ESPN To Work Optical Tracking Data Into MLS Cup Telecast

mpruitt · Nov 18, 2009

This is pretty neat.

ESPN To Work Stats' Optical Tracking Data Into MLS Cup Telecast

ESPN will incorporate Stats LLC's new optical tracking data into its broadcast of MLS Cup on Sunday, marking another advance for the emerging technology. Data such as the distance and average speed players travel during the game, the number of sprints taken, and the amount of time spent in various parts of the field, often known as "heat maps," will be shown graphically on screen.
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rbiondo73 · Nov 19, 2009

I will always give them credit for trying!

Tweeks · Nov 19, 2009

ehh, dont care. might be cool to see who is slacking out there though

blackhornet · Nov 21, 2009

curious - what is the standard in Europe for integrating real-time stats into matches? You know - beyond the typical stuff. I know in the Champions League they have the distance travelled, but not much more than what you'd see on any match report.

sitruc · Nov 23, 2009

I don't know why they used the speed stat last night. Donovan averaged 4.5mph last night... I was somewhat disappointed by the usage of the heat maps. They were very limited in their use and they didn't explain them well.

striker · Nov 23, 2009

I thought the heat map of Beckham showing him spending most time in the middle of the field was useful. It basically confirmed what most viewers would have noticed without the heat map.