Eagles Invest $1 Million In Technology Upgrades

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Eagles President Don Smolenski sat down with a group of reporters Thursday afternoon to talk about the upcoming training camp.

Some takeaways:

— The Eagles seem pleasantly surprised by the amount of tickets that have been reserved for the five training camp practices at Lincoln Financial Field. According to Smolenski, more than 200,000 tickets are already claimed — 49,000 for July 28th’s session alone. The Eagles averaged about 6,000 fans per day at Lehigh, he said, giving them an overall attendance of roughly 100,000 for each training camp.

“In these five days, it amazing that we have more than doubled that in terms of tickets that have been reserved,” said Smolenski. “It’s been pretty cool to see.”

— Smolenski discussed some of the equipment and technology upgrades at the facility since Chip Kelly took the reins. The team has new weight equipment, more cameras and video technology, and even added another lift to film practice. Further, there are now smart TVs throughout the complex that display the players’ daily schedule, etc. The Eagles have signed on with a company called Catapult Sports, which produces matchbook-size GPS devices packed with sensors that are worn on the uniform to measure things like agility, force and acceleration. In all, we were told that the technology upgrades cost the Eagles more than $1 million.

— An estimated 300-400 fans will be allowed at each of the NovaCare practices. “We have some corporate partner obligations, but also every day there will be no less or approximately 50 season ticket members who are here,” said Smolenski. “Our goal from the start of the practices here to the end of training camp is that fans representing every section will have been able to see a practice here.”

Those fans are selected at random. Walk-ups are not allowed at NovaCare but will be accepted at the Linc.

— We told you back in June about the $200,000 facelift the NovaCare practice fields underwent. They are now ready for action, and tents have been set up along the right side to house the fans during camp.

— The first practice at the Linc (Sunday, July 28) is Alumni Day. According to Sal Paolantonio, Donovan McNabb and Chuck Bednarik have committed to be in attendance.

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