Ex-Detroit Lions RB Joique Bell brings portable phone chargers to Ford Field
Ford Field visitors no longer have to worry about a dead phone battery or leaving their devices behind to charge — and they have a former Detroit Lion to thank for it.
Six new portable phone charging kiosks debuted at the stadium on Tuesday, June 10, replacing the older locker-style stations. Attendees can now rent chargers and carry them throughout the stadium during football games, concerts and other events.
The service is powered by the Detroit-based startup U Charge Up, co-founded by former Lions running back Joique Bell, alongside Daryl Graham, Larry Watson Jr. and Aaron Higginbottom.
"As a former Lion and lifelong Detroiter, it's rewarding to introduce a solution that enhances the fan experience at Ford Field,' Bell said. 'With our U Charge Up kiosks, fans can capture memories, stay connected and fully enjoy every moment without worrying about their battery life."
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Through the U Charge Up app — available on iOS and Android — users can find the nearest kiosk, rent a high-performance portable charger for $2.50 per half hour, and return it to any of the six kiosks when finished.
The service will be available during all Ford Field events.
The phone charger kiosks in Ford Field are located at Gates A, B, C, E and G, as well as on the third-floor suites level.
The company's technology is already in use at other Michigan locations, including the Hudson Café and Four Winds Casino. Since launching in November 2023, it has expanded to Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, California and Alabama.
"We want you to stay connected and stay in the moment," Bell told the Free Press. "We want you to be able to take videos of moments that you may not ever capture again. … Our batteries are small enough to where they can fit in your pocket."
U Charge Up says it focuses on sustainability by using eco-friendly, reusable chargers and a rental model that reduces electronic waste. The company also partners with local businesses to promote community engagement and energy-efficient charging solutions.
More information is available at uchargeup.com. The app can be found here for iOS and here for Android.
Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ex-Lions RB Joique Bell brings portable phone chargers to Ford Field
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