Vision Nine is to be the new promoter of the Isle of Man TT and Classic TT starting with the events in 2017, provided the measure receives Tynwald approval next month.
The London-based company will invest £2.5 million into the events when it takes over from the Isle of Man government’s five-man team.
‘This will be a long term investment for us building revenue streams. Our income will be from sponsorship and broadcasting,’ said Vision Nine’s Julian Topham at a press conference this lunchtime.
He and fellow executive Adam Driscoll were keen to stress they are not out to change the essence of the event but simply to widen its appeal and increase the number of visitors yet further.
Fans will still be able to watch free of charge from the top of a wall or in a hedge and won’t be herded into compulsory Fanzones.
But the visitor experience should be enhanced by a greater range of information available via tablets, laptops and other mobile internet connections.
While the much acclaimed North One television coverage will continue, trials will also be run with live streaming of the event using static cameras at particular fixed points around the course.
In the first year this may be broadcast onto big screens in the island but if all is favourable it could be screened live on television in the future.
Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly said three members of the former DED team that promoted the TT will have chance to work with Vision Nine, and the other two will continue in the department.
He said Vision Nine’s agreement with the department was on a profit-share basis with the government, each taking a share of the revenue generated by the event.
Source: IOM Today
