Sun Sports Heats Up In-Arena Audio

By Andrew Lippe

SUN Sports subsidiary Sports Radio Event Network is looking to strike deals with amateur and professional sports organizations and venues looking to deliver audio via headsets to fans in the stands. The technology, known as “In Broadcast Radios,” was recently used at the “Art of War 3” Arena Fighting Championship, a mixed martial arts event on Sept. 1.

“The Sports Radio offers a new experience not restricted to MMA,” says CJ Comu, Chairman/CEO of SUN Sports & Entertainment. He says it has been deployed at 40-plus events including the NBA All-Star Game, the NBA draft, the Stanley Cup Finals, the NFL Pro Bowl, and the Super Bowl.

Comu dodged questions regarding the technology that drives the system but it provides in-venue broadcast services via radio broadcast. At the “Art of War 3” radios were sold for $9.95 and fans could take them home after the event. In day-to-day use it servers an FM radio.

While companies like Vivid Sky, Kangaroo TV, and WiseDV tackle the more complex issue of delivering video and graphics Sports Radio Event Network is focusing on a light-weight and compact audio device. The radio only measures about two inches in width.

“Fans are enthusiastic about it, for sports radio brings fans much closer to action,” Comu says. “Hearing commentary gives the game added flavor.”