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NBA Taps Microsoft to Place Fans Virtually Into Basketball Arenas

(Credit: NBA)

The NBA is going to restart its basketball season with virtual fans in the stands.

Due to COVID-19, the league is being forced to play out the rest of the season in seclusion in Orlando, Florida.

And so, sadly, crowds in physical attendance won’t be allowed.

But don’t worry; some lucky fans will be able to pop up virtually. 

When the games restart, the NBA is going to use Microsoft’s video conferencing software, Microsoft Teams, to display people’s faces on giant LED screens that'll be placed in the stands.

“More than 300 NBA fans each game will be invited to appear live on the ‘Michelob ULTRA Courtside’ 17-foot video boards surrounding the court,” the league said in today’s announcement. 

(Credit: NBA)

The effect is designed to imitate an actual crowd at an NBA game.

Microsoft’s software will capture remote video of each fan’s body and place them over a virtual seat in the stands.

The 17-foot video boards will then display the fans as the basketball game plays on. 

Microsoft Teams is going to power the virtual crowd through the new Together mode feature, which was introduced earlier this month.

The video mode is designed to put all the meeting participants together in shared virtual background, for instance an auditorium hall.

The effect makes it seem like everyone is sitting in a room all together — a change from each participant appearing in their own virtual box.  

“Alongside a view of their fellow fans, participants can watch a live feed of the game right within Teams,” Microsoft said in a blog post explaining the feature.

“Players, meanwhile, will experience their energy and support as they dribble down the court and see fans’ real-time reaction,” the company added. 

(Credit: NBA)

One thing left unsaid was whether voices and chants from the fans will be carried into the arenas.

Others on Twitter are wondering what safeguards are in place to prevent a fan from showing something inappropriate.

We've asked Microsoft and we'll update the story if we hear back.

Although only 300 fans will appear on the LED screens for each game, the NBA says all fans "will have the ability to impact visual effects in the venue."

"Fans can digitally cheer for their team through the NBA App and NBA.com and on Twitter using team hashtags throughout the game," the league said in today's announcement. "Virtual cheering will be reflected on the video boards in-venue with graphics and animations that capture the level of fan engagement around the world."

Back in April, Microsoft became the official technology partner of the NBA to help the league create new digital experiences to promote basketball and reach fans.

The NBA plans on kicking off the experience on July 30th when the season officially restarts. 

NBA partner Michelob Ultra is going to be selecting the lucky fans.

“Starting Thursday, July 30, fans can visit www.ultracourtside.com and follow Michelob ULTRA's social channels for details on how to win access as well as additional exclusive giveaways and experiences,” the beer brand said.

(Credit: NBA)

The NBA is going to restart its basketball season with virtual fans in the stands.

Due to COVID-19, the league is being forced to play out the rest of the season in seclusion in Orlando, Florida.

And so, sadly, crowds in physical attendance won’t be allowed.

But don’t worry; some lucky fans will be able to pop up virtually. 

When the games restart, the NBA is going to use Microsoft’s video conferencing software, Microsoft Teams, to display people’s faces on giant LED screens that'll be placed in the stands.

“More than 300 NBA fans each game will be invited to appear live on the ‘Michelob ULTRA Courtside’ 17-foot video boards surrounding the court,” the league said in today’s announcement. 

(Credit: NBA)

The effect is designed to imitate an actual crowd at an NBA game.

Microsoft’s software will capture remote video of each fan’s body and place them over a virtual seat in the stands.

The 17-foot video boards will then display the fans as the basketball game plays on. 

Microsoft Teams is going to power the virtual crowd through the new Together mode feature, which was introduced earlier this month.

The video mode is designed to put all the meeting participants together in shared virtual background, for instance an auditorium hall.

The effect makes it seem like everyone is sitting in a room all together — a change from each participant appearing in their own virtual box.  

“Alongside a view of their fellow fans, participants can watch a live feed of the game right within Teams,” Microsoft said in a blog post explaining the feature.

“Players, meanwhile, will experience their energy and support as they dribble down the court and see fans’ real-time reaction,” the company added. 

(Credit: NBA)

One thing left unsaid was whether voices and chants from the fans will be carried into the arenas.

Others on Twitter are wondering what safeguards are in place to prevent a fan from showing something inappropriate.

We've asked Microsoft and we'll update the story if we hear back.

Although only 300 fans will appear on the LED screens for each game, the NBA says all fans "will have the ability to impact visual effects in the venue."

"Fans can digitally cheer for their team through the NBA App and NBA.com and on Twitter using team hashtags throughout the game," the league said in today's announcement. "Virtual cheering will be reflected on the video boards in-venue with graphics and animations that capture the level of fan engagement around the world."

Back in April, Microsoft became the official technology partner of the NBA to help the league create new digital experiences to promote basketball and reach fans.

The NBA plans on kicking off the experience on July 30th when the season officially restarts. 

NBA partner Michelob Ultra is going to be selecting the lucky fans.

“Starting Thursday, July 30, fans can visit www.ultracourtside.com and follow Michelob ULTRA's social channels for details on how to win access as well as additional exclusive giveaways and experiences,” the beer brand said.

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