Packers considered hand-held device for Lambeau fans
By Don Walker of the Journal Sentinel
Dec. 1, 2010 7:43 a.m. |(27) Comments
Professional and college sports teams are constantly on the lookout for ways to enhance the fan experience. New scoreboards and better mobile sites are just a few examples. [img_r]http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/09/2010-09-27fanvisionp-2.jpg[/img_r]
In Miami, Stephen Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins, has been waving the flag for his gadget: FanVision , a handheld device fans in the stands can use to provide instant replay video and up to the minute statistics.
Ross wants every team to have them. He also wants every fan in the Super Bowl one day to have one. So far, he has signed up a dozen or so teams in the NFL to offer the device to fans.
The Green Bay Packers considered offering the device to fans this season, but there were some logistical challenges, including the issue of how the signal gets transmitted inside Lambeau Field, said team spokesman Aaron Popkey.
"We determined it was not possible for this year," he said.
The Packers will re-evaluate the system in the future, he said.
At the same time, the Packers are reviewing all sorts of other fan enhancements. Already the team's mobile website has some new features that fans can tap into while sitting in the stadium.
"We've added more links to our mobile website," Popkey said.
In a bigger way, the Packers also are studying ways to expand Lambeau Field, which would also include a larger scoreboard on the south side of the stadium.