TV to Cover Final Four Referees Live
Barcelona, April 30, 2008. In addition to marking a historic date in European basketball history, past and present, the 2008 Euroleague Final Four in Madrid this weekend is breaking ground in the officiating department, too. For the first time, the referees who will work all the games at the Final Four will be included in the TV coverage of a such an important basketball event at an unprecedented level.
The main international television feed will include pre-recorded footage of the referees warming up and preparing for the game in their locker room. And during each of the semifinal and final games, the chief of each refereeing crew will wear a live microphone. The comments of the crew chiefs may be heard live on the international television feed as deemed appropriate within the context of the game action. By putting viewers even closer to the action than ever before, including live audio of the comments of the game officials, Euroleague Basketball seeks to open new understanding of the action at floor level for fans of basektball.
"To see close-up how the referees do their work will add a lot for viewers of the Final Four, both casual and serious fans alike," said Costas Rigas, Euroleague Referring Director and one of the half-century contributors being honored at the 50 Years of European Club Basketball celebration in Madrid. "The professionalism of our referees in high-pressure situations is part of what makes Euroleague Basketball such a great experience for everyone on the floor and in the stands. Having the audience at home in front of their televisions and computers feel more a part of that action is like giving them their own front-row seat."
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