NFL to broadcast Chargers-Raiders game in 3-D next week

Audiences in New York, Boston, and L.A. won't just be watching the game—they’ll be in the game, or at least that's the idea behind next week's invite-only 3-D demo.

The Wall Street Journal reports that three movie theaters—one in each city—will be wired for 3-D projection, while the NFL will lean on 3ality Digital to shoot the Dec. 4 contest in 3-D. The broadcast will be downlinked to the three theaters via satellite, and yes—viewers will have to wear special glasses to get the full 3-D effect.

As the Journal reports, the NFL shot some footage from Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 in 3-D, and viewers watching clips tried to "crouch down to catch the ball," one NFL exec bragged. But that footage was taped; next week's game will be shown live.

So, are we talking the beginning of live 3-D broadcasts from the NFL? Well … maybe. NFL execs are telling the Journal that next week's 3-D game is a "proof of concept … we want to demonstrate this and let people get excited about it and see what the future holds."

What about tickets for the 3-D broadcast? Sorry, football fans; next week's event is closed to the public. If you know someone in the industry, now's the time to start kissing up.

Related:
Coming at You! NFL Looks at 3-D [Wall Street Journal]