NEW YORK – The Mets are creating a vibrant atmosphere at Citi Field, even before their players step onto the diamond.
Recently, approximately 70 personnel from the team’s front office dedicated over five hours to meticulously install 3,500 LED light strips along the railings in anticipation of New York’s inaugural home postseason game.
As the games progress into the late innings and darkness envelops the stadium, the Mets lower the lights and activate the ribbon boards in a flickering blue display. The rail lights then shine in the team’s signature colors of royal blue and orange, transitioning to red, white, and blue during the “God Bless America” segment.
“This creates an exciting experience for the fans,” commented Mets outfielder Harrison Bader. “This is all about entertainment, and I’m sure the audience appreciates it, which is really important.”
Light-based effects during games have surged in popularity over the last ten years. The Yankees began using blinking lights atop their stadium in 2016 to energize the crowd during home runs. Even iconic venues such as Fenway Park and Wrigley Field have been enhanced to accommodate captivating light displays.
Following the 2023 season, Musco Sports Lighting upgraded Citi Field by replacing halogen lamps that had been in place since the ballpark’s opening in 2009 with modern LED lights. This upgrade enabled the Mets to create captivating entrances for their closer, Edwin Díaz, which fans eagerly began sharing on social media.
“I was exploring TikTok because it’s a popular search platform nowadays,” mentioned Trisha Donlin, the Mets’ vice president of brand marketing. “I found numerous videos showcasing our various light sequences, whether it was during a pitching change, Díaz’s entrance, or home runs. These are pivotal moments that trigger impressive lighting effects, so it was clear this was a focal point to enhance.”
After the Mets secured their Wild Card Series victory against the Brewers, ensuring home postseason games, the team reached out to PixMob, a Montreal-based company established in 2006. Notably, PixMob gained recognition for distributing LED-lit ski caps during Bruno Mars’ halftime performance at MetLife Stadium during the 2014 Super Bowl. The company has since partnered with various NFL, NBA, and NHL teams as well as prominent artists like Coldplay and Bad Bunny, supplying light-up wristbands for their audiences.
On October 4, PixMob conducted a thorough inspection of Citi Field. Technicians installed 32 infrared signal transmitters in the upper deck, while Mets staff attached the Nova Mini LED strips with zip ties on October 7, just a day before New York faced Philadelphia in Game 3 of the Division Series.
“We have the capability to create effects, such as a light chase around the stadium,” noted PixMob account manager Phil Belanger-Bishinga. “We do all programming from our warehouse in Montreal, and our on-site light operator can prompt these effects using his control board.”
Brendan McKeon, the Mets’ executive director of in-game operations, manages the ribbon boards and LED displays while Jon Barron, the manager of in-game operations, coordinates with the PixMob team to synchronize the timing and colors.
National League Division Series home games began shortly after 5 p.m., leading to some natural lighting, but the full effect of the light displays will be more prominent during the night games of the National League Championship Series, with the strips combined with fans’ cellphone lights generating a mesmerizing ambiance.
PixMob has also provided LED wristbands for major events including the 2019 World Series, the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and this year’s opener between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego in Seoul, as well as the All-Star Home Run Derby in Texas. These initiatives have been spearheaded by Caylor Escalante, MLB’s senior manager of global event experience and game presentation.
“Constantly, we are on the lookout for new creative ways to enhance the fan experience at the ballpark,” stated Brian O’Gara, MLB’s vice president of global events and game presentation. “This method allows fans to have interactive experiences, as the lights can be tailored to match game situations, home runs, essential plays, or when the closer comes in.”