SVG SportsTech On Demand: VISTA WorldLink's Joshua Liemer and Mike Freedman on USL eCup Remote Production
In an effort to keep the broadcast-technology community informed this spring, throughout April, SVG is hosting a series of SportsTech On Demand video interviews with executives from the industry’s top technology vendors discussing their latest product releases and company news. Our Jason Dachman sat down with VISTA Worldlink President Joshua Liemer and Executive Producer Mike Freedman, about the company’s efforts.
With the United Soccer League postponing all USL Championship and League One matches at least through May, the league was looking for a way to keep its fans engaged and to deliver content at a time when they sorely need it. With that in mind, the USL has launched the USL eCup: Rocket League Edition,
The USL eCup features 32 clubs squaring off in a one-on-one duel format. Each team is represented by a team captain, who serves as the primary player, with two alternates available to each team over the course of the tournament. The tournament’s group stage took place March 31–April 10. The knockout stages began April 13 and conclude this Saturday in the best-of-seven series Final.
To produce the USL eCup: Rocket League Edition remotely while abiding by social-distancing guidelines, the USL turned to longtime production partner Vista Worldlink. The USL eCup, which is being produced remotely from the Vista crew’s homes, is a month-long esports tournament (March 31–April 25) featuring 32 teams from across the USL’s pro ranks and being live-streamed on ESPN3 and the ESPN App.
In addition, Liemer and Freedman discuss the importance of archiving and Vista’s ability to repurpose historical content while live sports are suspended.
