Miss that moment when the Humongotron flashed images of you doing the Worm after a LeBron James slam dunk?
How about your epic marriage proposal during the seventh-inning stretch?
And what about that regrettable shirtless celebration late in the game?
Those memories used to be just that as the chances of getting your phone out in time to snap a picture of the, well, picture of you on the scoreboard were slim to none.
Now there’s a relatively new free app available called 15 Seconds of Fame that will not only alert you when your mug appears on the giant scoreboards at Progressive Field and Quicken Loans Arena but also when you appear on the local televised broadcasts from the Indians.
Brett Joshpe, CEO of the New York City-based company, said the tech firm monitors the TV and video feeds from local broadcasts from both arenas and elsewhere around the sports world, runs facial recognition software and then sends a video clip and a couple of still images to those who have downloaded the app and have their face on file.
Instead of fishing for a phone, Joshpe said, those lucky enough to have their antics captured on the big screen at the game or on local TV can now just bask in his or her 15 seconds of fame.
“If you were lucky enough to get off a picture,” he said, “it was usually just a blurry quick shot with a phone blocking your face.”
The technology, which utilizes a bunch of complicated algorithms and computer programs, was tried out and perfected at the University of Michigan a couple of years ago and then trotted out first at the Phoenix Suns.
It is now available at most stadiums and arenas for teams in the five major sports, including the Cavs and Indians.
“We’ve had a few conversations with the Browns and, given the incredible response from fans at Quicken Loans Arena and Progressive Field, we hope to deliver videoboard moments at FirstEnergy Stadium starting this fall,” Joshpe said.
The Cavs started using it during last year’s playoff run, and it is available for fans to use again at this year’s watch parties and Finals home games. The app will not capture TV moments from the Finals as those are nationally televised games.
Once you download the app and take a quick selfie of your face, Joshpe said, all you have to do is check in at the ballpark or arena with the app or have your geolocation turned on.
The app will then note your location and begin scanning video feeds from the game for your face.
“There is a ‘wow’ factor when you see it work,” he said.
The app is free, Joshpe said, and is financially supported by ads that appear when users check out pictures or play with the program.
“Our partnership with 15 Seconds of Fame has taken the fan experience to the next level,” said Cavaliers Vice President of Digital Mike Conley. “Instead of just a fleeting moment, an appearance on the Humongotron is turned into a memento that our fans can instantly share with friends and keep.”
The Cleveland Indians fully rolled out the technology earlier this season. Spokesman Curtis Danburg said this helps solve an age-old dilemma for the ballclub.
“For years we have gotten calls from folks almost daily who say they were on the scoreboard asking for a picture,” he said. “This technology allows for that to happen. This is phenomenal technology to enhance our fan experience.”
Joshpe said fans can even download the app to their phones after the fact and the program will still scan a previous sporting event when prompted to look for that scoreboard or broadcast moment.
“We capture moments every day that could easily go viral,” he said. “We get a lot of funny dance clips and families who bring their kids to the game.”
When the Jump Around Cam makes @loney_kyle famous! RT if you're going to #DefendtheLand at the @cavs Watch Party tonight! #15SOF #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/2L9SxL9lB1
— 15 Seconds of Fame (@15SOF) June 4, 2017
Craig Webb, who once missed a Cleveland Indians scoreboard moment in the early 1990s noting his wedding anniversary, can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3547.