Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez hopes to knock the lights out in Monday’s MLB All-Star Game Home Run Derby. On Sunday, he showed up in the lights, as part of a drone light show near the Space Needle.
An image of the center fielder striking his signature “no-fly zone” pose with his arms crossed was one of many baseball-themed displays created in the night sky at Seattle Center by 600 lighted drones.
According to the Center, the drones flew about 400 feet above ground, set to a soundtrack of baseball classics and summertime music as fans watched from the International Fountain Lawn.
Assorted posts on Twitter showed images and video of designs including the Mariners logo, the Pike Place Market sign, the Seattle skyline with Mount Rainier, outlines of iconic M’s players Ken Griffey Jr., and Ichiro Suzuki, and more.
The Mariners first hosted a drone light show at T-Mobile Park last summer as part of a preview celebration to mark this week’s All-Star Game week of festivities. That show, and Sunday night’s, were handled by Sky Elements, a Fort Worth, Texas-based company that has put on shows at other Major League ballparks and assorted events around the country.
GeekWire spoke with Sky Elements head Rick Boss last year about what types of drones are used, how the show is designed, and what makes it all a unique alternative to fireworks.
A Space Needle rep said Sky Elements will be back to stage another show on New Year’s Eve.
Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game festivities continue Monday with the T-Mobile Home Run Derby from T-Mobile Park at 5 p.m. PT. The All-Star Game takes place Tuesday at 5 p.m.
