Samsung and the New York Mets Hit a Multi-Year Grand Slam at Citi Field

In 2021, Samsung and the New York Mets embarked on a journey to transform Citi Field into the most technologically advanced professional ballpark in Major League Baseball. Today, that vision is a reality, with the ballpark sporting over 1,300 LCD displays and over 29,800 square feet of new LED displays, totaling 40 million pixels. The result is an unforgettable, immersive experience that hits a grand slam with all bases loaded – from elevating fan engagement to enhancing team practice and Digital Out-Of-Home (DOOH) advertising for brand partners.

“As a landmark for baseball and of New York City, Citi Field represents the very best in live sports experiences,” said David Phelps, Head of the Display Division at Samsung. “The New York Mets have set new standards for in-stadium technology and what ticketholders can expect at the ballpark. With cutting-edge displays that boost fan engagement, amplify the energy in the stands and unlock unique advertising possibilities, every visit to Citi Field leaves a lasting impression.”

A whole new ballgame for fan experience

The Mets set out to replace its previous static signage at Citi Field with state-of-the-art digital displays that would align the stadium experience with the team’s high-caliber performance on the field. The Mets selected Samsung as its technology partner due to its proven record of transforming large-scale stadiums into cutting-edge experiences. Moreover, Samsung could provide an end-to-end solution, encompassing design, manufacturing, installation and service.

Samsung and the Mets collaborated and pushed the boundaries of possibility to design a stadium-wide system that immerses fans in digital content throughout the park. For instance, ribbon boards wrapped around multiple levels of the seating bowl deliver real-time statistics, player data and messages during games. Direct View LED Displays in high-traffic spaces, such as the Jackie Robinson Rotunda and concourses, keep fans captivated from the moment they enter the stadium to the final inning.

Citi Field’s crown jewel remains its centerfield main scoreboard, a first-of-its-kind, dual-sided LED display that proudly stands as the largest scoreboard in professional baseball. Equivalent to the size of about 450 65-inch Samsung TVs combined, the high-resolution scoreboard features a 17,400 square-foot video display on the front and 6,900 square feet on the back. The display’s sheer size delivers maximum visibility and impact when showcasing live game action, 4K instant replays, player statistics and other engaging content.

From a Samsung-powered 4K control room, the Mets manage and ensure the centerfield scoreboard works harmoniously with the other displays on the field. Control room staff can synchronize content to “fly” across the entire network of displays to amazing effect to hype the crowd up at exciting points in a game, such as strikeouts and home runs. This thrilling use of digital content is nothing short of spectacular and creates wow-worthy moments like no other ballpark.

Batting practice gets the big-screen treatment

In addition to enhancing the fan experience, the Mets use the scoreboards as an effective coaching tool during batting practices before night games. When a player is in the batting cage, the coaches put a live feed on the right-field scoreboard and a delayed feed on the centerfield scoreboard. The displays will showcase key metrics for the batters, such as pitch speed, exit velocity and launch angle. After a session at bat, players can look up at the centerfield scoreboard and review their performance with the coaches to make adjustments to prepare for that night’s game.

“Samsung has been a true partner in our digital transformation journey not only from a hardware perspective but also through a shared vision for reinventing the stadium experience,” said Oscar Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Technology at the New York Mets. “Today, we can create remarkable experiences using the latest, best-in-class technologies to benefit our fans, the coaching staff, players and brand partners. There is now no better show than coming to Citi Field.”

Revenue and growth opportunities in a league of their own

The high-definition Samsung displays installed throughout Citi Field also offer dynamic canvases for DOOH advertising. For example, the Mets’ brand partners can take advantage of the unique double-sided design of the main scoreboard and showcase content on the rear side that faces the ballpark’s exterior, further extending the reach of their advertising as fans can see the display from the highway before they even arrive at the park.

The revolutionary stadium technology also opens new revenue potential by empowering the Mets to offer more flexible and attractive advertising opportunities for partners like brand takeovers. Companies can amplify their name and logo by owning specific moments in the game, such as an entire inning. Since the Mets can easily control and change the content through the stadium, every display becomes a valuable marketing asset and creates limitless options for creative advertising.

Beyond gamedays, Samsung displays allow the Mets to further diversify their revenue by supporting various other events, from New York City Football Club games and concerts to fundraisers and corporate events. Citi Field’s technologically advanced experience makes it a sought-after venue for event organizers and entice attendees who look forward to the same excitement they enjoy at New York Mets games.

Learn more about the one-of-a-kind stadium experience at Citi Field powered by Samsung display technology in the full case study: https://insights.samsung.com/2024/10/17/the-ny-mets-and-samsung-reinvent-the-fan-experience-at-Citi-Field.