Lab rats

We're not really sure exactly how the newly born ESPN Innovation lab is going to function (envision the sporting version of scientists at work on fossils behind plexiglass walls at museums). But given their commitment to info-graphics and other color analysis in a "virtual environment" this bears watching. Details are scant (ESPN will not provide the cost nor size of the lab, and we only know it employs five people as of now) but we'll continue to keep an eye on any developments.

More on the roof at Wimbledon

Follow up to the post from last week: here is some audio from NPR about the 'grand' opening event.

Here come the Roofs

Yes, that's roofs, plural. The French Tennis Federation determined the architect for roof over Phillipe Chatrier, aka Centre Court. The roof will be in place by 2011.

Wimbledon, as you know, has their sparkling invention in place and it will be unveiled this weekend officially with a charity match. BBC has video here and here. While I'm still skeptical it will move the tournament along at the pace they want, the key (obviously) is the the gem matches will not be delayed and won't disrupt television schedules, etc.

This leaves the U.S Open as the only Grand Slam event without a lid on it. Given the loud, rowdy crowds at the Open and it's assorted ubiquitous qualities (night play, flight patterns into LaGuardia airport, etc.) I'm quite fine with that. Let it be.

Stadium Lament

It's hard to make any salient points in 300 words or less regarding stadium design (lord knows we've tried and occasionally crashed miserably). Mark Lamster takes the new NYC stadiums to task, among others, in the latest issue of I.D. Magazine. His point well-meaning and in an ideal world (hell, even in a reasonable one) his points about inspiring stadiums that actually function as great public spaces would be applauded and put into action.

Sadly, I don't agree that stadiums serve the role they once did. The grand palaces and functional mudholes that served both as 'escape vehicles' from blue collar life and as a nexus of social activity have now moved in a different direction. They are all about "experience", and often that experience involves isolating one from their fellow fans. This occurs primarily through the use of skyboxes that destroy seating bowls, but also involve everything from the distracting (Jumbotrons full of data) to the inane (Bank One Ballpark's swimming pool in the outfield). The 'stadiums mimic society' argument isn't a new one and I'm not going to fly that proverbial flag in depth here, but there is some truth in it.

Lamster loses me again with the line "baseball fans don’t really care much about design or styling, retro or otherwise. They demand only one thing—a good ballgame" is disproved about two blocks from my house every day, where thousands of Bleacher-goers stream through the outfield at Wrigley field and really don't give a damn what the outcome of the game is, so long as there is some sunshine and beer, and the seeminly requisite three hours of post-game drinking in the streets of Wrigleyville.

I'm of the opinion that the larger struggle stadium designers face is to strike a balance between the demands for wider seats, aisles and concourses dotted with shopping and 'info-tainment' experiences, while still somehow keeping the fans close to the field of play, rather than stashing them behind glass boxes or putting them in a third deck that requires oxygen to reach. The days of going to the ballpark "just to watch the game" are dwindling fast.

Some Upgrades Ought To Come Standard

The ISC has partnered with a firm called the ISS (confused yet?) to implement a texting service for all fans at ISC tracks. Spectators will now be able to communicate directly with the racing operations center. This is a huge win for any fans who find themselves in a situation of distress, or worse. More here.

The NFL Draft and Social Media

Here's a nice article on cnet. Regarding the live Draft App however, we have to respectfully call 'BS' on the lack of an iPhone deployment. Sprint is tight with the league and therefore gets the jump on all other mobile providers, so just call it what it is fellas.

Closet sports analysts, take heart.

You've got a new tool at your disposal for editing / splicing / mashing up your favorite web videos, and adding telestrator-like commentary. It's here courtesy of Markup Video. Extra points for using the 'pee wee football' clips as a product demo.