Nitto ATP Finals: Chris Cicirello - Bringing the Excitement and Energy of Live Tennis to Fans

Bringing the Excitement and Energy of Live Tennis to Fans Worldwide Introduction: I recently had the opportunity to speak with Chris Cicirello, who has worked at Wasserman Experience for 10 years bringing dynamic live experiences to tennis fans at the ATP Finals. Wasserman Experience has collaborated with the ATP since 2007 to amplify the action on the court through immersive entertainment and technology. The Goal: As Cicirello explained, "This aims to really complement it with the energy and the music and bringing all of the emotion to the top." The aim is to "turbocharge" the tennis and bring the amazing action on the court to life for fans at the venue and watching worldwide. Year-Round Planning: Cicirello revealed that planning for each ATP Finals begins in January or February. The creative team brings new ideas and proposals to the ATP and Italian Tennis Federation. Over months, they hone in on the focus and produce the event. "There's always lots new," Cicirello said. Close Collaboration with ATP Media: A key to success is the close collaboration between Wasserman's production team and ATP Media's broadcast group. Cicirello explained how they are "already talking about the kind of things they want to do" and "collaborating really closely." This integration of the live experience and broadcast amplifies the impact. Lighting and Audio Immersion: From intricate lighting schemes to surround sound, Wasserman aims to captivate fans. As Cicirello put it, "We're able to bring audio and music and the passion that different moments evoke into the arena for the public to experience immediately." State-of-the-art audio is key to the emotion. Engaging the Crowd: From an MC narrating the action to creative introductions of players and celebrities, Wasserman keeps the crowd engaged. Cicirello highlighted the pre-match show incorporating a ballerina, violinists and an actor that gets fans excited. Custom Content Library: A key production role is the screen director controlling animated content across screens. According to Cicirello, there are "more than 1200 pieces of animated content" tailored to matches that can be quickly called up. The content matches the flow on court. Behind the Scenes: The regia or control room coordinates everything from lighting and screens to audio and cameras. Cicirello described the front-of-house team communicating in real time with the regia to call up highlights and adapt to the drama on court. Elevating the DJ: Another way Wasserman amplifies the energy in the stadium is an elevated DJ booth highlighting a live performer. As Cicirello put it, "He becomes part of the show." The DJ reacts to the crowd and matches. In Conclusion: Through its collabortion with ATP Media and innovative production, Wasserman Experience takes the amazing play at the ATP Finals to the next level. As Cicirello summarized, "We're both working together, creating the best possible product that we can." The result is an electrifying experience for fans whether they are cheering in the arena or watching the broadcast at home.