T-Mobile’s New Pitch: Renting Android Tablets at Baseball Games

Since July, wireless carrier T-Mobile has been offering $10 rentals of the G-Slate and Galaxy Tab at Los Angeles Angels home games, complete with a tablet-optimized version of the game program. In addition to the program, tablet renters can get free magazine content from Zinio and, in the case of the G-Slate, free access to T-Mobile TV. It’s clear that visitors are already using their smartphones and tablets at ball games. Indeed, some companies are starting to target apps specifically at those attending games. The Portland Timbers soccer team, for example, has partnered with app developer Meridian on an in-stadium Android and iPhone guide that offers details on everything from finding seats to looking up the lyrics to team chants. Meridian plans to announce a deal to create apps for the Jacksonville Jaguars’s EverBank Field.

Several other stadiums have partnerships allowing patrons to order food or get other information from their smartphones. Meanwhile, Safeco Field in Seattle has offered Nintendo DS system rentals, ideally to try out the Nintendo Fan Network, but also perhaps giving fans an alternative to watching the Mariners lose.