A new skycam made its debut on Friday at Verizon Center, the "first such camera permanently installed at an NHL and NBA building,” but “now it appears the expensive device may not be so permanent,” according to Chris Gordon of independent blog RUSSIAN MACHINE NEVER BREAKS. The camera “received a deluge of criticism from fans” during the Caps' preseason game against the Bruins. A CSN Washington spokesperson said that the camera would "not be in place” for last night's game against the Islanders. CSN Washington Dir of Communications Brian Potter in an email wrote, “The product was being tested. ... It hasn’t yet been determined if it will be used further. Many factors will be considered, including feedback from fans.” Gordon noted the camera “was a joint effort” by CSN Washington, and Monumental Sports & Entertainment. The camera was “hyped as a major innovation in television coverage and was slated to be used for all Capitals and Wizards games.” Once it was operational, however, it “became a major annoyance for many fans in the upper bowl, with the camera often partially blocking game action.” It was also “irritating to some who watched on television, including one Caps player, who complained the angles were awkward and difficult to follow” (RUSSIANMACHINENEVERBREAKS.com, 10/3).
