Electric Atmosphere: How the Mets Are Revolutionizing the Fan Experience
As the sun sets over Citi Field, a dazzling display of lights transforms the stadium into an electrifying atmosphere, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of baseball. The Mets’ innovative approach to in-game entertainment has fans on the edge of their seats, and it’s all thanks to a team effort that’s been months in the making.
A Sea of Color
On a crisp autumn morning, 70 front office staffers converged on the ballpark, armed with 3,500 strips of LED lights to adorn every railing. The result is a mesmerizing spectacle that illuminates the stadium in royal blue, orange, and red, white, and blue hues. As the games reach their climax, the lights dim, and the ribbon boards flicker to life, bathing the crowd in an ocean of color.
A Decade of Innovation
In-game light effects have been gaining momentum over the past decade, with the Yankees pioneering the trend in 2016. Even historic venues like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field have upgraded their lighting systems to create breathtaking displays. The Mets, however, have taken it to the next level.
The Birth of a New Tradition
After replacing Citi Field’s halogen lamps with LEDs last season, the Mets were able to create dramatic entrances for closer Edwin Díaz. Fans went wild, sharing clips on social media, and the team took notice. “I looked at TikTok, and all the videos were of our light sequences,” said Trisha Donlin, the Mets’ vice president of brand marketing. “I knew we had to double down on this.”
A Collaborative Effort
When the Mets secured their wild-card series win, they partnered with PixMob, a Montreal-based company renowned for its innovative lighting solutions. Together, they brought Citi Field to life with a dazzling display of lights that synchronizes with the action on the field.
The Art of Synchronization
PixMob’s account manager, Phil Belanger-Bishinga, explains that the system allows for a range of effects, from chases around the stadium to synchronized lighting patterns. The Mets’ executive director of in-game operations, Brendan McKeon, operates the ribbon boards and LEDs, working in tandem with the PixMob team to create an immersive experience.
A Sparkling Effect
As the NLCS night games get underway, the LED strips and fans’ cell phone lights combine to create a sparkling effect that electrifies the crowd. It’s a testament to the power of innovative thinking and collaboration, and the Mets are just getting started.
A New Era of Fan Engagement
MLB’s vice president of global events and game presentation, Brian O’Gara, believes that this technology has the potential to revolutionize the fan experience. “We’re always looking for new ways to enhance ballpark entertainment,” he said. “This is a seamless way to add another effect that fans can be very involved in.” As the Mets continue to push the boundaries of in-game entertainment, one thing is clear: the future of baseball has never looked brighter.
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