3D football in pubs from April

Hundreds of pubs will be able to screen live football matches in 3D for the first time from April.

Broadcaster Sky has announced it is preparing to launch the channel Sky 3D following a test screening on Sunday when the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United will be shown in 3D at nine pubs across the country.

Customers at the selected venues in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin will be the first audiences to see a live sports event broadcast in 3D.

The service will also be the first dedicated 3D TV channel in Europe.

An announcement about other sports being shown in 3D is expected around the time of the official launch in April.

Iain Holden, managing director of Sky Business, said: "We are incredibly pleased to be able to offer this service to our loyal customers.

"This is a great opportunity for the pub trade to offer a point of difference for their customers and giving football fans in the UK and Ireland the opportunity to experience Premier League action live in 3D."

Sky 3D works with existing Sky+HD boxes but licensees will also need to invest in 3D Ready TVs.

Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: "Sky Sports has a proud history of innovation from the simple clock and scoreline in the corner of the screen through to high definition.

"It is fitting that we're pioneering this new revolutionary development in broadcasting."

it is understood the service will be introduced to the domestic market in the second half of this year.