Baypark Speedway Live Stream: High-Quality Motorsport Production
Volt Media's live stream and big screen production for Baypark Speedway expanded viewership globally, creating a new way to get to event audiences during Covid-19 restrictions.
Overview
Volt Media had been producing Tauranga-based Baypark Speedway’s Big Screen Entertainment and post-produced highlights programme for a year when Covid-19 hit. This high-end production included live roving camera replays to catch all the action, live timing, and a purpose-built graphics system with full sponsor integration. The Covid-19 lockdowns meant that audiences and our mostly Auckland-based production crew couldn’t attend the meetings. No crowd and no crew presented a significant challenge.
Challenge & Opportunity
Baypark Speedway Promoter Melissa Webb wanted to keep the race meetings running but also needed a paying audience to make it viable. Volt Media recognised the need to expand the big screen entertainment at the track to a live stream that could be viewed anywhere in the world, and to institute a Pay Per View platform that would generate income from the stream.
Additionally, we needed to find a way to crew the live stream production amidst the Covid-19 restrictions.
Approach
Volt Media’s David Hedge, staying ahead of remote broadcast trends internationally, devised a solution. Remote broadcast allows the production studio to be in one central location (Volt Media offices) while the camera crew and fronting/commentary team are at the venue (Tauranga’s Mercury Baypark Stadium).
Key elements of our approach included:
Using new technology to produce coverage for both the on-site big screen and PA, as well as a live stream.
Creating a studio in the Volt offices with the director, graphics, and live replays all running from Auckland.
Employing local crew in Tauranga for on-ground roles of camera operators and onsite audio engineer, partnering with Baypark Speedway’s fronting team.
Developing a purpose-built live stream platform using a UK-based live streaming company to handle subscriptions and host the live stream.
Establishing a secure mail server in our offices to manage the volume of traffic, addressing technical issues with email providers.
Integrating a direct link to the live stream platform on the Baypark Speedway website and utilising PayPal as the paywall for the live stream, enabling instant, problem-free refunds if needed.
Hiring a live stream technician to troubleshoot any viewer connectivity issues.
Results
The pay-per-view live stream saw significant uptake, with audiences appreciating the ability to watch Speedway from home. As lockdowns eased, it also increased the number of people attending the events over that season and the following one, as they had become hooked on Speedway.
Since the first live stream in the 2021 season, over 16,000 individual live stream passwords have been sent out, and total revenue has exceeded $100,000. We also reduced the costs of the live stream broadcast as travel and accommodation expenses were no longer necessary.
Testimonial
“During the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic when our sport relied heavily on streaming to reach fans who couldn't attend in person, Volt Media stepped up and delivered high-quality live streams that brought speedway to life for fans at home. They made sure that no fan missed a beat or a lap, keeping the excitement and connection alive even when the stands were empty.
We highly recommend the Volt Media team. Their commitment to going above and beyond for their clients and their unwavering support for sports is truly commendable. If you're looking for a partner who can bring your sporting event to life through live streaming, Volt Media is the way to go."
Melissa Webb, Promoter – Baypark Speedway