Free Wireless At The Ballpark (Vancouver)

CBC News today (4th of July) has a really interesting story concerning a new strategy by Vancouver's Nat Bailey Stadium (Vancouver Canadians) to increase attendance. They're offering free Wi-Fi for daytime ball games to lure office workers to the stadium. I think this might even get DaveR out to a game -- just kidding DaveR -- I'm just targeting you because you actually live close enough to attend, and I unfortunately don't! :(

Baseball fans can now stay in touch with their offices while watching Vancouver Canadians home games at the venerable Nat Bailey Stadium.

The single-A team has established a wireless network at the ballpark, says spokesman Roger Kingkade. "Anyone with a laptop can now connect to our wireless network and surf the internet for free during Canadians games. We're trying to get people out of the office on sunny days like this, and say 'Hey, you know, take in a ball game. You can still get those e-mails if you need them.' "

Kingkade also says using a computer to stay in touch with the office has certain advantages over a cellphone. "It's really hard to say, 'I'm in a meeting,' and then the crack of the bat goes off in the background. That could get you fired. This way no one needs to know where you are." He says he doesn't know of any other professional baseball teams offering Wi-Fi, including the Canadians' parent club, the Oakland As.