LaLiga add CGI fans and EA Sports sounds to virtual stands for TV broadcasts when seasons resumes

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LaLiga will broadcast "virtual" stands populated by computer-generated fans, along with audio produced by the makers of the Fifa video game, when the season resumes on Thursday.

Spain's top flight gets back underway behind closed doors this week, starting wtih Sevilla's home match with Real Betis, with domestic TV viewers being offered the choice of enhanced version or a "natural" broadcast. Viewers abroad will only be offered the added audio and graphics.

LaLiga said in a statement on Sunday that the use of technology "will allow matches to be seen in an attractive way that closely resembles how they looked and sounded before the competition was postponed."

The stands will be "virtualised" and will offer to-scale images of seated fans wearing the home club's colours. La Liga collaborated with Norwegian company VIZRT on the technology.

"In moments when the game is stopped, this image of fans can be transformed into a canvas that matches the colour of the home team and will carry institutional messages among other offerings," added the league.

The virtual sound has been developed with video game company EA Sports, in a project called Sounds of the Stands.

"Through this, the audio library of LaLiga official sponsor EA, which was recorded in real stadiums, has been used and has been digitally adapted so that it can be implemented in real time during the match," said the statement.

"It will be adapted to the flow of the game as certain situations occur, such as a goal or a foul, creating what is known as Atmospheric Audio."

LaLiga president Javier Tebas added: "We have made these broadcasting changes so fans can enjoy LaLiga.

"We work with global partners to offer a great viewer experience. We are in an exceptional situation, but for us it has been important to be able to adapt and offer a compelling, cutting-edge broadcast to our fans."

Additional reporting by Reuters.

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