Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced that it will host its first regular-season game at a virtual ballpark. The Tampa Bay Rays will play against the Los Angeles Angels on September 20. The virtual ballpark was initially introduced during the 2023 Celebrity Softball Game and offers fans the opportunity to enter a virtual world with a three-dimensional representation of the game. Fans can view the virtual action from any angle, interact with each other, and even explore the virtual park through trivia and scavenger hunts. MLB’s Executive Vice President of Media and Business Development, Kenny Gersh, said that the virtual ballpark allows for a unique baseball experience and thanks the Rays and Angels for their support in making it happen.
Gameday 3D and Statcast technology will be used by MLB to recreate the live action in the virtual ballpark. Fans who prefer to watch the live broadcast can do so on the video boards within the virtual park.
MLB hopes that this new technology will not only provide fans with new ways to experience the game, but also bring them together online.
