Recent cultural references to fencing

[Zouave]

I think ESPN would be able to show an "x-games" version of fencing... Keep the sabre, dump right-of-way, use skin-tight conductive bodysuits with sensors that flash different colors for various locations, allow single points for arm cuts, two points for head or body cuts, get custom-painted masks in wild colors, have all the fencers register as "Slasher X" or "Hacker Billy" or something equally fun, use a ring instead of a strip, have tag-team matches, call it "ULTRA-MODERN FENCING"...

These are suggestions from my daughter, who REALLY likes WWF wrestling!!!

[KC]

Originally posted by Zouave
These are suggestions from my daughter, who REALLY likes WWF wrestling!!!

Sure blame your daughter... We know the truth.

[135711]

Originally posted by Zouave
I think ESPN would be able to show an "x-games" version of fencing... Keep the sabre, dump right-of-way, use skin-tight conductive bodysuits with sensors that flash different colors for various locations, allow single points for arm cuts, two points for head or body cuts, get custom-painted masks in wild colors, have all the fencers register as "Slasher X" or "Hacker Billy" or something equally fun, use a ring instead of a strip, have tag-team matches, call it "ULTRA-MODERN FENCING"...

These are suggestions from my daughter, who REALLY likes WWF wrestling!!!

sounds good, we'll include a little mud wrestling for a warm up.

[achilleus]

Originally posted by Mo
The reason fencing is not a big spectator sport in the US is because it is unknown. Before my kids started fencing I didn't know a thing about it. Once it gets bigger which I think it will, people will start to recognize it and watch it on the tube.
Fencing is a very old and very new sport.

Have you seen what's on TV (ESPN) lately? Dog Shows, Spelling bees, cheerleading championships, jump rope contests, hunting, retriever dog competitions, world's strongest man, world's strongest woman, and the list goes on.

Popularity isn't an issue. It's money from sponsors to put together an event that is broadcast ready. Broadcast ready means multiple cameras, pre and post game interviews, no pools, no mechanical malfunctions, no dead time (ie 2 epee fencers standing still for longer than 15 secs.), and quite possibly a longer bout time to allow spectators to watch a particular bout for longer than 9 min.

Broadcast ready most likely includes a variety of things I haven't mentioned, and that someone more knowledgable in TV can point out.

But the first step is getting the sponsors.