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Game for Fan Entertainment | Seattle Kraken

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 13:59 GMT by National Hockey League
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Seattle Kraken: A Behind‑the‑Scenes Tour of the Control Room

The Seattle Kraken have taken their commitment to fan engagement a step beyond the rink, offering an exclusive look at the heart of their broadcast operations: the control room. In a recent feature released by the team, viewers were given a rare glimpse into the intricate ballet that translates on‑ice action into the high‑definition experience fans enjoy at T-Mobile Arena and beyond. Below is a detailed rundown of what the article covers, supplemented by additional context gleaned from linked resources.

1. The Anatomy of the Control Room

The article opens with a virtual walkthrough of the Kraken’s state‑of‑the‑art control suite. Unlike many North American arenas where the control room sits in a dim, glass‑encased room adjacent to the scoreboard, Seattle’s version is a bright, collaborative space filled with an array of monitors, sound‑proofing, and ergonomic workstations. The team’s broadcast director, John McCready, is quoted explaining that the room’s layout was designed with “maximum flexibility” in mind, allowing for simultaneous live feeds, instant replays, and real‑time graphics to coexist without interference.

Key components highlighted include:

• Multi‑camera rigging – The Kraken operate nine camera feeds during a single game, each capturing different angles such as the main arena, the penalty box, the board, and even a unique “in‑goaltender” perspective. These are fed into a central switcher that can transition between shots in milliseconds.
• Graphic overlay system – A separate graphics department runs real‑time stats, player line‑ups, and animated infographics. The article notes that the Kraken are among the first NHL teams to integrate dynamic 3‑D overlays onto the ice surface, a feature that has been praised by analysts for improving clarity during fast‑paced plays.
• Audio engineering – While the on‑ice commentary is typically recorded in a separate booth, the control room also houses a dedicated audio mixing console that balances commentary, crowd noise, and music tracks. The article mentions that the Kraken’s audio team experimented with spatial audio to give listeners a more immersive experience, especially on streaming platforms.

2. The Creative Workflow

Beyond the hardware, the feature delves into the creative processes that make a game broadcast memorable. The Kraken’s production team follows a multi‑stage workflow that begins before the puck drops and extends well after the final horn.

• Pre‑game planning – A “pre‑game day” briefing is held to decide on camera angles, graphics, and any special storylines (e.g., a player’s milestone or a themed event). The article quotes the producer, Sarah Kline, who stresses the importance of “storyboarding” each game to ensure a cohesive narrative arc.
• Live switching – On game day, the director monitors feeds and signals the video operator to switch between shots. The control room uses a “push‑to‑talk” system for instantaneous communication, minimizing latency. The article provides a side‑by‑side illustration of a typical switch sequence during a critical power‑play.
• Post‑game analysis – After the game, the control room shifts gears to produce highlight reels, analytical segments, and social media clips. The Kraken’s data analysts use the same control room suite to extract play‑by‑play information and create “heat maps” that are featured on the team’s website and YouTube channel.

3. Fan Engagement and Accessibility

One of the standout features of the Kraken’s control room is its accessibility to fans. The article details several initiatives that bring fans closer to the action behind the scenes:

• Virtual tours – Using 360‑degree video, the Kraken released a “Control Room Live” series that streams the room during games, allowing fans to watch the production unfold in real time. The article notes that this concept was inspired by a similar initiative at the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the Kraken have added a live chat component that lets viewers ask questions directly to the production crew.
• Interactive graphics – By embedding real‑time statistics on the in‑app overlay, fans can tap on player names to view live performance metrics, a feature that has boosted engagement on the Kraken’s mobile platform.
• Educational workshops – In partnership with local high schools, the Kraken offer a “Broadcasting 101” program where students can learn about camera operation, graphics design, and sound engineering. The article quotes a teacher who says the program has sparked a new generation of media talent in the Pacific Northwest.

4. Technology Partnerships

The feature goes into detail about the partnerships that enable the Kraken’s control room to stay at the cutting edge of broadcast technology:

• Canon and Sony – For camera gear, the Kraken use a mix of Canon XF and Sony FX lenses, known for their low-light performance. An interview with the procurement manager explains how the team balanced cost and image quality.
• Samsung and Vizrt – For graphic overlays, the Kraken use Samsung’s high‑resolution LED panels in tandem with Vizrt’s real‑time 3‑D graphics software. The article includes screenshots that show the seamless integration of player statistics onto the ice surface.
• Microsoft Azure – The Kraken rely on Azure’s cloud services to store and stream video data, ensuring that fans worldwide can watch high‑definition broadcasts without buffering.

5. The Human Side of Production

While the technology is impressive, the article pays homage to the people who operate it. Several crew members are highlighted:

• Director John McCready – With a background in television production, McCready emphasizes the importance of teamwork and quick decision‑making.
• Audio engineer Lisa Nguyen – Nguyen describes her love for “capturing the roar of the crowd” while maintaining clear commentary, a balancing act that requires both technical skill and artistic sensitivity.
• Camera operators – A rotating roster of camera operators shares their perspective on capturing fast‑moving action and how the Kraken’s training program has increased the quality of footage over the past season.

6. Additional Resources and Context

The article links to a short documentary produced by the Kraken that dives deeper into the history of NHL broadcast technology, tracing its evolution from 2‑D graphics to the current era of 3‑D overlays and virtual reality. It also includes a downloadable guide for fans who want to build their own “mini‑control room” at home using open‑source software, a nod to the growing community of amateur broadcasters.

Further reading is provided via links to the Kraken’s social media channels, where behind‑the‑scenes clips are posted regularly, and to the NHL’s official media site, which offers a deeper dive into the league’s broadcast guidelines and innovations.

Conclusion

Seattle Kraken’s control room isn’t just a production hub; it’s a showcase of the team’s dedication to fan experience, technological innovation, and community engagement. By opening its doors—both literally and figuratively—the Kraken have turned a typically hidden space into an interactive learning platform, bridging the gap between the ice, the broadcast studio, and the audience. The article provides a comprehensive look at how the Kraken weave together cameras, graphics, sound, and storytelling into a seamless, high‑quality product that keeps fans glued to their screens, whether they’re in the arena, at home, or streaming from a different continent.