Source: REUTERS/IVAN ALVARADO
[Saba Sports News] From April 27th to May 5th,
the 2024 Total Energy Thomas and Uber Cup finals will take place at the Chengdu
High-tech Sports Center. The organizing committee is in the final stages of
preparation. According to data, the Chengdu High-tech Sports Center has a total
construction area of 201,600 square meters. The venue was completed in 2021 and
has previously hosted international events such as the World Table Tennis Championships
finals and the CFS Global Finals. In anticipation of the 2024 Thomas and Uber
Cup, the High-tech Sports Center has undergone upgrades and renovations. These
include the addition of a new media area, comprising a broadcast room and rest
area. Additionally, elements of Chengdu’s culture, such as twin towers and wide
and narrow alleys, have been incorporated around the venue. Another significant
modification is the inclusion of the Eagle Eye system. This independent system,
provided by the Badminton World Federation, will be utilized exclusively for
the event. The Badminton World Federation will determine the positioning of the
Eagle Eye camera based on the venue’s drawings. The system will be installed
one hour before the official warm-up and subsequently calibrated according to
the on-site lighting conditions. The incorporation of the Eagle Eye system
marks the final stage of the venue renovation. It is worth noting that, as
Hawkeye holds a technological monopoly, the related equipment is only available
for rent and not for sale. Fees are charged based on each line on the court.
Presently, the Badminton World Federation rents a Hawkeye instant replay system
for each venue, which costs approximately $140,000. Due to the high rental
cost, only the primary broadcasting venue will be equipped with the Hawkeye
equipment.