The Penguins have teamed up with the Pittsburgh Technology Council in a call for people to "submit ideas for software, hardware, data analysis techniques or other products that can give them a technological edge" over other NHL teams, according to Deborah Todd of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. The initiative asked for "brief videos or essays explaining the ideas and how they can benefit” the team. Penguins Senior Dir of Tech Erik Watts said that while the team is "open to suggestions,” they want “ideas that relate to fan amenities and immersion, keepsakes, games, increased interaction, social media engagement, big data analysis, automation and other areas.” Watts “wasn’t sure how many submissions the team received.” But he said that “last time they issued a similar call in 2008 they received ‘hundreds.’” Todd reports once team officials decide which suggestions are the best, those selected "will present pitches in person.” They will have a “shot at anything from beta testing to a strategic partnership or even outright work for hire.” Watts in an e-mail wrote the Penguins “embrace that technology advances are rapid, and our fans have an expectation that we advance along with them." Watts: "As new devices and services come out we want to be able to continue to offer experiences that our patrons have already included in their daily lives while in our arena” (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 7/10).
