College football: Minnesota-Nebraska to broadcast in virtual reality on Big Ten Network

Short of taking a snap from under center, you probably haven’t had an opportunity to be closer to the action of a college football game than viewers will on Saturday.

That’s because the Big Ten Network will be producing the 7:30 p.m. ET game between Minnesota and Nebraska in virtual reality. Through a partnership with leading virtual reality producer VOKE, a BTN press release stated, fans will get to experience the first-ever college football game produced in virtual reality.

BTN to become first college sports network to produce live football game in virtual reality – MINN. vs. NEB. » https://t.co/pmY01aOjcR pic.twitter.com/mUbBp1t3dK

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 10, 2016

The network will use four 180-degree HD cameras to create an immersive experience all over the field, while graphics will come up on the screen to keep users in the know of what is happening. It will be available on the BTN channel within the VOKE GearVR app with a Gear VR headset and a Samsung mobile phone.

“We’re always exploring ways to integrate new technology into the Big Ten fan experience,” said Michael Calderon, BTN Vice President of Digital Media and Programming, in the release. “We see virtual reality and our partnership with VOKE as an opportunity to provide Big Ten fans a unique way to watch their favorite team from a whole new perspective.”

That should provide a great experience, and it’s hopefully something we will be seeing a lot more of in the future as sports viewing continues to evolve.