@ESPNTennis with New Technology for First Exclusive US Open

• “freeD” Shows Replays from any Angle – A First at a Tennis Major
• “RailCam” Behind Baseline Debuts at Ashe Stadium
• “SpiderCam” Roams the Skies Every Day for First Time at US Open
• First ESPN-Exclusive US Open Begins August 31

For ESPN’s first exclusive coverage of tennis’ US Open – 130 hours on ESPN and ESPN2 from first ball to last ball August 31 – September 13 – fans will enjoy new looks from different angles on both live and replay action from Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. For the first time at one of tennis’ four Majors, “freeD” replay technology will be employed, with a “RailCam” at one end of the court, and for the first time “SpiderCam” will soar above the action every day of the tournament.

“We aim to present a US Open like never before, with camera and replay angles to cover every inch of the action on Ashe, supplementing and enhancing the analysis and storytelling from our roster of tennis voices,” said Jamie Reynolds, vice president, production. “As fans get invested in the great drama, athletes and personalities, we will reward them with a fresh and dynamic presentation to capture every nuance and moment on this grand stage, the largest in the sport.”

The freeD replay technology at Ashe Stadium – never used before by any network at a tennis Major – freezes the action then “turns” to show any different angle. ESPN had been introduced to it and recognized its benefit for tennis, at the BNP Paribas Open from Indian Wells, Calif.

RailCam, a robotic camera that moves silently along the base of the wall on the southern end of Ashe Stadium, provides a superior ground-level look than the traditional static camera at a higher angle. It is particularly useful in studying a player’s footwork and seeing the action from his or her point of view. The system is utilized for both live coverage and replay, with the robotic camera being operated by a technician stationed outside of the court.

SpiderCam, which debuted at the US Open in 2010 and exclusive to ESPN for five years, will be used every day of the tournament for the first time. Suspended high above the court and fans and able to move in all three dimensions with a camera that can pan, tilt and zoom, SpiderCam is used in replays as well as live shots, including on-court interviews and closeups during warmups and going in and out of commercials. The original 2010 press release announcing SpiderCam:

http://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2010/09/at-us-open-espn%E2%80%99s-spidercam-shows-whatever-a-spider-can/

ESPN has televised the US Open since 2009. An 11-year agreement with the USTA for exclusivity was announced in May 2013. A complete look at ESPN’s plans for the 2015 US Open: http://es.pn/1ECwZws Highlights

• During the first week of the tournament, the television coverage will start on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET each weekday and will continue nonstop – transitioning to ESPN2 (except Tuesday) – for at least 10 hours through both the day and the 7 p.m. Primetime at the US Open presented by IBM sessions until play is concluded.
• With ESPN’s new exclusivity, new day-long coverage over Labor Day Weekend will now be found in one place – ESPN2, starting at 11 a.m. all three days.
• Beginning with the quarterfinals Tuesday, Sept. 8, all the TV coverage is on ESPN (except Wednesday evening).
• Play will begin each day on ESPN3 – at 11 a.m. through Wednesday, Sept. 9, and at noon the final four days – totalling 1,100 hours of action from up to 11 courts simultaneously, including the Mixed, Women’s and Men’s Doubles Championships. For the semifinals and singles championships, a separate ESPN3 Surround feed with offer three perspectives – the traditional TV angle plus cameras focused on each player.
• ESPN’s first US Open Women’s and Men’s Championships (excluding the 2009 Women’s and 2010 Men’s Championships which were aired on ESPN2 after rain postponements) will conclude the coverage.
• WatchESPN will deliver the ESPN and ESPN2 telecasts, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the award-winning WatchESPN app, and streamed on televisions through ESPN on Xbox LIVE to Gold members, Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV to more than 93 million households nationwide via an affiliated video or internet provider.

ESPN & the 2015 US Open

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