The much-anticipated match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid last Sunday 29 November was not just seen in millions of households around the world but also in 51 cinemas across Spain. Over 15,000 supporters enjoyed the match on the big screen, with high definition and Dolby Digital sound thanks to an agreement signed between Mediapro, the group of companies that owns the rights to broadcast football matches, and several cinema chains.
This is an unprecedented initiative in Spain that has involved cinemas throughout the country, from Cadiz to Oviedo, and, of course, Madrid and Barcelona. The approximate price to watch the game was that of a regular cinema ticket.
The agreement between Mediapro and the cinemas, valid until the end of the season, allows matches with Barça or Real Madrid to be shown every weekend. The number of theatres in which the match will be broadcast will depend on the interest in each individual game.
Ferran from Barcelona, Spain
What next? Matches in 3D? I propose the ‘Avatar experience’ for all the Madrid-Barça games.