One of many "innovative" features in the new home of
the Hawks and NHL Thrashers may be a "special arena smart
card," according to Jon Gallo of the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION.
The cards, to cost between $5 and $100, will allow holders
to make purchases by swiping the credit card through a
machine and having the total "deducted automatically."
Arena VP/Business Development Peter Crowley said there "has
been big interest in the smart card," but acknowledged the
plan is "tentative." Gallo writes the arena would join the
Kiel Center in offering the concept. Other "technological
advances" in Atlanta's new arena will be a four-sided video
board, video walls in the concourse and four matrix boards
listing upcoming events. Arena VP Mike Oshurst: "When our
arena is built, we will be at the forefront of technology"
(Jon Gallo, ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 8/24).
CHOICE IS YOURS: Barry Goldberg, GM of OK-based
Williams Cos. Inc., manufacturer of the ChoiceSeats seatback
technology, said fans "can expect to see" the device in
three or four more ballparks next seasons. Williams said
ChoiceSeats will be "spread much more broadly," as opposed
to only the expensive section of seats, and that the company
is "studying the possibilities" of expanding the technology
to basketball and hockey games (K.C. STAR, 8/23).
