ROOT SPORTS takes fans inside Mariners baseball with unique views and sounds of the game
New camera positions and microphones will be utilized for game broadcasts at T-Mobile Park beginning tonight
Beginning with tonight’s Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game at T-Mobile Park, fans will begin to experience the game’s sights and sounds in ways never before utilized during a ROOT SPORTS television broadcast.
Two new cameras will provide unique views of the batter, runners and defensive alignments and microphones embedded in the ballpark’s outfield walls will enrich the aural experience of the game.
“Our production staff teamed up with the Mariners to push the envelope of innovation and bring something never-before-seen into our broadcasts,” said Jon Bradford, Executive Producer, ROOT SPORTS. “I think we accomplished that goal. These broadcast enhancements will bring the game to life in a whole new way.”
Fly Cam
Aerial cables have been installed from the T-Mobile Park press box to the left field foul pole. A remotely controlled camera, attached to the cables, will glide along the third base line to provide views never before used in a local MLB game broadcast. Fly Cam can dynamically track a runner as he steals second base or races home from third. In addition, Fly Cam can provide never before available aerial shots of defensive alignments and dynamically track outfielders as they set for plays.
Diamond Cam
A small camera, about the size of a travel mug, has been buried in the grass in front of the batter’s box. A lens, flush with the ground, will give viewers a unique low angle view of the batter. This position has never before been used during a Mariners telecast. It will be introduced to viewers in September.
Wall Mics
Four microphones have been embedded in the padding of the T-Mobile Park outfield walls. The mics will provide enhanced audio of the ball as it caroms off the wall or when a player comes in contact with the wall. They are also sensitive enough to pick up the crunching sound of a player’s spikes on the dirt of the warning track.
Player Mics
Beginning this homestand, select Mariners players will wear radio frequency microphones to provide viewers with unique sounds of the game as well as on-field dialogue. The player mic will be recorded and played back to enhance the broadcast with unique player and on-field interactions.