Coming to a football stadium near you...the first down line!

It would be pretty cool if you could actually see a laser beam line where the first down line is when you are at the game. Interesting that Pat Summerall would be involved.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Fans watching NFL games on television have grown accustomed to the imaginary yellow line that runs across the field in accord with the first-down marker. </SPAN></SPAN>
That first-down line could become part of the in-game experience at all 32 NFL stadiums. </SPAN></SPAN>
Alan Amron, with financial backing from former NFL player and broadcaster Pat Summerall, has developed the First Down Laser System. Amron says the system projects a first-down line across the field that can be seen in the stadium and on TV. </SPAN></SPAN>
Amron, an entrepreneur and concept promoter, first met with the NFL in 2003 and again in 2009. There may be future meetings soon. </SPAN></SPAN>
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says, “We have not been convinced that it would work for us, but we are open to further discussion after the season.” </SPAN></SPAN>

There still is no reason why they cannot somehow put a chip or sensor of some sort in the ball to know when a player gets a 1st down or not.

That would eliminate the horrible job some refs do of spotting the ball.

A laser from the ball to the first down marker.