FOX Sports expanded its production capabilities during recent major sporting events, deploying over 100 cameras for the 109th Indianapolis 500 and broadcasting the World Cup match in Kansas City, Missouri.
During the World Cup Round of 32 match where Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday, July 3, 2026, broadcasters Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves discussed local topics including the intense humidity and the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty.
The commentators noted the exceptional summer heat while analyzing the local sports culture and stadium conditions during the soccer broadcast.
"I've not been to Kansas City very often," said Fletcher, "but this is one of the rare places on Earth where even though it gets dark, it doesn't get any colder…"
Hargreaves complimented the venue appearance before the discussion turned back to the challenging weather conditions.
"It looks amazing. Brilliant stadium.
With all the yellow shirts in it, it looks fabulous," said Hargreaves.
"It's so hot," said Fletcher.
The duo also discussed the contrasting winter climate of the city and its potential impact on NFL games.
"I'm not sure I want to be here in the winter for an NFL game," said Hargreaves.
"People watching this might be thinking, 'Don't you moan.' If you go watch the Chiefs in December, you'll have an entirely different experience," noted Fletcher.
The conversation shifted toward the success of the Kansas City Chiefs and their leadership under quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid.
"I'll tell you what, they're doing all right," said Hargreaves. "Three Super Bowls for Mahomes?
Three MVPs. Seems to be doing all right in the cold.
Andy Reid, what a job he's done."
"He's certainly in the wedding. In fact, both of them are," chimed Fletcher.
Fletcher also mentioned attending a baseball game across the parking lot at Kauffman Stadium prior to the soccer match.
"I went to see the baseball last night across the parking lot," said Fletcher. "The Kansas City Royals against the Tampa Bay Rays.
It wasn't a good night for the team from Kansas City, I can tell you. There were fountains inside the stadium.
It was that warm; I almost went to go in them."
The commentators additionally referenced the high-profile nuptials of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift taking place that weekend.
"One thing you shouldn't see here tonight are any Kansas City Chiefs players, because they should be at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding.
If you've not got the invitation, you won't dare show your face here, I'm sure," said Fletcher.
Advanced Technology at the Indianapolis 500
Simultaneously, IMS Productions and FOX Sports utilized highly advanced technological configurations for the 109th Indianapolis 500, incorporating an automated HUD graphics system that tracks cockpit camera movements.
"This year, we were just tipping just over 100 cameras for the show," says Jason King, Director of Engineering, IMS Productions.
"Then you have all the replay channels and all of the onboards. We had 16 onboard cameras with dual paths simultaneously pulling two video signals.
That gives us 32 feeds before you even start looking at clean and dirty versions."
Supervising Engineer Steve Dixon highlighted how the new automated HUD system improved the visual experience for racing fans.
"FOX has come up with a system that automatically keys in the 'HUD' Graphic over the Roll Hoop camera as it pans.
It makes it look like the graphic is actually there and part of the car," says Steve Dixon.
"The fans loved it."
Dixon explained that a Grass Valley K-Frame VXP switcher was brought in to separate the replay resources from the main broadcast show.
"The sub-compact VXP came in and took care of all our replay switching and worked really well.
It allowed the main show TD to keep everything onboard-based in the switcher while the Tape Release TD handled replay resources separately," says Dixon.
"Even with the VXP, they maxed out all 48 inputs."
A dedicated central engineering facility was established to streamline the compound infrastructure before production teams arrived.
"It really is a game changer. No more throwing things into belly bays and running cables across the compound.
We were largely ready to go before they arrived because so much of the infrastructure was already connected," says King.
FOX Sports executives revealed that future broadcast plans involve expanding internet protocol workflows to further accelerate live racing productions.
"Being able to have multiple Grass Valley switchers tied together and working cohesively in an environment that allows us to speed up production to meet the speed of racing is hugely important," says Brad Cheney, FOX Sports.
"As we've embarked on this new IP world, we've done so knowing that we have a lot of opportunities over the next couple of years to really push forward with connectivity, flexibility and the creative capabilities we've been looking for."
