MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

'Caps Add Wireless Net, Turbo Tap

Published on April 6, 2007 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps have made improvements to Fifth Third Ballpark for the 2007 season that will make the fans' trip to a Whitecaps game more accommodating. The two new additions are wireless internet that is installed throughout the ballpark, along with Turbo Tap, a new tap beer pouring system that will speed up beer lines.

The final piece of equipment for the wireless internet was installed on April 5th and will be ready for fans on Opening Day on Monday, April 9th. Fans will now be able to catch other sports scores while they take in a Whitecaps game. Business people can also come to an afternoon game and still do work by accessing their e-mail account. The Whitecaps partnered with local company ISG, based in Holland, and Cisco to make Fifth Third Ballpark a wireless venue.

"We have always strived to improve Fifth Third Ballpark and stay on top of technological advances," said Lew Chamberlin, Whitecaps CEO and Managing Partner. "This is a great addition to provide the fans a service that has not been available before."

"We are honored to be chosen as the technological provider for the Whitecaps," said Dan Horne, ISG Owner and President. "This amenity in a city of this size is something you don't normally see, so it shows how forward-thinking this community is. Moving forward, I think this is a great platform that leads to additional services for fans."

Fans will also see quicker beer lines thanks to the installation of Turbo Tap, a tap beer pouring system that utilizes state-of-the-art fluid technology to pour quicker and reduce foaming. Turbo Tap has revamped the entire beer system at Fifth Third Ballpark to give fans the best tasting, coldest and fastest pouring tap beer available. The new system has been installed in all concession stands, BBQ areas, beer portables and bars in the ballpark.

Turbo Tap was named "Most Amazing Invention of 2005" by TIME Magazine and posted the following in an article: "Turbo Tap pours beer from the bottom of the cup to the top, leaving just the right amount of foam. Beer can be poured up to four times faster than a conventional tap, thus speeding up lines. It also improves the taste of beer because it properly releases CO2 during the pouring process."

Fifth Third Ballpark is the first and only place in West Michigan to have installed Turbo Tap with the closest present location being The Palace of Auburn Hills.

"This will be the best served and tasting beer available anywhere, all while reducing the wait in line for fans," said Matt Timon, Director of Food & Beverage. "Another great thing is all of this will be available to the fans at the same price as last year."

For more information on the technical aspects of how Turbo Tap works, go to www.turbotap.com/products.

Along with Turbo Tap, the Whitecaps have installed new low-temperature walk-in beer holding coolers at each end of the venue. All concession stands are being converted to nitrogen- and carbon dioxide-powered beer drawing systems that will eliminate any air in the system that would cause flat beer. The Whitecaps have also switched to use smooth-sided, clear, plastic cups for reduced foaming and improved taste quality.

OPENING DAY: All of these improvements will be available to fans on the Whitecaps home opener on Monday, April 9th at 6:35 p.m. against the Lansing Lugnuts. Please call the Whitecaps Box Office for tickets at 616-784-4131 or order tickets online at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

Check out the West Michigan Whitecaps Statistics

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Midwest League Stories from April 6, 2007


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