Manchester City has become the first English Premier League football team to launch a dedicated matchday second screen service through its CityMatchDay app.
Initially available as a free iPhone and Android download, the app has been launched ahead of the defending champions’ first derby meeting of the 2014-15 season against rival Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Users at the ground will be able to utilise the club’s in-stadium WiFi to stream a highlights channel that allows them to watch multi-camera angle replays of key moments in matches, along with a “rewind 30 second function” allowing them to instantly rewatch all coverage from in-stadium video channels.
A second channel, Tactical Cam, is also available exclusive to ticket holders at the Etihad Stadium. It will provide fans a view of the match from high above the pitch, offering a look at formations, passing and pressing lines, and other tactical movements.
Finally, CityTV Live will offer exclusive, live behind-the-scenes video content including the line-up announcement and pre-match player interviews as they step off the team bus. Users can also watch live footage direct from the players’ tunnel, the post-match managers’ press conferences, and in-match and half-time commentary from club pundits, fans and special guests.
Manchester City’s director of media and fan relationship Diego Gigliani said: “Football is much more than just the 90 minutes on the pitch. The matchday ritual begins for many fans the moment they wake up in the morning. This is what we wanted to try and capture and share with our fans, wherever they’re supporting us from.
"As a club, we have always prided ourselves on digital innovation and continually trying to push the boundaries of what is possible to ensure our fans have a great time supporting their team. This philosophy not only lies at the heart of our fan engagement, but also our aim to create the world’s most immersive digital matchday experience.”