The 2025 Italian Basketball Cup: A Slam Dunk in Innovation
The 2025 Italian Basketball Cup, also referred to as the Final Eight, took place in Turin on the Inalpi Arena from February 12-16. The tournament was won by Dolomiti Energia Trentino, who defeated EA7 Emporio Armani Milano in the ultimate. The event was an enormous success, attracting a record 46,000 spectators over the five days of competition.
A New Level of Production
EMG / Gravity Media Italy handled all phases of the production, introducing several innovations, particularly in the world of graphics. Alessandro Curti, head of graphics at EMG / Gravity Media Italy, explained that the corporate introduced an progressive service, including graphic contributions and statistics on the LED partitions inside the sector for the primary time. This was done to boost the fan experience and supply more engaging content.
Graphic Innovations
The generated graphics weren’t broadcast concurrently on all platforms but were strategically distributed using a system specifically developed by EMG / Gravity Media Italy. Most of the data was displayed on the brand new large vertical screens at the edges of the sector, providing constant updates on team statistics, individual player performances, and comparisons. The data was collected by Boost Graphics through proprietary systems and was provided to Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) as a part of a season-long agreement.
Key Moments
There were three key moments throughout the games where all graphics were displayed concurrently on all platforms, creating an integrated and dynamic visual experience. These moments were easy replay, crunch time, and time-out calls. During these moments, dedicated graphic effects and team logos of the requesting team were displayed, adding to the thrill of the sport.
Virtual Graphics
Following its debut throughout the previous edition of the Final Eight, the choice was made to proceed developing and implementing 3D graphics live, created by the Boost Graphics team. Real elements, equivalent to the trophy or player photos, were integrated into the official LBA feel and appear, enhancing statistical data through individual player cards, numerical comparisons, and leaderboards for the highest three scorers and rebounders.
3D Elements
The selection and placement of this content were agreed with the LBA, each in editorial and graphic terms, in full coordination with the production team. The 3D elements were further enhanced through fastidiously planned camera movements, including using a Robycam, which enabled the capture of dynamic aerial shots integrated with 3D virtual graphics. One of probably the most eye-catching graphic elements was the 3D model of the trophy, based on the actual cup won by the victorious team.
On-Site Fan Engagement
The focus of the 2025 Italian Basketball Cup was on fan engagement, because of the introduction of the LED screens, where statistics were delivered to life with visible and functional elements. Boost Graphics transformed data into an accessible experience, offering an progressive visualization of technical content. These insights, often reserved for TV audiences, were made available inside the sector, receiving highly positive feedback from each LBA and the fans.
Conclusion
The 2025 Italian Basketball Cup was an enormous success, with the introduction of progressive graphics and virtual elements enhancing the fan experience. The use of LED screens, 3D graphics, and augmented reality elements created a dynamic and interesting atmosphere, each inside the sector and for home viewers. The tournament set a brand new standard for basketball events, and it would be exciting to see how future events construct on this success. With the concentrate on fan engagement and innovation, the 2025 Italian Basketball Cup was a slam dunk in every sense of the word.
