Palace Sports & Entertainment this month "launched a third version of its mobile app, which interacts" with mobile devices "throughout the arena," according to Frank Witsil of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. It is part of the more than $15M spent on arena technology in the past two years "to keep connected fans" happy. Pistons fan Ryan Rosario said of the wireless connectivity, "Most people expect it now. You get used to it. Wi-Fi is everywhere. ... People get upset when the connection is slow." PS&E President & CEO Dennis Mannion said that the Pistons' investment "isn't just about improving Internet connections at the arena." Fans who download the app "can get alerts about what's happening, upgrade to better seats -- and get merchandise and concession discounts." PS&E also has "installed about 50 half-dollar-sized devices, called beacons, throughout the arena that can communicate with the mobile phones via Bluetooth whenever they are close by." By tracking fans and their interests, the arena technology can "customize and extend the experience for fans, as well as create more sponsorship and advertising opportunities with other companies." To teach fans how to use the new app, the Palace has "hired 10 people it calls ambassadors who roam the arena during games" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/22). SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's John Lombardo in this week's issue looks at the NBA allowing int'l downloads of its teams' apps.
