Major League Baseball (MLB) is launching a new virtual ballpark, the first of its kind for a professional sports league.
The virtual ballpark, which MLB describes as an ‘immersive digital experience for fans’, will debut on Saturday 8th July, opening with an online watch party for the MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game.
This will be the first of multiple events planned for the virtual ballpark in 2023.
The virtual ballpark will be an online space where baseball fans can ‘connect and experience live events.’
The space is designed like a real baseball stadium in an effort to bring the actual MLB ballpark experience to the virtual world.
Fans will be able to create a customisable avatar to enter the virtual ballpark with, and then participate in the live-event experience, explore the ballpark and interact with the other users around them.
MLB Executive Vice President of Media and Business Development Kenny Gersh, said, “We’re creating this digital, virtual stadium where MLB fans across the globe have the ability to experience an event together.
“What’s really cool about this technology is, this is really bringing people together, and it feels like you’re there.
“It’s really a unique way of simulating that in-ballpark experience to a global audience that really hasn’t been possible before.”
For the inaugural event, the Celebrity Softball Game during All-Star Week, the virtual ballpark will feature a live stream of the game on the virtual ballpark’s video board and include exclusive celebrity interviews.
Fans that attend will also receive a commemorative digital ticket created by Candy Digital, the MLB’s digital collectibles partner.
Gersh added, “My hope is that in 20 years, people look back and say, ‘Oh, remember when MLB did that Celebrity Softball Game in this environment? Now look where we are, where it feels like we’re sitting in Yankee Stadium. And hey, I was there. Here’s my ticket. I think that’s sort of cool.”
Fans participating in Saturday’s virtual ballpark launch event will also be able to play mini-games tied to real-time events happening in T-Mobile Park in Seattle, where the Celebrity Softball Game is taking place, as well as participate in a Sorare card scavenger hunt and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win tickets to the 2023 World Series.
The MLB virtual ballpark was developed in collaboration with London-based technology firm Improbable, which develops virtual spaces to connect brands and consumers in the digital landscape.
“In working closely with Improbable, we’ve taken what baseball fans know and love about their unique ballpark experiences and connected it to an accessible virtual world,” Gersh said. “Not everyone has the opportunity to attend Major League games or enjoy a Major League ballpark experience, but now we can provide this opportunity to anyone with an internet connection, no matter where they are.”
Introducing MLB’s Virtual Ballpark!
— MLB (@MLB) July 5, 2023
Be part of the interactive MLB All-Star #CelebSoftball Game Presented By Corona Watch Party on July 8. Secure a spot to explore this immersive ballpark & compete in challenges for a chance to win World Series tickets! https://t.co/YzAtjDGNn6 pic.twitter.com/ja29RledPl
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