Students learn how union-installed technology is changing, improving the St. Louis Cardinals fan experience

Electrical Connection, Cardinals host behind-the-scenes tour for STEM students at Busch Stadium

Several St. Charles-area high school students honored earlier this year for achievements in STEM education recently learned more about how data science is used to improve the fan experience by the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals teamed up with the Electrical Connection – a partnership of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) – to treat the students to a behind- the-scenes look at how technology is changing and improving baseball operations, all requiring a strong foundation in STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and math.

HIGH TECH AT THE BALL GAME
The May 15 presentation at Busch Stadium detailed how data analytics are used in marketing and in measuring a player’s performance as part of new information graphics on scoreboards. The presentation also revealed ever-evolving integrated IT and communications systems in the stadium.

NECA contractors and IBEW electricians have engineered and installed the new technology infrastructure at Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village.

The panel discussion was moderated by Tony Simokaitis, director of scoreboard operations and fan entertainment, with panelists including Joe Abernathy, vice president of facility planning and engineering; Jennifer Needham, manager of ticketing and business analysis; and Jaren Haukap, editor and Daktronics specialist.

“The Cardinals have been part of this community for more than 100 years and every generation brings something new from which to learn and adapt,” Jim Curran, Electrical Connection executive vice president, told the students. “You are the generation that is already helping chart new ways to understand and enjoy America’s pastime. Our contractors and electricians are proud to be part of that infusion of technology that is improving the fan experience.”

STEM STUDENTS
The students who took part in the presentation were honored at a March 1 STEM Celebration Breakfast presented by EDC Business & Community Partners in St. Charles County and also sponsored by the Electrical Connection. They were joined by school officials and Greg Prestemon, EDC president and CEO.

The STEM education event began with a brief tour of Busch Stadium, including a visit to the UMB Champions Club, where the Cardinals’ 11 World Series championship trophies are on display.

The St. Louis Cardinals STEM event is one of several educational initiatives supported by the Electrical Connection. Others include partnerships with the FIRST Robotics, the Saint Louis Science Center, Missouri Energy Initiative, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International and more.

Electrical Connection members provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world. For more information visit electricalconnection.org.