International Broadcast Centre inaugurated in Warsaw

048 - UEFA President Michel Platini visited the centre for worldwide TV signal production

The International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Warsaw was officially inaugurated today by UEFA President Michel Platini in a ceremony that was attended by several key figures of Poland’s preparations for UEFA EURO 2012; Polish Sports Minister Joanna Mucha, Warsaw Deputy Mayor Jacek Wojciechowicz and PL.2012 Chairman Marcin Herra.

The IBC will serve as the international nerve centre of host broadcast operations, with over 14,000 square meters of production and office space made available to over 40 broadcast partners from around the world. The IBC is situated at the Expo XXI in Warsaw and is the hub of all incoming and outgoing video and audio signals via fibre or satellite from venues and all other sites. The IBC hosts studios for the broadcasters, commentary facilities, production facilities, but also all the digital services provided by UEFA, as well as uefa.com. The UEFA Euro 2012 will be delivered from Poland Ukraine to more than 200 broadcasters in the world.

Over 2,000 people will be involved in host broadcast operations at the IBC, at the venues, and at other locations such as team training camps during a four-week period.

UEFA President Michel Platini said: "The IBC is at the heart of the UEFA EURO 2012 TV operations. Fans from all over the world are expecting these images. The official opening concludes long years of preparation and initiates a great tournament."