High Stakes, High Speed: Broadcasting the Tampa Bay Derby with DJI Inspire 3 for the first time.
- AIRWOLF
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 17
The Tampa Bay Derby is one of the premier prep races for the Kentucky Derby, drawing top contenders and a nationwide audience eager to see which thoroughbreds will emerge as serious contenders. This year, Tampa Bay Downs took a historic step by incorporating a live drone feed into their broadcast for the first time. While drones have been used in live sports coverage before, this marked the first time a drone was integrated into the Tampa Bay Derby broadcast, offering a new and dynamic perspective for viewers.
With just days to prepare, we were called in to execute this groundbreaking addition to the production. The challenge was clear, deliver seamless, high-quality aerial footage in real-time for one of the most high-stakes horse races of the season.
A Last-Minute Decision That Elevated Broadcasting the Tampa Bay Derby with DJI Inspire 3 for the first time.
Tampa Bay Downs made the game-time decision to include drone coverage just days before the event. While integrating aerial footage into a live broadcast is no small task, our team specializes in high-speed, high-pressure environments. We immediately mobilized, knowing that proper preparation was key to ensuring a flawless execution on race day.
Pre-Event Testing: The Key to a Flawless Broadcast
When working with live broadcasts, there is zero room for error. A drone feed must be perfectly synchronized with the production team’s workflow, ensuring there are no signal dropouts, lag, or interference issues. That’s why we arrived early to conduct essential pre-event testing at Tampa Bay Downs.
Pre-event testing allowed us to:
Optimize our video transmission to ensure a stable, uninterrupted feed to the production room.
Determine the best flight paths to capture the most compelling angles while avoiding restricted areas and flying over crowds.
Coordinate with the production team to ensure smooth integration with existing camera feeds
By running these tests ahead of time, we mitigated risks and ensured that when the gates opened, our drone was ready to deliver a seamless aerial perspective.
Overcoming Unique Challenges at Tampa Bay Downs
Every drone project comes with unique logistical challenges. At Tampa Bay Downs, the best launch point for our drone was on the venue’s roof, a location that provided an unobstructed view of the track and the ability to follow the race from start to finish. However, getting our DJI Inspire 3 and all necessary equipment to the rooftop was easier said than done.
The only access point was via a ladder, requiring careful maneuvering to safely transport the drone, batteries, controllers, and monitoring equipment. Once everything was secured, the elevated position allowed us to execute dynamic tracking shots that gave viewers an unprecedented perspective of the race.
Why We Chose the DJI Inspire 3 for the Job
Capturing a high-speed, high-stakes event like the Tampa Bay Derby requires a drone that is fast, reliable, and capable of delivering broadcast-quality footage in real time.
The DJI Inspire 3 was the ideal choice for this project, thanks to its:
Full-frame camera, and variable lens options providing clarity and detail, even at high speeds.
Superior maneuverability, allowing us to track horses in motion with smooth, precision.
Reliable low-latency video transmission, ensuring a stable feed for the live broadcast
With these capabilities, the Inspire 3 allowed us to capture the speed, power, and drama of the Tampa Bay Derby in a way never seen before.
A Game-Changer for Horse Racing Broadcasts
The successful integration of a live drone feed into the Tampa Bay Derby broadcast proved that aerial cinematography is more than just a novelty, it’s a powerful tool for enhancing live sports coverage. The sweeping overhead shots, dynamic tracking angles, and immersive race footage added an entirely new dimension to the viewing experience, giving fans a closer look at the action than ever before.
While we're certainly not the first company to incorporate drones into live sports broadcasting, we are proud to have been the first to broadcast the Tampa Bay Derby with the DJI Inspire 3 for the first time. This milestone highlights the expanding role of drone technology in professional sports coverage and sets a new standard for future events looking to enhance their broadcasts with dynamic aerial perspectives.
Why AIRWOLF Drones is the Right Team for Your Next Live Event
At AIRWOLF Drones, we specialize in capturing fast-paced, high-intensity action with unmatched cinematic quality. Whether it’s horse racing, motorsports, or live event broadcasting, our team is experienced in delivering flawless drone integration that elevates the production value of any event.
For venues and production teams looking to enhance their live broadcasts with cutting-edge aerial footage, partnering with a professional drone team is essential. We at AIRWOLF have the expertise, equipment, and experience to deliver results, even on last-minute calls.
CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO
Ready to take your live event coverage to the next level?
Contact AIRWOLF Drones today to discuss how we can bring an immersive aerial perspective to your next live broadcast.
Want to see the gear we use on set? Check out our curated selection of drones, accessories, and filmmaking essentials on our Amazon Store
Comments