Disney is set to provide football fans with a unique viewing experience for an upcoming Monday Night Football game. The company will partner with ESPN to transform a December 9th game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys into an animated broadcast featuring characters from the popular TV show The Simpsons.
This special presentation will utilize advanced technology to bring the iconic Simpsons family and other residents of Springfield to life within an animated version of the football game. NFL player tracking data and animation software will allow viewers to watch the game being played out on the virtual football field of Springfield’s Atoms Stadium.
Even the ESPN commentators will get in on the fun, appearing as animated versions of themselves to provide commentary and analysis of the game. Characters from The Simpsons like Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa will be shown cheering for either the Cowboys or Bengals from their respective sidelines. Homer and Bart will support opposing teams, setting up family rivalry during the broadcast.
Global audiences will be able to experience the broadcast, with availability in over 145 countries. Viewers can watch either live or via video-on-demand options available later. This joins the growing portfolio of creative presentations ESPN offers for NFL games, such as the popular Manning brothers’ Monday Night Football alternative telecast.
The hybrid football and animation broadcast promises entertainment for fans of both the long-running sitcom and America’s favorite sport. It represents another innovative way for Disney to leverage its major assets and engage audiences old and new for live sporting events.