The First 90 Minutes.com

TF90M investigates how fans at Sunday’s Carling Cup Final will be able to monitor their own progress as well as their team’s thanks to digital technology inside the stadium.

In a world first, Carling has teamed up with Sky Sports to track the highs and lows from the stands as well as the pitch via live sound level readings from both ends of Wembley.

Supporters inside the stadium will be updated four times during each half via digital advertising boards around the ground and a specially installed giant LED screen in front of the Royal Box.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports viewers will be able to see “Fan-o-Meter” readings during their coverage of the first domestic final of the season.

The readings will be based on a percentage share of the volume based on maximum decibel levels recorded over ten minute periods.*

As an extra spin-off, the noise generated will raise valuable funds for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK with the donation rising in line with the volume level. Carling has pledged a sum of £10,000 but the figure will increase to £15,000 if the decibel level hits 100 dB and £20,000 if it exceeds 110 dB.

The idea has been backed by leading figures at both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton said: “You can never underestimate the importance of the Twelfth Man which in our case is the brilliant United fans. Having played alongside Bobby (Moore) I know he relished the big match occasion and the Carling Cup Final should be a great game with an electric atmosphere.”

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said: “If ever you need the fans to show their support it’s at a big Cup Final and I know our fans will respond in the right way. There may have been times this season when they’ve maybe not felt much like singing but I’m sure they’ll take the roof off at Wembley and help raise money for the Bobby Moore Fund which is such a great cause.”

Stephanie Moore MBE, founder of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, said: “This is great news for us and represents a generous donation to the Bobby Moore Fund for vital bowel cancer research and awareness.” 

Carling Brand Director Martin Coyle added: "This is a genuine first and a great opportunity to recognise the difference fans can make at a big game. We're expecting a bold showing from both sides. We're also giving fans the opportunity to create their own personalised banners on stadium advertising boards so this promises to be the most interactive final ever.”

Sky Sports executive producer for the Carling Cup Final, Mark Pearman, said:  “The atmosphere at a Wembley Stadium cup final is always terrific and adds greatly to the excitement of the event.  During the live Sky Sports broadcast we will be monitoring the sound levels and letting the viewers at home see just how vocal the two sets of fans are against each other and who will out-perform who on the terraces.  Those viewers watching in high definition and listening in Dolby Digital 5.1 will almost feel like they are in the stadium”.

For all those fans unable to make the journey to Wembley this Saturday Sky Sports HD will be bringing them all the live action in glorious High Definition from 2.30pm on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD 1. With up to four times the picture quality of standard definition and the enhanced sound of Dolby Digital 5.1, Sky+HD enables fans watching the game from their living room to feel closer to the action than ever before and a part of the atmosphere in the stadium.

Bookmaker Paddy Power has started a market on who will make the most noise with Tottenham at 4/5, Manchester United 5/4 and the tie at 8/1.

*The devices at either end will record the loudest decibel level over 10 minute periods. The loudest decibel level from the 10 minute period will be taken as a reading and then converted to a percentage, eg Manchester United 80dB, Tottenham Hotspurs 65dB - add the two figures together (145dB) and then divide the team decibel level by the total decibel level and multiply by 100 (80/145x100=55%) and (65/145x100=45%).