LaLiga To Host Virtual LaLiga Tournament This Weekend

LaLiga and Santander bank have joined the #LaLigaSantanderChallenge, designed by Spanish video game influencer, Ibai Llanos, who invited the LaLiga Santander clubs to take part in an online tournament to be contested on FIFA 20, the video game published by EA Sports. 

Llanos, a sports commentator who specialises in online competitions, is the brains behind a challenge that saw him suggest that a player from each of the 20 top-tier outfits represent their team in the online event. This competition will allow followers of the best football on the planet to continue to enjoy the competition in a virtual form.

Llanos launched the challenge via his Twitter account on 16 March and the league’s players were quick to sign up for the initiative. The influencer’s idea was for all of the games to be available for fans to watch for free via his channel on Twitch, a video live streaming service that is mostly used to stream video games. Supporters from all corners of the globe who are keen to catch the action will be able to do so on Llanos’s Twitch account. 

LaLiga’s official video gaming competition, eLaLiga Santander, is supporting Llanos in the organisation of the tournament, the setting up of the games, the distribution of the stream and the creation of graphics during the streaming. Meanwhile, eLaLiga Santander’s official provider, LVP, will be in charge of the technical production during the event and will ensure that followers are offered an optimum viewing experience, with the company set to be responsible for the production and distribution of the signal to the various streaming channels, amongst a  number of other tasks.

Competition format & schedule

The tournament, set to be contested by 19 LaLiga Santander players, features a series of ties that will be decided in best-of-one games played over 18 minutes (2, nine-minute halves). The competition got up and running last night at 20:00 (CET) with the staging of the draw. The first matches get under way today, Friday, from 19:00, whilst Saturday’s action begins at 18:00. The curtain will come down on proceedings after Sunday’s games, which kick off at 18:30.

The last-16 draw in full:

CA Osasuna v CD Leganes or R. Valladolid CF

Sevilla FC  v Athletic Club

Levante UD v D. Alaves or RC Celta

Real Sociedad v Atletico Madrid

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol or SD Eibar

Getafe CF v Real Betis

Villarreal CF v Valencia CF

Granada CF v Real Madrid

A charity initiative

In a bid to contribute to society in the context of the current health crisis caused by coronavirus, Llanos’s proposal included the idea of making this a charity event, with fans who enjoy the #LaLigaSantanderChallenge invited to make donations as they watch the action unfold. All of the funds will go to UNICEF to assist the charity in its efforts to combat coronavirus.

#LaLigaSantanderChallenge to be covered across all of our channels

  • The official @LaLiga Facebook and Twitter accounts, just like on any other LaLiga Santander matchday.
  • On the @esportsLaLiga Twitter account and at @eLaLiga on Instagram, YouTube and Twitch. 
  • Via LaLigaSportsTV. 
  • Movistar+ will also broadcast the tournament on MOVISTAR DEPORTES 1, Channel 54 (available in Spain only).
  • The Movistar #Vamos news bulletins will offer live link-ups to the #LaLigaSantanderChallenge.

Choicely Help Fight Coronavirus With App Creation

iSportconnect partner Choicely have created an app that is built to help countries and cities combat the coronavirus outbreak.

The app can provide 5 key benefits:

  • Realtime information from push notifications
  • Instant self-assessment for Coronavirus and clear, immediate localised instructions
  • Applications can be ready in two weeks
  • Entreprise-grade scalability to millions of simulaneous users
  • Integrations available

More details in the graphic below

 

Formula 1 Launches Virtual Grand Prix Series

Formula 1® has today announced the launch of a new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series, featuring a number of current F1 drivers. The series has been created to enable fans to continue watching Formula 1 races virtually, despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation that has affected this season’s opening race calendar.

The virtual races will run in place of every postponed Grand Prix, starting this weekend with the Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday March 22. Every subsequent race weekend will see the postponed real-world Formula 1 race replaced with a Virtual Grand Prix*, with the initiative currently scheduled to run until May**.

The first race of the series will see current F1 drivers line up on the grid alongside a host of stars to be announced in due course. In order to guarantee the participants safety at this time, each driver will join the race remotely, with a host broadcast live from the Gfinity Esports Arena (or remotely if required) from 8:00pm (GMT) on Sunday March 22.

The series will use the official F1 2019 PC video game, developed by Codemasters, and the first virtual GP on the Sakhir track will be a 50% length race with 28 laps. The broadcast, which will be available on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels, is expected to run for 1 hour 30 minutes, with a qualifying period where grid positions will be determined based on the drivers’ fastest lap time.

Due to the wide variety of gaming skill levels amongst the drivers, game settings will be configured in such a way to encourage competitive and entertaining racing. This includes running equal car performance with fixed setups, reduced vehicle damage, and optional anti-lock brakes and traction control for those less familiar with the game.

The series is strictly for entertainment purposes, to bring racing action to fans in this unprecedented scenario the world has been affected by, with no official World Championship points up for grabs for the drivers.

During non-race weekends, Formula 1 will also be hosting online exhibition races, where fans from around the world will be given the chance to go head-to-head with F1 drivers. More details of these events will be available across the official Formula 1 social media channels in the coming weeks.

Julian Tan, Head of Digital Business Initiatives and Esports said: “We are very pleased to be able to bring some light relief in the form of the F1 Esports Virtual GP, in these unpredictable times, as we hope to entertain fans missing the regular sporting action. With every major sports league in the world unable to compete, it is a great time to highlight the benefits of esports and the incredible skill that’s on show.”

Frank Sagnier, Chief Executive Officer, Codemasters added: “We’re excited to be a part of the new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series. With sporting events currently on hold around the world, it’s great that the official F1® video game can help fill the void by bringing together an exciting line-up of talent to race online during the postponed race weekends. It’s going to be competitive, action-packed, and a lot of fun for everyone involved.”

John Clarke, Gfinity Chief Executive Officer said: “Gfinity is proud to be playing its part in the design and delivery of the F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series, which will bring exciting virtual racing to a legion of Formula 1 and Esports fans around the globe. The virtual Bahrain GP will feature all the thrills and spills of racing with F1 drivers and special guest celebrities going head-to-head, which promises to put a smile back on the faces of millions of sports fans.”

Travel Experts ATPI Answer FAQs Regarding Coronavirus

iSportconnect partner ATPI have shared a number of need to know answers for questions many are currently having about their travel.

ATPI specialises in providing travel management services and, within the sports industry, work with many athletes, sports teams and fans ensuring they are able to have seamless travel. They have in-depth knowledge of the logistics of sporting events such as the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Volvo Ocean Race.

ATPI understand that staying informed and being proactive is what really matters in the face of the uncertainty presented by Coronavirus (COVID-19) and so we remain committed to empowering sports clubs, associations and governing bodies to fortify their safety and security processes and make the right decision for their organisation and their travellers.

See ATPI’s Coronavirus FAQ document for guidance on where to find the most up-to-date information regarding the spread of the virus, ATPI’s approach to the Coronavirus outbreak and what steps you can take if you are worried about upcoming travel plans.

For full information, follow this link – https://www.atpi.com/en/en_GB/about/coronavirus-covid-19-and-your-organisations-travel/

 

COMING SOON: iSportconnect eMasterclasses

iSportconnect will soon be announcing a series of eMasterclasses to be taking place over the next few weeks as we look to keep our members engaged and informed during the coronavirus period.

As stated yesterday, iSportconnect began as an online platform for those within the sports industry and we are committed to keeping our community engaged during this testing time.

Keep your eyes peeled on our website and social media channels as we’ll be revealing the key details in the coming days…

We look forward to (virtually) seeing you soon!

English Professional Football Suspended Further Until April 30th

The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.

We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019/20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

We have collectively supported UEFA in postponing EURO 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.

The FA’s Rules and Regulations state that “the season shall terminate not later than the 1 June” and “each competition shall, within the limit laid down by The FA, determine the length of its own playing season”.

However, The FA’s Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019/20 season in relation to Professional Football.

Additionally, we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April.

The progress of COVID-19 remains unclear and we can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. We will continue to follow Government advice and work collaboratively to keep the situation under review and explore all options available to find ways of resuming the season when the conditions allow.

We would all like to re-emphasise that our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.

BMW Set To Beat Out Opel For Feyernoord Partnership

Algemeen Dagblad, the Dutch newspaper, has said that Eredivisie club Feyernoord will be switching one of their major sponsorships next season.

The newspaper states that the club, one of Holland’s biggest, is set to move their car sponsorship to BMW from Opel from next season.

They have reported that BMW will be paying €4 million per season ($4.27 million), to take the exclusive rights, and will end Opel’s ten-year association with the club.

 

Coca Cola Reportedly Interested In Coppa Italia Title Sponsorship

Coca Cola are reportedly interested in becoming title sponsors of the Coppa Italia.

The American drinks company are supposedly in talks to take the sponsorship if this season’s competition goes ahead, according to SportBusiness.

This follow’s Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of the 2020 Italian Supercoppa, where the Super Cup saw huge viewing figures in the country when it was played in Saudi Arabia, including having the competition rebranded as the Coca-Cola Super Cup.

 

LaLiga To Take Part In UEFA Reduced Committee On European Football Calendar

LaLiga, through its President, Javier Tebas, will participate together with the Premier League in a reduced commission created by UEFA to remake the calendar for all European professional football.

This committee is made up of three members from UEFA, three from ECA and one from European Leagues, LaLiga and Premier League respectively.

NASCAR, iRacing Introduce eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series

NASCAR and iRacing announced today the formation of the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series, an exhibition esports series featuring many of the sports most talented and popular drivers. The simulation-style showcase will include a cross-section of competitors from the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series and a group of NASCAR dignitaries.

The multi-week series will kick off Sunday, March 22 at 1:30 p.m. ET on the virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway. The remaining race and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.

“Until we have cars back on track, the entire NASCAR community has aligned to provide our passionate fans with a unique, fun and competitive experience on race day,” said Ben Kennedy, vice president, racing development, NASCAR. “Our long-time partners at iRacing offer an incredible product and we are excited to see how many of our best drivers will stack up in the virtual domain of competitive racing.”

NASCAR postponed events through May 3, prioritizing the health and safety of fans, the industry and race communities. The eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series will provide much needed racing entertainment for sports fans on the premier motorsports racing simulation platform, often used by NASCAR drivers to prepare for race events.

The exhibition series will feature some of the best NASCAR drivers. Drivers currently expected to participate include:

– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
– Kyle Busch
– Denny Hamlin
– Clint Bowyer
– Kyle Larson
– Christopher Bell

NASCAR and iRacing have an unprecedented history in the esports space, currently in the 11th season of the longest-running officially sanctioned esports racing series, the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series. The eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series features 40 of the best sim racers in the world competing for more than $300,000, one of the richest payouts in esports racing competition. The elite series features NASCAR and professional esports teams, including those established by NASCAR Cup Series drivers William Byron, Denny Hamlin and Austin Dillon.