The match between FC Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin on Friday evening (8:30 p.m. CEST) will mark the start of the 57th Bundesliga season. The match between the Bundesliga champions and the team from the capital city in the sold-out Allianz Arena in Munich will be broadcast in more than 200 of the 211 FIFA member countries.

A drone and the aerial camera system, long established in the Bundesliga, will be among the sources of spectacular pictures surrounding the game. On Friday, the images from the ‘flying’ aerial camera system – attached to four cables on the stadium roof – will, with the help of augmented-reality technology, also be used to present various graphical elements to fans watching on screens such as team line-ups and statistics as if they can actually be seen inside the stadium. The use of two corner flag cameras will also provide extraordinary images. These systems were tested at the innovation trade fair SportsInnovation 2018 and also during certain matches in the previous Bundesliga season, allowing viewers additional insights from close range. Overall, the DFL will use 25 cameras to broadcast the opening match – never in Bundesliga history have more cameras been used for the production of a match.

Before the kick off, singer and songwriter Nico Santos will sing the German national anthem. The 26-year-old became known for songs such as ‘Rooftop’ and ‘Safe’, and in 2018 he was the most successful German radio artist. The logos of all 18 Bundesliga clubs will also be visible on the pitch of the Allianz Arena before the season opener.

(DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga)