A viral video roused social media buzz about Dodger Stadium’s flooding after Tropical Storm Hilary. Many posts referred to it as an “island.” However, officials quickly debunked these rumors.
Steve Brener, a Dodgers spokesperson, confirmed there was no flooding. Subsequently, the team posted a photograph of a dry parking lot. This reassured fans and debunked misinformation.
The video did appear to show a ‘moat’ formed around the complex. However, it was just the parking lot, wet from the rain, that encircled the stadium. This sparked misunderstanding amongst people online.
Many shared the video, posted initially on X and Instagram by Los Angeles Dodgers Aerial Photography. They mistakenly cited it as evidence of the stadium submerged underwater. Unfortunately, the account didn’t respond to a request for comments.
Mark Holtzman, president of a local aerial photography company, explained the confusion. He attributed the illusion to the wet concrete’s reflective properties. These created a deceptive opaque appearance, simulating standing water.
Hany Farid, a digital forensics expert, echoed Holtzman’s explanation. He emphasized the difficulty of distinguishing between a wet surface and one underwater from a distant aerial view. He clarified that the video was neither fake nor manipulated.
Holtzman, with his expertise in flying over the stadium, assuaged fears. He pointed out that the water couldn’t pool because the parking lot wasn’t level. So, the stadium just appeared wet, with no actual flooding.
Further proof emerged from a careful examination of the video. It showed painted markings of parking spaces and a triangular median. These wouldn’t have been visible if submerged underwater.
Tropical storm Hillary led to the rescheduling of three games across Southern California, including a Dodgers’ double-header. However, the field would have been playable the following day. Brener noted that crew trucks were prepping for a K-pop concert at the stadium.
This incident emphasizes the challenges of discerning reality from misleading content online. Facts should always take precedence over viral hysteria.
