#ImagineBoleyn shortlisted for top award

West Ham United’s stunning 360 degree  Farewell Boleyn video has been shortlisted for a 2016 Football Business Award.

The Hammers’ entry, entitled #ImagineBoleyn, was produced by Ricoh, West Ham United’s official Information Technology Partner, in collaboration with virtual reality specialists Immersive VR.

Narrated by star of film and television Ray Winstone, a lifelong Hammers fan, the three-minute long feature incorporates high quality visuals, while capturing West Ham’s historic home of 112 years in a way never before seen.

The Club was determined to say farewell to the Club’s stadium in a fitting way, giving supporters the chance to continue to connect with the Boleyn Ground for years to come.

Alongside fans’ stories, photographs and memories, West Ham and Ricoh created a fitting tribute for not only the Claret and Blue Army, but for the wider football world.

The footage captured took fans to key parts of the Boleyn Ground, including behind-the-scenes areas that would normally be kept from public view, including the dressing room and players’ tunnel, moments before kick-off.

Supporters were able to follow Hammer of the Year Dimitri Payet out of the tunnel one final time, all in all-encompassing 360 degree viewing.

To enable the maximum possible number of fans to enjoy the unique film, the Club produced a trailer promoting it across the Club’s website and social media channels, before launching the full broadcast on the Hammers’ and Ricoh’s official Facebook and YouTube channels.

The 360 degree video is one of six shortlisted in the Football Business Awards 2016 Best/Most Innovative use of Technology by a Club category, alongside submissions from Cardiff City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers.