LA DWP: Mylar Balloon Caused Power Outage At Dodger Stadium
David Vassegh-Twitter

After a 10-game road trip out of the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Dodgers returned home to much fanfare as it was Manny Machado’s first game at Dodger Stadium since he was acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles.

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But some of the electricity was sapped in the second inning when a power outage at Dodger Stadium caused a 23-minute delay. LA Department of Water and Power explained one circuit that supplies wattage to Chavez Ravine failed, which prompted an immediate switch to a second circuit.

After further examination, it was later determined a mylar balloon was to blame. “That a metallic balloon can cause a power outage like the one at Dodger Stadium may come as a surprise to some,” LADWP general manager David H. Wright said in a released statement.

“But those in the utility industry know all too well the damage one Mylar balloon can cause, When metallic balloons come in contact with power lines or other electrical equipment, it can melt electrical wires resulting in fires that could lead to injuries, property damage or an outage like the one that occurred [Monday] night.

“We have built our systems to ensure reliable power flow to major venues, but even a brief disruption in power flow can cause on-site systems to need to be reset.”

The Dodgers had another oddity occur at home earlier this year when a water main broke and began to flood foul territory off third base. Unable to stop the leak, the finale of the exhibition Freeway Series was called in the bottom of the fifth inning.

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