Enhancing the Fan Experience at Super Bowl LIX with Advanced Sony Technology
January 30, 2025
In an exciting development for sports fans worldwide, Sony Corporation and Sony Electronics Inc. are set to transform the viewing experience at Super Bowl LIX, as they bring an unprecedented level of technology to the event. As an official technology partner of the NFL, Sony plans to deploy an array of over 240 cameras and advanced production equipment to capture every moment of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9th in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Role of Sony Cameras at the Super Bowl
This year, the presence of Sony technology at the Super Bowl is more extensive than ever before. More than 240 Sony cameras will be strategically positioned throughout the Caesars Superdome to cover every aspect of the game, from thrilling plays and replays to player interviews and fan celebrations. This comprehensive setup aims to enhance the viewing experience for both the attendees in the stadium and the billions of viewers watching the event worldwide.
The range of cameras includes Sony’s professional broadcast models used by FOX Sports—the official broadcaster of the Super Bowl—as well as the Alpha interchangeable lens cameras and E-mount lenses, including the acclaimed G Master series. These will be employed by The Associated Press and other sideline photographers to capture iconic Super Bowl moments.
As Michael Davies, FOX Sports EVP of Field Operations, points out, "The Super Bowl is not just the biggest game of the year, it is also the biggest production. Our job is to tell the story of the game, capturing the energy within the stadium and keeping billions of viewers engaged, and Sony is a key tool in reaching that goal."
A Decade of Sony’s Contribution to the Super Bowl
Sony’s professional broadcast cameras have been a staple at the Super Bowl for over a decade. This year, in collaboration with the production company Game Creek Video, FOX Sports will deploy more than 100 cameras on-site for coverage of pre-game, in-game, and post-game activities. Additional studio shows will also benefit from Sony’s cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, Sony BVM reference level monitors will be used for color gradation, ensuring the most accurate imagery is broadcasted to fans across the globe.
The strategic placement of Sony’s cameras ensures comprehensive coverage of the game. Cameras will be stationed in each end zone, along both sidelines, and in multiple positions throughout the stadium, including the iconic "SkyCam" over the field. Fourteen Sony cameras will specifically handle content for streaming, further enhancing the digital experience for fans.
Gary Brantley, Chief Information Officer of the NFL, emphasizes the importance of Sony’s contribution, stating, "The Super Bowl is the most watched event of the year, and delivering an authentic and immersive experience for coaches, players, and fans requires a wide array of advanced technologies. Sony has been instrumental in enhancing the game-day experience with its innovative solutions, and we are proud to have Sony play a key role in making Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans unforgettable."
Cutting-edge Production Solutions
Beyond the cameras, Sony is providing advanced production solutions to enhance the broadcast experience. FOX Sports will utilize Sony’s HawkREPLAY systems—an innovative remote production and instant replay broadcast solution—to support the overall broadcast experience. Additional Hawk-Eye technology will assist in-game officiating and replay services, ensuring precision and accuracy in every decision made on the field.
On the photography front, Sony has been the exclusive imaging products and support provider for The Associated Press since 2020, helping capture defining moments of the NFL. At Super Bowl LIX, 14 photographers and 9 editors from the AP will use Sony equipment to capture and share incredible imagery. The NFL’s in-house photography team, "NFL Focus," will also utilize a variety of Sony Alpha cameras and lenses to document the game. Sony’s Pro Support team will be on-site to provide technical assistance and support to the professional photographers, including offering loans of the latest flagship Alpha 1 II camera.
Real-time Photo and Video Transmission
Both The Associated Press and the NFL in-house photography teams plan to use Sony’s PDT-FP1 transmitter device on-site. This technology enables the instant transmission of photos and videos directly from the camera to editors, streamlining the workflow and ensuring the rapid distribution of content to the public.
The Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Technical Marvel
The Super Bowl Halftime Show has become a spectacle in its own right, growing in size and complexity each year. For the fifth consecutive year, Funicular Goats will handle the technical production of the Halftime Show. For the fourth year in a row, they have chosen to use the Sony VENICE 2 as their main camera, alongside the Sony VENICE Extension System and the Sony BURANO, totaling 14 cameras in use.
James Coker, Head of Engineering and Technical Management at Funicular Goats, explains, "The Super Bowl Halftime Show is a challenge unlike any other project we’ve been a part of. There are less than five minutes to set up and deliver a cinematic concert to millions of people, and the Sony Cinema Line cameras provide the perfect combination of full-frame sensor with broadcast compatibility to work seamlessly within the show’s structure and achieve this challenge."
Comprehensive Coverage by Sony
Below is an overview of the Sony cameras and related technologies that will be used to cover Super Bowl LIX:
FOX Sports
- 97 Sony HDC Series Broadcast System Cameras
- 1 Sony FR7 Cinema Line PTZ camera
- 3 Sony FX6 Cinema Line Cameras
- 1 Sony Alpha 7 III Mirrorless Camera
- 1 Sony VENICE 2 Full-frame Digital Cinema Camera
Associated Press
- Over 55 Sony cameras and a variety of lenses
NFL Focus Photography Team
- 8 Sony cameras and a variety of lenses
Funicular Goals – Super Bowl Halftime Show
- 13 Sony VENICE 2 Digital Cinema Cameras
- 1 Sony VENICE Extension System
- 1 Sony BURANO Digital Cinema Camera (for ASL camera)
Sony Imaging PRO Support
- 65 Sony Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras
- 140 Professional Lenses, including 14x 600mm, 10x 400mm, 6x 300mm super telephoto lenses
Conclusion
Sony’s extensive involvement in Super Bowl LIX highlights the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology to enhance the viewing experience of one of the most iconic sporting events in the world. By leveraging their advanced cameras and production solutions, Sony is ensuring that fans worldwide can enjoy an immersive and authentic experience, capturing every moment of the game from multiple perspectives. As the Super Bowl continues to grow in scale and complexity, Sony’s innovative solutions play an essential role in bringing the excitement of the event to life for millions around the globe.
For more details, visit the original Sony News Release.
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