The D'Backs Monday "will debut an interactive Web-based portal that allows fans at Chase Field to see video replays, food listings and real-time game information on Wi-Fi enabled smartphones or tablets," according to John Yantis of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. Wi-Fi "was installed in the off-season, and there are 278 access points throughout the stadium." The team "began beta-testing the Digital D-Backs Wi-Fi portal during its season-opening nine-game homestand," and the portal will be available during the July 12 MLB All-Star Game. D'Backs President & CEO Derrick Hall said that the "goal of the free service is to enhance the fan experience and rival what they can see on television." Yantis writes one of the "most popular features of the service is likely to be viewing video replays while watching the game." Because of league rules, the D'Backs "can't show questionable replays on its large video scoreboard." Hall noted that the Twins and Giants "have similar offerings" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 4/22).
WORKING OUT THE KINKS: In St. Paul, Julio Ojeda-Zapata notes the debut of Wi-Fi at Target Field during the Twins' home opener earlier this month was, "by many accounts, a disaster." Fans who "could access the Wi-Fi just before the game via their handheld devices were mostly cut off during the opener." Twins Exec Dir of Public Affairs Kevin Smith "acknowledged issues with the Wi-Fi network during that game but said 'it's settled down' since then 'and working quite well.'" Ojeda-Zapata notes a St. Paul Pioneer Press reporter "made heavy use of the Wi-Fi network during one recent game and did not have major problems getting online, except at one spot in the outfield bleachers that might be a Wi-Fi dead zone." The ballpark's Wi-Fi network "consists of more than 200 'access points' littered throughout the facility" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 4/22).
