SMT (SportsMEDIA Technology) is providing the new Alliance of American Football professional spring league with a full arsenal of broadcast solutions, including virtual technology and statistics.
Throughout the league’s 10-week season, which kicks off on Saturday, SMT will supply Alliance broadcasters with traditional graphics, such as the scorebug, along with its Emmy-winning virtual 1st & Ten line platform, and its QB Stats prompter — the same systems used to produce Sunday’s Super Bowl LIII.
SMT’s team of broadcast specialists will provide technology for the Alliance’s four games per weekend: two produced as traditional onsite broadcasts from stadiums and two produced remotely from Sneaky Big Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, where in-game announcers will call the plays, Skycam cameras will be operated, and SMT’s traditional and virtual-graphic elements will be inserted from the control room.
“Having worked extensively with SMT over many years, I knew that having them at the helm of our graphics would give fans the top-quality broadcast and production solutions they deserve and expect,” says Ken Aagaard, co-head of production, the Alliance. “SMT is rooted in football telecasts, having advanced the yellow first-down line, scorebug, and other innovations vital to fan engagement.”
Founded by film and TV producer Charlie Ebersol and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Polian, the Alliance of American Football comprises eight teams in eight cities, which will play a schedule that culminates in two playoff rounds and a championship game on April 27 at Las Vegas’a Sam Boyd Stadium. Head coaches include names like Steve Spurrier, Mike Martz, and Mike Singletary.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Alliance of American Football to bring this new league to fans hungry for more football,” said Robbie Louthan, VP, business development, SMT. “Our experienced team of broadcast specialists will be onsite at stadiums and in the Sneaky Big Studios, working to provide seamless productions to help Charlie Ebersol’s vision for the Alliance come to life.”
The league’s broadcast and distribution partners include CBS, CBS Sports Network, Turner Sports — TNT and B/R Live (Bleacher Report) — and NFL Network.