Cinema-goers and sports fans will soon experience major live sporting events on the big screen as a media firm teamed up with a sports cable franchise to unveil immersive cinema screenings of major sporting events and curated lifestyle premieres at the Olympus Theatres on Thursday.
The Olympus Theatre at Sheraton Centre (Photo credit: lauryn escamilla)
At the official launch, Trend Media Barbados and CPSL — operators of the Rush Sports and Rush Prime TV channels — in collaboration with Olympus Theatres, previewed the initiative, dubbed “The Big Screen Experience: Barbados’ New Era of Live Sport and Lifestyle”.
Formula 1 motor sport and European football are among the first events to be screened at Olympus Theatres next month.
Live sport on the big screen has become a growing ‘event cinema’ trend in the United States and United Kingdom, with major cinema chains screening everything from UFC cards and WWE shows to UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup matches as they seek to fill seats between blockbuster releases and offer fans a communal, stadium-style atmosphere with cinema-grade sound and visuals.
The new partnership is set to begin with the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix on May 3, the Canadian Grand Prix on May 24, and the UEFA Champions League final on May 30.
CPSL’s commercial manager, Resha Persad-Ramoudit, touted the project as a major shift in how audiences across the region engage with premium content, moving beyond traditional viewing into a more immersive, shared experience.
Commercial Manager at CPSL Resha Persad Ramoudit.(Photo credit: lauryn escamilla)
CPSL, established in 2019, has rapidly grown into a leading media company through its Rush Sports and Rush Prime channels, delivering 24/7 programming across more than 22 markets, said Persad-Ramoudit.
“Today is not just about announcing an initiative. It’s about redefining how audiences experience world-class sport and entertainment in the Caribbean,” she said.
“What truly defines us is our ability to connect Caribbean audiences with the biggest global content. And today, we take that one step further… For the first time in the Caribbean, audiences across Trinidad, Jamaica, and Barbados will come together… to experience these premium live events simultaneously on the big screen, creating a truly regional shared moment,” Persad-Ramoudit said.
The events fall under CPSL’s exclusive broadcast and official public screening rights in the Caribbean, she added, ensuring a high-quality and authentic viewing experience.
Highlighting the appeal of the content, she described Formula 1 as one of the fastest-growing global sports properties, combining elite competition with a natural cinematic quality, while the UEFA Champions League final remains one of the most prestigious and widely viewed football events worldwide.
“In the Caribbean, football already commands deep passion and loyalty and the UEFA Champions League Final consistently drives some of the highest engagement levels across any sport,” she added.
Persad-Ramoudit stressed that the initiative is about more than just broadcasting events but transforming the overall experience for audiences.
“For years, audiences have watched these events. Now we are transforming how these audiences experience them… into something immersive, communal, and unforgettable,” she said.
She explained that the partnership also creates new opportunities for advertisers, offering real-time engagement in a high-impact setting, while positioning Olympus Theatres as a hub for live global entertainment beyond traditional film.
The initiative will also extend into lifestyle content, with Rush Prime set to host a Hallmark Movie Event, including a red-carpet premiere on June 21.
“This reflects the broader vision of CPSL not just to deliver world-class sports, but to create shared, high-quality viewing experiences across both sport and entertainment,” she said.
Senior account executive at Trend Media, Noel Harris, said the collaboration was driven by changing consumer habits, with audiences increasingly watching content on mobile devices.
“We believe that as it relates specifically to live sports as well as premium lifestyle content, this deserves a more immersive space for our audiences,” Harris said, adding that the initiative will deliver cinema-grade visuals, stadium-level sound, and enhanced audience engagement.
Sales and operations manager at Olympus Theatres, Marlene Wilson, welcomed the partnership, noting that patrons can expect an elevated viewing experience complemented by food and beverage offerings.
“You’ll be able to sell this to everyone, watching that on a big screen, enjoying our nice plush chairs… it’s a win-win all around.” she said.
The launch signals the beginning of a new era for content consumption in the Caribbean, according to Persad-Ramoudit said, who said the partnership plans to expand into a wide range of sporting events, including football leagues, cricket, and other major global events.
“This signals that the Caribbean is not just consuming global content, we are redefining how it is experienced,” she said, and announced that there will be more sports to come.
A video demonstrated the experience of a live game or race with cinema-grade sound and visuals.
(LE)
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