Sound that hits it
OUT OF THE PARK.
Objective
Imagine stepping into a ballpark where every sense is engaged. The vibrant colors of the field and video board. The beckoning aroma of popcorn and garlic fries drifting through the air. The taste of a cold drink and a hot dog. The texture of your favorite baseball glove in hopes of catching a foul ball. And that perfect sound that envelops you in the excitement.
That’s exactly what the San Francisco Giants wanted to achieve when they upgraded Oracle Park’s sound system. The ballpark was already renowned for having one of the best sound systems in MLB when it first opened in 2000.
To deliver a brand-new experience that fans can’t get anywhere else, the Giants called long-time technology partner Diversified out of the bullpen.
Rachel Heit,
Chief Marketing Officer, San Francisco Giants
Solution
The ballpark’s original sound system design had served them well over the last two decades. But between the aging system, advancements in sound technology and the constant exposure to the marine air, it was time for a complete overhaul.
This wasn’t just a modern equipment refresh, it was an opportunity to design an immersive system that fully engages fans and players alike to meet experience demands of the future. The Giants needed a system that could captivate fans throughout the ballpark and deliver a consistent experience each game—from the field to the upper level.
Bill Schlough,
CIO, San Francisco Giants
56
Amplifiers
Hearing the Difference:
Ballpark system performance data and equipment specs are great, but you can’t hear those. To give the Giants a better idea of what Oracle Park could sound like, Diversified organized a sound system showdown with top-tier manufacturers. Giants leadership could hear the differences in sound quality and made a strong and informed decision that best balanced performance and price.
Setting the Stage:
The perfect sound solution was in reach. However, the deteriorating speaker cabinets throughout the ballpark were another story. Since almost all the speaker cabinets weren’t accessible with a ladder, special scaffolding had to be installed before the system refresh could begin. The team found a great partner in Liberty Scaffolding who executed the massive undertaking flawlessly, setting the stage for a successful installation.
523
Loudspeakers
Pumping up the Players:
The decline in sound clarity over the years was impacting more than just the fan experience. Some of the Giants players started commenting that it was a struggle to hear their own walk-up music. The new system delivers enhanced clarity and sound quality that extends to the field. Now, players can clearly hear their music and connect with fans as they make their way to the batter’s box.
Rallying the Fans:
From spoken word announcements to bass pumping music, every word and note impacts the fan experience. The last thing you want is fans not being able to hear important game updates, but that’s precisely what was happening.
Now, every fan can enjoy a consistent sound experience during every visit. The new system’s enhanced sound fidelity ensures that fans in every seat can clearly hear announcements and public announcer updates about who's up to bat or what substitutions are being made.
17
Subwoofers
Playing Against the Wind:
The steady bay breeze and close proximity of the surrounding community put the count at 0-2, presenting challenges in delivering an immersive sound experience across Oracle Park.
The sound distribution had to be precisely timed and configured. Starting from the canopy at the highest points of Oracle Park, the sound flows downward like a waterfall all the way to the field. Creating the illusion of one big system, it delivers quality sound to the fans inside — even on the breeziest days — without becoming a noise nuisance to neighbors.
Justo Gutierrez,
Director of Engineering - Sports, Faith & Performing, Diversified
Impact
Great sound in baseball is not just about volume or clarity. It’s about creating an atmosphere where the tenth man is a real and exciting part of the game. The new sound system at Oracle Park does that and more. Sure, fans can watch the game at home—but when they attend in person, they can experience it.
The right song played at the right volume can electrify the atmosphere, engage the crowd and pump up the players for an amplified winning energy. It’s impossible to replicate that connection to the game, the players and fellow fans anywhere else.
With an enhanced fan experience, fans feel more energized and involved in the action. The players know that their community—their fans—are behind them every time they take the field. Fans are immersed in the game-day excitement and can’t wait to come back for that one-of-a-kind experience.
Bill Schlough
CIO, San Francisco Giants
Team
Meet the team behind the work.
Discover how their unique skills and collective efforts have created lasting impact.
Duane
Yoslov
Senior, Vice President
Justo
Gutierrez
Director of Engineering
Jeff
Dykhouse
Solutions Architect
Keith
Pintner
Senior Project Manager