Saturday sees the Atlanta United FC square off against the Portland Timbers for all the marbles with the MLS Cup gets underway from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The game gets underway at 8p, with coverage running across FOX and UniMas nationally. Cynopsis asked Zachary Kenworthy, Coordinating Producer at FOX Soccer, about the network’s coverage plans, the 2018 season and the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
Kenworthy on FOX’s MLS coverage: We’ve had a number of advancements in our MLS coverage over the past couple of seasons, from the use of our Movi cameras and wireless handhelds, to upgrades in our audio presentation, resulting in a top-notch in-game experience. There is a certain rhythm and tempo to our MLS productions that draws the viewer in, and that’s a result of the effort put in by producer Shaw Brown, director Wayne Wilson and our wider production team working in unison with our commentary duo of John Strong and Stu Holden along with sideline reporter Katie Witham. They are tireless in their preparation and in meeting face-to-face with the teams and managers before every production to give the viewer information and context you can’t get elsewhere. In terms of our production evolution there is no greater stamp of authenticity.
On the most important piece of production tech: It’s undoubtedly the implementation of the video assistant referee by the league. MLS was smartly ahead of the curve on that front, and it forced the broadcasters to change the way the game is presented, called, and subsequently the way the game is consumed. I think our lead commentators Strong and Holden, and Fox Sports in general, are among the best in the business when it comes to clearly and succinctly explaining the process and the potential outcomes when a play is being reviewed. On Saturday during our MLS Cup presentation we’ll have a direct in-game line of communication to PRO to ensure that when the big decisions are being made and the drama unfolds the viewer will be kept fully informed.
On Saturday’s matchup: The match is shaping up to be the biggest in MLS Cup history and will very likely break the attendance record for the league’s championship match. Atlanta United FC and their fans have fostered an incredible atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and it is our goal to bring that electric quality to the viewer like never before. We will be everywhere and closer to the action than we’ve ever been, from our field-level set location, to dynamic shots on the pitch with our Movi camera, above the field with our sky cam, behind both goals, in both locker rooms, and in the tunnel. But I’m most excited about the new technology of our corner flag cameras, the first use of its kind on American soil. We’ve been working with our partners in Germany where the technology was first developed and tested this year. These cameras have been cleared by PRO to be imbedded in the corner flags themselves, affording the viewer a unique and intimate on-field perspective. Our audio team is also working tirelessly to ensure our corner mics are properly synced to those cameras and enhanced to create an impactful experience.
On MLS venues: From a production standpoint there are so many great MLS stadiums now, which is a true hallmark of the league. But for me it has to be Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Like you said, every stadium has its quirks, but the atmosphere in Atlanta is unmatched. At Fox Sports we pride ourselves on bringing the viewer into the action both visually and in terms of our audio presentation. We are excited about the potential for 70K+ fans at MLS Cup which will translate to the viewer at home in a way we’ve never seen or heard before. Following this year’s FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia we broadcast Atlanta United FC vs the Seattle Sounders on FOX, a match that is now the most-watched MLS match of any kind on any network since 2004, and the atmosphere during that game matched the occasion and the day in general on Fox Sports. We expect to go up a level or two for MLS Cup this coming Saturday on FOX.
On the Women’s World Cup: Fox Sports’ World Cup: Executive Producer David Neal started planning for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup even before the 2015 tournament had been completed, and his tireless efforts mean we’re in a great spot heading into the new year. It’s going to be a busy summer on Fox Sports, as we’ll not only be bringing viewers the Women’s World Cup but also the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup and our usual slate of MLS matches all at the same time.
