Features

Bellator engages Van Wagner to boost fan experience

MMA promotion Bellator, a subsidiary of media company Viacom, has teamed up with Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment to create a new in-arena experience for its live events.

The agreement will launch on May 11 during the Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull fight at Allstate Arena outside Chicago.

Fans at the 18,500-capacity venue will be the first to experience a newly designed live event presentation, including video content, promotional packages and additional production elements.

Bob Becker, executive vice-president of Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment, said: “Being presented with this great opportunity to work with Scott Coker and his Bellator MMA team is something that all of us at VWSE are looking forward to.

“Adding a new element of event presentation to an already exciting and professionally run event will help to elevate the fan engagement and provide a level of presentation that will be unmatched in the combat sports arena.”

Van Wagner Productions has worked on projects and clients across nine of the world’s top 10 sporting events, including nine Olympic Games, the last 36 Super Bowls, NFL International Series, tennis’ US Open, NHL Winter Classic, Kentucky Derby and more.

Scott Coker, president of Bellator, added: “I’m thrilled to partner with Van Wagner on the new in-arena experience for our fans. Event presentation has always been such an important aspect of combat sports history.

“Going back to my days in K-1 in Japan, there was an emphasis on how the athletes were presented and I look forward to helping make that process even more exciting now. With their experience in live events, Van Wagner is the perfect partner to help us find new and innovate ways to continue to entertain our fans.”

Image: Bellator