In reality, the stands will be empty. If you’re watching Major League Baseball on FOX this season though, you will see stadiums full of virtual fans. Andrew Marchand of The New York Post says that the practice will begin with the network’s triple-header coverage on Saturday.
“The use of augmented reality is designed to make viewers feel as if telecasts are as normal as possible, despite the ongoing pandemic that has left ballparks empty,”” Marchand writes.
Fox Sports executive vice president Brad Zager gave Marchand a preview of what the virtual fans will look like. It was only a 90 second video clip. Marchand says he would reserve judgement until he sees a full game. He did note that “while not perfect, it does look realistic.”
Network executives will have the ability to create the environment it wants in each stadium. For instance, FOX will cover the Yankees’ visit to Washington on Saturday. FOX will be able to fill Nationals Park to the level they want and will even be able to adjust the make up of the crowd. The virtual fans will even appear to be paying attention to the action on the field.
“The fans will dress according to the weather and will show emotion depending on what happens in the game,” Marchand writes. “They could do the wave.”
Marchand reports that Major League Baseball likely won’t be the end of virtual fans for FOX. If the NFL plays a season without fans or with limited fans, the network would likely use the technology to fill in the stands and create a more normal atmosphere.
