Pittsburgh Sports go High-Tech

Posted on October 30th, 2008. Written by Emmett Jones.

As a Pittsburgher for the last 24 some odd years, its always interesting/impressive to see the city on anything that could be considered cutting edge.  Who would expect the blue collar ‘Steel City’ (although we hardly produce that much steel anymore) to bring its sports fans anything that is on the cusp of technology?

I certainly didn’t.  But, I’ve been wrong before.  So, what are they doing?  The Pittsburgh Tribune Review has the answer,

Pittsburgh sports fans who get bored during commercial timeouts and other stoppages in play are getting high-tech options at Heinz Field and Mellon Arena to keep themselves entertained.

Songwhale debuted without fanfare this season at Steelers games as a short-range, digital content service that allows ticket-holders to watch player interviews, music and videos, download ringtones and wallpapers and even get electronic gift cards and concession stand coupons.

The Penguins, meanwhile, are testing a similar but more live action-oriented service for Mellon Arena. [Called the Yinzcam --Ed.]

Anyone who has a phone with Wi-Fi network access at a game will be able to watch replays from a few minutes ago or from a prior game. They can check live scores from National Hockey League games and even choose camera angles, to focus on one section of the ice or on certain players.

There’s more: Yinzcam is designed to allow ticket-holders to view the nearest concession stand or restroom line from their seats, so they can better time their trips.

Both services work through software applications downloaded to a phone or other device that link to limited-range, wireless networks. Tailgaters in the parking lots just outside Heinz Field, as well as fans in their seats, can access Songwhale, Morse said.

According to the article, Songwhale has been well received at Steelers games, and I’m sure that Yinzcam will be fairly well received as well (checking out the line at the bathroom before you go to the bathroom?  Genius!).  Again, I certainly wouldn’t expect the blue collar Pittsburgh sports fans to be the test market for cutting edge technology (The fans in Seattle seemed more suited for this sort of thing), but I’m glad to see that there are more progressive thinkers in my hometown than I originally thought.

Tribune Review — Tech toys bring game to game-goers (via Z’s Newsbits)

Sports Business Digest — Seattle Mariners & Nintendo go “High-Tech” for fans

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