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Verizon Center’s SkyCam is Dead For Now

By Ian Oland

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October 30, 2015 2:29 pm

caps-skycam

The Washington Capitals have announced that Verizon Center will discontinue its use of SkyCam for the time being.

“The Washington Capitals have decided to discontinue the testing of SkyCam as it currently is configured,” Ted Leonsis said on his blog. “The team, however, is open to additional testing that is more conducive to Verizon Center fans.”

From Ted’s Take:

The Washington Capitals have decided to discontinue the testing of SkyCam as it currently is configured. The team, however, is open to additional testing that is more conducive to Verizon Center fans.

The Washington Wizards will permit additional testing since SkyCam has been used for only one preseason game. At this time, specific testing dates have not been confirmed.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment is appreciative of NBC and CSN in their efforts to improve the at-home viewing experience and to bring unique camera angles to the in-arena video board. We will continue to work with our television partners as well as the NHL and NBA in an effort to enhance the value of their coverage to hockey and basketball fans around the world.

The Caps introduced SkyCam as a temporary experiment for more dynamic camera angles. Used first in the preseason, the device is a suspended camera that provides a top-down, mobile view of play.

On Wednesday’s telecast, NBC’s Mike Emrick credited Ted Leonsis for championing the SkyCam experiment. “Ted Leonsis always looking for ways to innovate,” Emrick said. “He’s one of the owners that permitted us to use SkyCam at games.”

Some fans protested the SkyCam for its obstruction to the 400 level and the sometimes nauseating footage it provides. Sam “The Horn Guy” Wolk began a petition this morning. Obviously, it was super effective.

No word so far if other teams and arenas will also discontinue their use of SkyCam.