The Scottish Open Grand Prix received a further boost today with the announcement that BT Sport will screen the tournament for the first time in the UK and 10 nations in Europe and Asia will take live coverage.
The Grand Prix, which returns to Glasgow’s Emirates Arena from November 23-27, marks a special nine months for BADMINTONscotland as the Championships will be the official test event for next August’s TOTAL BWF World Championships 2017.
This year’s Open has attracted 296 entries from 34 nations and five continents as the tournament remains one of the leading events on the BWF’s Grand Prix circuit. Players from China, Chinese Taipei, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India and of course Scotland are among a top-quality line-up.
Chief executive Anne Smillie said: “In the countdown to the World Championships this is a great opportunity to showcase many of the players who will be competing here in Glasgow next August.
“But the broad TV coverage means we can also promote the city across the badminton world as well.
“We are also thrilled that BT Sport is to screen a highlights package. It is the first time BT have been involved with our tournament and we hope they will be back for more.
“All this has been possible thanks to the work once again of our broadcast partners Lagardère Sports.
“We are particularly excited that Indonesia is among the new additions to the list of TV outlets. Indonesia’s RCTI is national channel in a nation of 180m population.
Stefan Felsing, Executive Vice President of Lagardere Sports, said: The Scottish Open Grand Prix continues to attract new audiences in Europe & Asia which is testament to its longevity and appeal to top badminton players. With our in-house host broadcasting capability and global media network, we look forward to a continued partnership with Scottish Badminton to enhance the event.”
Councillor Archie Graham OBE, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “It’s great to know that badminton fans across the world will now be able to tune in and enjoy the action as it takes place in Glasgow next week.
“Knowing our city will be broadcast to some countries which are more than 6,500 miles away is truly fantastic, and this is an excellent opportunity for viewers across the world to get a taste of what’s to come in next year’s TOTAL BWF World Championships.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Open Grand Prix is to be broadcast to a number of countries around the world, including here in the UK via BT Sport, giving us the opportunity to demonstrate Scotland’s status as the perfect stage for sporting events.
“The Emirates Arena will serve as a fantastic backdrop for the broadcast of this prestigious occasion, and we hope its success can encourage even more visitors to make the trip to Scotland for the TOTAL BWF World Championships in 2017.”
Already Lagardère have lined up coverage of five of the 10 semi-finals and all five finals with the following organisations taking the live feed and BT Sport featuring the highlights:-
· DAZN – Germany
· BeIN Sports France
· Astro Malaysia
· Hong Kong Cable
· True Vision Thailand
· Vietnam TV Cable
· ELTA Sports – Chinese Taipei
· RCTI Indonesia
· EverSport (live streaming)
· DAZN Japan
Matches will also be streamed on BADMINTONscotland and
Badminton Europe YouTube platforms on all five days of the Championships.
Indeed social media will also play a big part with interviews and selected footage on BADMINTONscotland’s Facebook and Twitter outlets.
But badminton fans will know you can’t beat the atmosphere inside the Emirates Arena during the Scottish Open and there will be special incentives for them to attend the Championships.
Ms Smillie continued: “We are already counting down to the World Championships and fans attending the Grand Prix will have the chance to win World Championship related prizes, including tickets and souvenirs.”
Press release by BADMINTONscotland, Tuesday November 15, 2016