The Philadelphia Union's clash with the Portland Timbers on Friday, May 6, will be the first of Fox Soccer's newly branded "Soccer Night in America" broadcasts. Playing off of "Hockey Night in Canada", Fox Soccer has dedicated new technology and graphics to its weekly broadcasts of MLS games.
According to MLS' article on the change, a long awaited update to the graphics utilized on the channel, along with its overall quality of broadcast will be improved as part of the re-branding:
The new show will include redesigned, state-of-the-art graphics to headline the new look, along with a fresh set design, slow-motion camera technology and a style that migrates FOX Soccer closer to its network family. "Soccer Night in America's" enhanced studio set features a cutting edge, contemporary design, a new logo and graphics that more closely match broadcasts throughout FOX Sports properties.
The new graphics package incorporates Vizrt technology, which provides digital, real-time 3D and virtual graphic displays, and super slow-motion cameras in match telecasts.
While most viewers still don't have Fox Soccer in HD, the channel took a big step into the 21st century with the move. Though at least one Union fan is questioning why it came in the middle of the season, rather than at the beginning or in the next one.