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Padres keeping closer eyes on crowd

Posted at 5:51 AM, Apr 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-21 12:59:20-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The next time Padres fans head to Petco Park to watch a game, the Padres may be watching them.

It's part of a new program that could someday lead to big bucks for the team, and perhaps ultimately savings for fans. 

The team just contracted with Skyview Networks, which installed six cameras around the ballpark. Most will be aimed at the electronic boards that cycle through ads, while another will be on the main video board, and a final one in the Park at the Park. The system will record the ads as they play, and also capture some fan reaction, or lack thereof.

"Skyview's innovative SkyCap technology will allow us to offer more robust recaps and reports of the exceptional in-game entertainment features at Petco Park," Sergio Del Prado, the Padres vice president, corporate partnerships, said in a statement.

Javier Bravo, about to attend his first Padre game, said he's open to the idea.

"It's weird, but here in the United States," he said, "even in the bus you have the signal 'smile, you're on camera.'"

Petco Park is the first venue to utilize the SkyCap technology.

A spokeswoman for Skyview Networks says there are now talks going on with other teams, but declined to specify. She also declined to disclose terms of the deal with the Padres.