Fireworks normally fill the sky above Dodger Stadium on Friday nights, but the first such day of the Los Angeles Dodgers 2023 season provided a different sight thanks to 400 drones.
The Dodgers dropped their matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but after the game, fans were treated to a drone light show that created different pictures with the theme of “Baseball is Back.” It was the first time in Dodgers history that the team has put on a drone show for fans.
The drones flew a short distance to Chavez Ravine before the show started with images of the Dodgers and MLB logos, and tributes to Jackie Robinson, Vin Scully and Clayton Kershaw were featured in the sky. Along with the drones, the Dodgers also played music and iconic calls and quotes from the team’s history that matched up with what the lights were displaying.
Fans were invited onto the field for the drone show, but moving forward it would be best to stay in your seats or move to a higher area. Many fans who were on the field left early and multiple people said on Twitter that the drone show was not very visible from the field.
The Dodgers may consider that and adjust the height and location of the drones in the future, but until they do that, staying in your seat seems to be the best way to experience it.
For fans who still prefer the fireworks, drones have not completely replaced them. The Friday Night Fireworks promotion has multiple dates still on the 2023 schedule.
However, the drone technology is more environmentally friendly and more considerate to the residents and animals surrounding Dodger Stadium, so it would not be surprising to see the team continue to move forward with them in the long run.
Remaining Dodger Stadium drone shows
The next drone light show will on June 16 when the Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants. The game is also the team’s annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night.
Following that, the next one comes on July 7 against the Los Angeles Angels. August 11 against the Colorado Rockies is also scheduled to have a drone show, along with the jersey number retirement for Fernando Valenzuela.
The final drone show comes on Sept. 22 versus the Giants. No themes have been announced for any of the upcoming shows.
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