LightJockey Hits Home Run at New Phillies Stadium

After 30 years of playing professional baseball at Veterans Stadium, the Philadelphia Phillies began a new chapter in their history recently with the opening of Citizens Bank Park. The American baseball franchise christened the new stadium on April 12th and an integral part of the game festivities is a home run celebration controlled using a Martin PC-based LightJockey.

When one of the Phillies players hits a homerun, a gigantic Liberty Bell (50´ high and 35´ wide) located in left-center field comes to life. The Bell and clapper swing side-to-side independently while its neon edges light up and pulsate. The Bell´s ring is heard throughout Citizens Bank Park.

LightJockey is used to run the effect along with LED and neon lighting. Some 300 channels are used including a relay that heats the hydraulic fluid for the Bell. The effect is triggered at other key moments as well such as at the end of an inning; after a strike out; and during the seventh inning stretch.

Capital Manufacturing was contracted out to develop the new home run celebration and contacted Entertainment Services Group, Inc (ESG) of Allentown, Pennsylvania to provide the effect.

Citizens Bank isn´t the only Major League Baseball ballpark to incorporate LightJockey control. Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati uses LightJockey to control its home run celebration, which includes a special Jem Roadie smoke effect.