From our shared portfolio: this project was delivered under the Thunder City Pro name. Original project credits are retained here.
Back in 2019, the Tampa Bay Rays installed new LED field lighting and LED effects lighting to illuminate the top of the dome. The lighting was integrated by Payne Sparkman out of New Albany, IN. At a Rays game, you can see the lighting effects during the team entrance, home runs, and post game if the Rays win.
Thunder City Pro was tasked with the challenge of designing multiple shows for the team’s intro video and entrance to the field. The light shows needed to be synchronized perfectly with the corresponding videos for each of these events. The Rays use Ross platforms such as an Acuity Switcher, Ross Xpression, Ross Clips, and Ross Dashboard to execute all of their Custom Control. Using some of the existing Custom Control framework, Thunder City Pro programmed multiple lines of HEX code to fire LTC timecode and synchronize the lighting console with each of these videos.
In order to comply with the MLB’s league regulations, Thunder City Pro also programmed several layers of authentication to keep the shows from firing when it’s not intended or allowed. The TD does not have the ability to fire the lights for the open shows alone. The shows Producer or Show Controller has to arm each show individually. No lighting effects will occur without the say-so of the producer with this extra layer of protection. Also, in the event of an emergency such as the team requiring lights, the Producer has the ability to stop the light show an bring the game lights to full.
Thunder City Pro had an amazing time working with the Tampa Bay Rays and their amazing team of technical professionals. We look forward to working with them for many years to come!
Be sure to check out some photos and videos of the light shows below!
Questions?
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Inside the project
TCP programmed timecode triggers and integrated them with the Rays’ existing Ross show-control workflow. Producer authorization required a sequence to be armed before it could run. TCP handled the programming and integration; Payne Sparkman completed the original lighting installation.
Define the relationship between playback, lighting cues and operator authorization. Discuss who starts the sequence, how the team confirms readiness and what should happen if the cue is interrupted. Programming and controls need to match the way the production team calls the show.
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