Dodger Stadium Unaffected by Floods Despite Viral Video

A widely circulated aerial video of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles has sparked rumors of flooding during Tropical Storm Hilary. However, a closer examination of the facts reveals that the stadium remains unaffected by floods, and the video merely presents an optical illusion.

The claims circulating on social media, suggesting that Dodger Stadium was submerged due to the impact of Tropical Storm Hilary, are not grounded in reality. The spokesperson for the Dodgers, Steve Brener, confirmed that the stadium did not experience any flooding during the storm. In fact, the team shared an image online that showed the parking lot to be dry on the following Monday.

While the aerial footage from Sunday initially appears to depict a flooded landscape around the stadium, it is, in fact, the parking lot surrounding the stadium that is slick with rainwater. This phenomenon creates the illusion of standing water encircling the building.

The video in question was initially posted on X and Instagram by an account named “Los Angeles Dodgers Aerial Photography,” accompanied by the caption “Dodger stadium this morning.” Other users subsequently reshared the video, claiming that it showcased the stadium submerged underwater. The account responsible for the original post did not provide any comment on the matter.

Mark Holtzman, the president of West Coast Aerial Photography, a Los Angeles-based company, explained that the illusion likely emerged due to the wet concrete’s interaction with light and reflections. This interaction produces an “opaque look,” creating the appearance of standing water. Holtzman noted that the unique lighting conditions caused by rain and gray skies contribute to this effect.

Hany Farid, a digital forensics expert at the University of California, Berkeley, affirmed that the video is not manipulated or fake. Nevertheless, he pointed out that from a distant aerial perspective, it is challenging to differentiate between a wet surface and one submerged under several inches of water. Farid’s assessment underscores that the video does not depict flooding around the stadium.

Further analysis reveals key details that dispel the illusion. For example, the painted markings designating parking spaces in sections closest to the camera, such as lots 3, 4, 5, and 15, are visible and align with satellite imagery of the area on Google Maps. Additionally, a triangular median at the intersections of lots I, K, and 7 can be seen in the footage. This median is landscaped with short shrubbery that would have likely been submerged if flooding had occurred.

The stadium’s unique topography also plays a role in debunking the flood rumors. Mark Holtzman, who has flown over the stadium on numerous occasions, highlighted that the parking lot is not level, making it impossible for water to pool up significantly.

Despite the turmoil caused by Tropical Storm Hilary, including the rescheduling of Major League Baseball games and the impact on Southern California’s weather, Dodger Stadium remained untouched by flooding. The misinformation circulating online demonstrates the importance of fact-checking and verifying sources, particularly during events that can generate a significant online buzz.

This article is part of an effort to address and clarify widely shared misinformation, in collaboration with external entities, aimed at providing factual context to misleading content circulating on the internet. To learn more about fact-checking efforts, refer to AP’s commitment to accuracy and transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stadium Flooding Illusion

More about Stadium Flooding Illusion

• Dodger Stadium Illusion: No Flood
• Dodgers Spokesperson Confirmation
• Expert Mark Holtzman’s Explanation
• Hany Farid’s Expert Opinion
• Details Disproving Flooding Theory
• Tropical Storm Hilary Impact
• AP’s Fact-Checking Efforts