Phillies add drones to fireworks display

General view of the big scoreboard at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies add drones to popular fireworks display

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 7/15/23

After an uninspiring 8-3 loss to Yu Darvish and the San Diego Padres on Friday night, the Philadelphia Phillies treated their fans to one of the best fireworks shows in recent memory.

Actually, billing what the Phillies put on as a “fireworks show” doesn’t do it justice. Sure there were fireworks, lots of them. The team had so many fireworks they started shooting some off between innings. But what really stood out last night was the drones. That’s right, drones.

Thanks to drones, the team’s postgame event at Citizens Bank Park became equal parts fireworks and light show, all to the delight of fans who were treated to giant images of the Liberty Bell, the team logo and of course, the Phillie Phanatic.

#Phillies drone show sold as fireworks show #FIREWORK #ringthebell pic.twitter.com/0fpwf3LO0y
— Robert Dougherty (@Robertdoc1984) July 15, 2023

But the most impressive display of the evening had to be the massive likeness of the Phillies’ Bryce Harper. Thanks to surgery to repair a torn UCL, the former NL MVP hasn’t played the field all year, but there he was on Friday night, high above center field pointing proudly to the Phillies logo across his chest.

One of the Drones that was used fduring tonight's #Phillies post game firework show features Bryce Harper from the 2022 playoff run to the World Series#RingTheBell    #RedOctober
@njdmorgan pic.twitter.com/52PmC7lkPv
— David Malandra Jr (@DaveMReports) July 1, 2023

The Phillies have put on spectacular fireworks shows for decades, but their move to drones is not unique. Many U.S. cities have already shifted to drones for Independence Day celebrations. They were used in 2020 for the Tokyo Olympics and for the coronation of King Charles III this past spring.

Drones are quieter, safer and better for the environment than traditional fireworks, but some still prefer the loud noises that come with traditional fireworks. The Phillies were smart to feature both, but based on fan reaction, don’t be surprised if their annual fireworks nights eventually become light shows.

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