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The secret start of Match of the Day
22 Aug
Summary
- Match of the Day launched August 1964 with Liverpool v Arsenal.
- Early broadcasts leveraged BBC2's high-definition 625-line picture.
- The show's iconic signature tune did not debut until 1970.
Match of the Day, television's pioneering regular football program, made its debut on August 22, 1964, marking the commencement of the 1964-65 season. The identity of its first featured match, Liverpool versus Arsenal, was intentionally concealed until 4:00 PM. This agreement with the Football League aimed to prevent audiences from staying home to watch the broadcast.
Nearly an hour of highlights from the match, which Liverpool won 3-2, was presented. Commentary was provided by Kenneth Wolstenholme and Walley Barnes. The program utilized BBC2's advanced 625-line high-definition picture, allowing for clearer wide shots where the ball was easily visible.
The show's now-famous jaunty signature tune, composed by Barry Stoller, was voted the most recognized TV theme in a 2010 poll. However, this iconic music did not make its first appearance until 1970. The very first Match of the Day broadcast opened with the piece "Drum Majorette" by Arnold Stock.
