Penguins Seek Innovative Technologies To "Future-Proof" Arena

Pittsburgh Technology Council Assisting Penguins In Efforts To "Future Proof" New Arena

The Penguins for their new arena have called on the Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC) and its 1,400 member companies to find the "most innovative technologies, services and materials to incorporate into the arena's development and to 'future-proof' the building so that it always stays a step ahead," according to Mark Belko of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. The Penguins and the PTC last month launched the initiative with a webcast in which the team "discussed the types of innovations it was looking for." More than 400 companies viewed the presentation, and "about 70 submitted 200-word descriptions detailing ways their company could provide the kind of technology the team wanted." Penguins officials in the next two weeks will interview reps from each company and "determine which, if any, of the innovations they would like to pursue." The Penguins hope to explore a "variety of innovations as part of the initiative, starting with text messaging, which already is a key component of the team's marketing efforts." The team has "some 20,000 text message subscribers" who receive information, special offers and updates on ticket availability. Penguins VP/Sales & Marketing Dave Soltesz said that the program has "proven to be a 'very, very powerful way to communicate' with younger fans, with results far better than direct mail campaigns." The team also hopes to integrate video technology throughout the arena, including the "potential use of on-demand televised replays and touch-screen food menus in luxury suites." Other possible ideas include interactive seat finders and maps in the arena, as well as the potential for video gaming by "creating stations throughout the building and in suites" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 5/13).