Capitals fans at Verizon Center Monday night "weren’t happy about the new white protective netting behind the goals," and the team yesterday announced the "old black netting would return" for Friday's game against the Sabres, according to Stephen Whyno of the WASHINGTON TIMES. There was a "long list of season-ticket holders who were unhappy about the netting." Some "complained of headaches and eyesight problems, while others decried not being able to see certain parts of the ice or the scoreboard." Capitals Owner Ted Leonsis on his blog wrote, "It clearly isn’t what we had anticipated. It hinders the fan experience and it is not an asset to our local rights holder, Comcast SportsNet. We were attempting to improve the arena and television viewing experience, but we fell short of that mark." CSN Mid-Atlantic "acknowledged Tuesday it was not an upgrade." CSN Mid-Atlantic Senior Dir of Communications Brian Potter said in an e-mail, "After seeing the white netting in place at Verizon Center, the network feels that it obstructs with end-zone camera positions more than the previous material" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 9/28). Leonisis on his blog wrote, "We will take a closer look at it ASAP. The plan was to improve the fan and TV experience. If we aren't able to accomplish that goal, then we will return to the netting we used previously" (TEDSTAKE.com, 9/27).
