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The Barclays Center is featuring new technology to keep fans at the arena connected to the game on the court.

A recent New York Times article highlights the technical innovation at the new home of the Brooklyn Nets. The Barclays Center features a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi network and new multicast video technology.

The arena's built-in technology can be experienced through the Barclay Center's new mobile app. The app was unveiled last month and includes three different high-definition video feeds. Features include instant replay and pause-and-rewind similar to the way a TV remote control works. The new technology, called StadiumVision Mobile, was developed by Cisco Systems.

"We have placed two big bets with our customers, with video and mobility at the intersection of sport," said Michael Caponigro, Cisco's leader of global solutions marketing for sports and entertainment. "We believe this is the new frontier of fan experience."

With the innovation has come a new debate about sports fans' dependence on mobile devices. Some are concerned that fans are more concerned with engaging the content on their phone rather than the live action on the court.

"It does begin to chip away at the collective nature of fandom," said professor John Nauright of George Mason University.

But arena executives say they want to reproduce the multi-screen experience that many fans have adopted in their homes. Additionally, the goal is to enable fans to stay continuously connected to the game via video monitors when they are sitting in skyboxes, walking the concourses or standing in line at concession booths.

The Barclays Center opened in September. The NHL New York Islanders will move to the multi-use arena for the 2015 - 2016 season.

 

Follow Matt Hughes on Twitter: @hughesmatt