NBA, Turner to Screen All-Stars in 3D HD
The National Basketball Association and cable partner Turner Sports will broadcast TNT’s coverage of the NBA All-Star Saturday Night contests in a live 3D high-definition format in 80 digitally equipped theaters around the country.
Cindedigm Digital Cinema Corp.’s CineLive Technology will enable the landmark simulcast.
The Feb. 14 3simulcast will include the Sprite Slam Dunk, Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout, Playstation Skills Challenge and Haier Shooting Stars on as many as 160 screens in 35 states. Tickets will be in the $18 to $22 range in a theatrical event that league believes will help build its fan base.
“We’re bringing in the event that will register well in 3D. It’ll be a really unique way for fans to enjoy the NBA,” said Steve Hellmuth NBA executive vice president of operations and technology. “We’re going to definitely be creating NBA fans as we go.”
Hellmuth figures there’s a “built-in” audience of fans who’ve already experienced a 3D movie that will gravitate to theaters to watch NBA All-Stars at their theatrical best.
The NBA expects to draw a younger audience to the events, which is expected to become a staple for the NBA All-Star weekend contests, Hellmuth said.
The NBA staged a 3D HD screening for the second game of the championship finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007 for Cavaliers fans in the Quicken Loan Arena on four 60-foot screens.
Last season, the Dallas Mavericks produced a 3D HD event for an audience of 500 fans in the Landmark Theater in Dallas.
