Covid-19: digital apps and arenas, fan experience alternatives for matches behind closed doors

In the face of the Coronavirus epidemic, keeping sports events behind closed doors is forcing the sports world to rethink the notion of the fan experience. Several initiatives have already been launched in this area and could help organisers maintain a pleasant atmosphere despite the absence of spectators.

To remedy this problem, in 2013, CS Hammam-Lif (Tunisian first division) connected 93,100 fans remotely through the "Mobilizing the 12^th Man" application so that they could support the teams playing in an empty stadium interactively via their mobile phones. 40 speakers were installed around the pitch and provided a sound atmosphere (see below).

In 2015, adidas created a 100% digital arena named the "Future arena", the size of a five-a-side football pitch, near the Stade de France (Saint-Denis, 80,000 capacity). The immersive experience in the arena was made possible by picture and sound projections on 360-degree screens via 20 video projectors. The initiative made it possible to reproduce an atmosphere equivalent to "50,000 spectators", accompanied by fan reactions, encouragement…