New vision for Birds' fans

THINK YOU HAVE everything you need to head to the Linc for Sunday's Eagles vs. Packers game? Think again.

FanVision, a hand-held device that promises to ratchet up the experience of even the most prepared fan, makes its debut Sunday at the Linc.

The device allows fans to watch replays not shown by the network or in-stadium video boards. Lets them obtain real-time stats and scores from around the league. Allows them to key in the names of their fantasy players and get up-to-the-minute updates. Gives them access to NFL Redzone, and, perhaps best of all, lets them listen to the WYSP (94.1 FM) broadcast featuring the talented tandem of Merrill Reese and Mike Quick. If that isn't enough, fans who hang around to tailgate after the game can watch Andy Reid's postgame news conference on the device.

Among the honchos behind FanVision are Dophins owner Stephen Ross, former Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson, and sports producer Michael Weisman.

"They had this device at the Super Bowl last year," Don Smolenski, the Eagles chief operating officer, said yesterday. "It was in the suite and that's how [Eagles president] Joe [Banner] and I were exposed to it. We used it, and also gave it to our kids.

"The kids thought it was so cool. And that's what piqued our interest that it would be [great] technology for our fans back in Philadelphia."

The device is only operational in-and-around the stadium. It costs $199, but the company has waived the $5 per game fee for this season.

That, noted Smolenski, comes to a little less than $20 a home game, including two in the preseason. Add in possible playoff games, and . . .

"It's at a price that's affordable and offers unique content that you can't otherwise experience," Smolenski said.

You can get yours at the Eagles Pro Shop or online at FanVision.com.

- Tom Mahon

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