Sports fans will go a long way to show support for their favorite teams. The NSW VB Blues, part of the NSWRL (New South Wales Rugby League), express their fandom with blue wigs. That’s right, the fan group known as The Star Blatchys Blues has its members don the iconic blue wigs during every game.
Since the group’s inception in 1999, they’ve worn the wigs — but now they’re getting a makeover. Powered by The Star Sydney, official home of the Blues, the Blatchys have a new SMARTWiG.
The wig will put fans in sync with each other more than ever before. The SMARTWiG features an LED antenna as well as built-in headphones connecting Blatchys Blues to customized programming. Fans will be able to listen to pre-game commentary as well as a live call of the game. Before the game, Blues legends Nathan Hindmarsh and Bryan Fletcher will bring fans exclusive content straight to their wigs — including hearing from head coach Laurie Daley.
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More importantly, the SMARTWiG will make the Blatchys Blues one of the most in-sync fan bases in the world. Connected through the wig, the group will now be able to chant and cheer as one — furthering the Blues’ home field advantage.
The LED antenna is the cherry on top as it ensures that even when the stadium goes dark, it will still be lit up by the glowing blue SMARTWiG.
“We’re excited to launch an innovative update to the famous Blatchys blue wig and bring new light to ANZ Stadium as we take our partnership to a whole new level in support of the NSW Blues,” Melinda Madigan, GM of Marketing & Entertainment for The Star Sydney, said in a statement.
The SMARTWiG will be exclusively available to the first 12,000 Star Blatchys ticket holders at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on June 21 for State of Origin game two.