Sportsbet.io & Southampton FC

A VR 360° Video Tour

East City Films was commissioned by cryptocurrency sportsbook Sportsbet.io, as part of their club partnerships with Southampton FC, to develop an extraordinary VIP experience that brings the excitement of matchday right into the homes of fans. Through the power of virtual reality (VR) technology, we have created a captivating immersive experience that allows viewers to relish in the magic of matchday from the comfort of their own living rooms.

“As a club our digital approach has always looked to redefine the content status-quo and we were excited at the shared values between ourselves and the Sportsbet.io team. The work that is currently ongoing is a pleasure to be involved with and we want to ensure as many of our fans are experiencing that St Mary’s nostalgia as possible. We cannot wait for the full return of our fans but in the meantime, Sportsbet.io have found an innovative way to ensure our club and fans can stay connected.”
— David Thomas - Southampton Football Club's Chief Commercial Officer
Sportsbet.io is the shirt sponsor of Southampton FC for season 20/21

Sportsbet.io is the shirt sponsor of Southampton FC for season 20/21

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to activate matchday rights in a behind-closed-doors environment, Sportsbet.io's PR agency, Fuse, collaborated with East City Films to develop this innovative initiative. Serving as a digital solution, the initiative offers an immersive VR experience that brings matchday excitement to life.

To deliver the content, social media influencers were provided with the Pico neo2 headset by Pico Interactive. These influencers experienced the VR content and recorded their immersive experiences to share on their respective channels, generating further engagement and excitement among their followers. Additionally, the captivating 360° video content is available on the official Sportsbet YouTube Channel, allowing fans to enjoy the experience without the need for a VR headset or additional technology.

East City Films have been working in the area of VR in sport since 2015 and we were delighted to partner with Sportsbet.io, Fuse and Southampton FC in this new COVID world. We see this as a real turning point in how Premier League teams and other sports engage with the fans, where virtual engagement has become second nature.
— Ashley Cowan - CEO & Exec Producer, East City Films
Matt Le Tissier and Francis Benali in the Southampton away dressing room

Matt Le Tissier and Francis Benali in the Southampton away dressing room

Leveraging their matchday rights with Southampton FC, Sportsbet.io has created an electrifying initiative that engages football fans while educating them about cryptocurrency. This creative concept combines cutting-edge technology with their cryptocurrency expertise to deliver exclusive experiences that reward Southampton's global fanbase and Sportsbet.io customers.

In collaboration with influential personalities, Sportsbet.io has provided a unique Bitcoin value, allowing participants to craft their own extraordinary VIP experiences. From unforgettable stadium tours with club legends to a penalty masterclass with Matt Le Tissier, fans can create personalized moments of a lifetime.

Be part of this groundbreaking revolution that merges the world of football and cryptocurrency. Witness the power of innovation as Sportsbet.io redefines the fan experience. Stay tuned for exhilarating Virtual Reality experiences and more captivating activities throughout 2021, expanding across their club sponsorships.

Matt Le Tissier and Francis Benali delivering their lines as Darren and Oliver watch on.

Matt Le Tissier and Francis Benali delivering their lines as Darren and Oliver watch on.

DIRECTED BY DARREN EMERSON | PRODUCED BY ASHLEY COWAN | SOUND & MUSIC DESIGN BY OLIVER KADEL |STITCHED & EDITED BY CONAN ROBERTS | CAMERA BY ANDREW YARDLEY & TOM ALLUM | COMMISSIONED BY LEWIS HICKFORD AT FUSE AGENCY