“This is next level”
FC Bayern’s high-tech experiment arouses great interest
September 28, 2023, 3:12 p.m
At FC Bayern’s league start, the focus isn’t just on the basketball players. A high-tech glass floor is also being tested for a game for the first time. World champion Andreas Obst is already positive. The new surface has an important advantage for the players.
Actually, they are boards that mean the world. But for once the parquet remains outside – glass is the new wood. In the opening game of the season, the FC Bayern basketball players compete on a state-of-the-art LED video floor; the use of the innovation is initially just a test. The ASB GlassFloor in Munich was relocated for the duel with Syntainics MBC in the Bundesliga on Friday (8 p.m./Dyn). The manufacturer is based in Stein an der Traun am Chiemsee, just over 100 kilometers from the BWM Park. The collaboration was obvious, and the first impressions could hardly be better.
“I secretly tested it myself. Everything I heard from the players is very, very good,” said Bayern managing director Marko Pesic, a former national player, about the project: “It’s a great story.” The advantages are apparent. Lines, borders, advertising, nothing needs to be laboriously stuck on anymore. Everything on the video sports floor is displayed via LED, including animations and graphics. “It’s next level what you can play there,” says Stefan Holz in an interview with the sports information service. The managing director of the Bundesliga (BBL) simply thinks the technology is “great”.
The BBL has included the possibility of use in the regulations; previously only parquet was permitted. Bayern are the first club to take advantage of the opportunity. But despite all the enthusiasm, innovations also raise questions. “The first thought was: everything is good with the marketing opportunities. But what about the safety of the players? How is the grip? What if they fall?” said Pesic. So far there is no reason to worry. “There was no problem at all” during the training week; the flexibility was even “a little more pleasant” than usual, says Pesic. You have to “get used to it,” says world champion Andreas Obst. But all in all, it’s “a cool thing.” Teammate Nick Weiler-Babb said: “I like it.” Former NBA superstar Serge Ibaka finds the court “somehow different, but very interesting.”
NBA and EuroLeague are guests
According to the manufacturer, the special surface consists of two five millimeter thick safety glass panes, which are laminated with a safety film. The glass sits on an LED display. The “deeply etched surface with baked ceramic dots” guarantees the right grip. The floor was used for the first time at the U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup. The Volleyball Supercup in Hanover was played on this very special GlassFloor in 2019.
So just a fixed idea or something more? “I think this is something that will really have a future in basketball. The problem of applying the stickers could be solved a bit,” says Pesic: “The stickers are very important for the clubs, you also have to earn a little money . But if it’s not done well, the risk of slipping is very high.” The initiative has definitely attracted a lot of attention. “The NBA came to watch it, the EuroLeague came to the game to watch it,” says Pesic – and is eagerly waiting for the practical test.