE to create a Sport Presentation concept that is in contradiction to current trends in sports globally where more and more music is being played right across the delivery of sports. In a bold move away from this trend, GBE and RA are stripping back the use of music and will instead bring the raw Sounds of Rugby to spectators at this year’s Wallabies matches.

Sounds of Rugby will create an immersive experience for spectators by bringing the sounds of players, ref-calls and the action on field, into the stands making it feel like spectators are on the sidelines and closer to the game. GBE has specially developed technology to capture and deliver these sounds.

Cameron Murray, Rugby Australia Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The aim of Sounds of Rugby is to provide fans who attend Wallabies Test matches a best-of-both-worlds experience, bringing elements of the broadcast experience into the game day experience.

“The on-field sounds of play and communications from the referee are amplified through parabolic microphones into the PA system in the Stadium, giving fans in attendance a genuine feel for the intensity of the game and immediate intel on a referee or TMO decision.

“After working with GBE to trial the concept in the opening Mitsubishi Estate Rugby Championship Test in Brisbane last month, the feedback from the trial was overwhelmingly positive from a survey taken from fans in attendance at Suncorp Stadium.

“We look forward to taking Sounds of Rugby to another level this weekend for the historic Bledisloe Cup Test at Optus Stadium.”

Greg Bowman, GBE Managing and Creative Director, said: “GBE strive to deliver innovative solutions for our clients and ultimately to enhance the live experience.

"After analysing the traditional model of music and the role it plays, including feedback from spectators, GBE highlighted a need to get back to what grass roots rugby provides.

"The ability for a fan to hear the impact of each tackle, the engagement at scrum time, understand referees calls and a sense of feeling part of the action to allow the spectators to create the atmosphere is what we are striving to achieve.

"GBE has had a long association with Rugby Australia having delivered their sports presentation since 2001 and this is yet another way in ensuring the Wallabies remain at the forefront of sport presentation in Australia and fan engagement."


Share