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FSU Partnering with XYCAST for New Stadium Device

FSU text logo 2014
Posted at 5:30 PM, Sep 04, 2014
and last updated 2017-05-30 14:03:17-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- The countdown is on for the FSU home opener, and one company is hoping they can make the experience even more exciting - with a pilot program for a new device that could change the way you watch the big game.

It never fails... the second you leave your seat, the play of game happens. But new a new device is letting your take the field with you and making sure you never miss a moment of the action.

FSU fans, say hello to your new teammate.

"This is a guaranteed way for fans get information in and around the stadium,” said Bruce Cox, CEO of XYCAST.

XYCAST is a Bluetooth device that can change the way you see a live football game.

Just turn the unit on once you’re near the stadium, and everything you need to know comes right to your phone.

This year, FSU fans are among the first to get to try it out.

"Really been looking for the most progressive schools that have been looking to try to enhance their game day experience, try out new things, try out new technologies, and Florida State has really been looking at that,” said Cox.

Miss a big play or just want to watch that touch down again? No worries. XYCAST sends all the highlights and scores right to you.

"Really make that game day experience something special, and already a special and we're just trying to use the phones that are coming into the stadium in ways that are going to benefit everybody," said Cox.

But what makes XYCAST different isn’t necessarily what it does, how it does it.

Wi-Fi and cellular networks can get bogged down the second you enter a large venue. So by using the small device and a Bluetooth connection, you bypass the network all together, letting you get game info in just seconds.

"Right now that will be a very difficult thing for existing networks to pull off because each one of those highlights has to be pulled individually and re-created tens of thousands of times where as with our broadcasts it's actually sent one time," said Cox.

XYCAST works within a mile radius of stadium, and the videos will stay on your phone even after the last touchdown. So if you want to relive the glory all over again, it’s right there at the touch of a button.

"You can see those replays as many times as you like to without having to stream down off the Internet, that's one of the big benefits of the technology," said Cox. 

As part of the pilot program, right now only a select group of fans will be picked to try out XYCAST at each FSU home game.

Officials hope to have it up and running for everyone to use by next season.