The applications of Twitter technologies is “limitless,” according to Andrew Barge, Sports Partnerships Manager. With the recent launch of Periscope 360 video, the UFC became one of the first sports leagues or properties to incorporate the broadcasting experience into its digital strategy, live streaming weigh-ins for UFC 207 earlier this week from Las Vegas. It received nearly 13,000 live viewers.
“The UFC’s broadcasting environment is an ideal place to go live in 360 — they can share perspectives from warm-ups to the octagon with some of the world’s most recognized athletes,” said Barge, who added via email that live 360-degree video on Periscope is “one step closer to actually being there.”
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Said UFC Chief Operating Officer Ike Lawrence Epstein: “UFC prides itself on being at the forefront of technological advances that allow our fans around the world to access new and exciting avenues to experience unprecedented content. As the most socially active sports brand in the world, UFC’s platforms, in conjunction with UFC 207, were a perfect base for Twitter to introduce the new 360-degree live stream via Periscope.”
As Barge explained, Twitter/Periscope is currently in conversations with all of its sports partners about how to effectively leverage the new video offering. Early adopters thus far have included the North Carolina men’s basketball program as it streamed warmups on Wednesday night live from the Dean Dome.
Watch the Tar Heels warm up LIVE in 360! #Periscope360 https://t.co/q0HfC1Lv2G
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) December 28, 2016
Prior to its matchup against Florida State in the Orange Bowl on Friday, the University of Michigan football team also went ‘live’ during pre-game festivities as well.
“Some of the initial launch partners for live 360 video are those with experiences that are ideal for the medium like bringing us center court, in the ring and on the field,” Barge said.
According to Twitter, Periscope will further promote the 360 video feature at CES 2017 this upcoming week in Las Vegas while there are additional plans to release the new offering more broadly soon.