Seismologists install equipment at T-Mobile Park to measure Mariners playoff game crowd

The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network installed seismic monitoring equipment at T-Mobile Park on October 6, 2025, ahead of the Mariners' decisive ALDS Game 5 against the Tigers.

Scientists gained early access to the ballpark to position a seismometer at field level, measuring potential ground vibrations from the crowd during Seattle's first winner-take-all playoff game at the venue in 24 years.

Cal Raleigh stated he felt ground shaking while rounding third base on Julio Rodríguez's go-ahead double in Game 2. The seismometer installation will provide measurable data on crowd-generated vibrations.


Also read: MLB updates: Who will win World Series, make it to National League postseason, American league, October ba

Seattle sports venues have history of measurable crowd noise

Seattle sporting venues have documented instances of crowd noise registering on seismic equipment. In 2011, Seahawks fans at what is now Lumen Field created the "Beast Quake" when Marshawn Lynch's playoff touchdown run against the Saints generated a 2.0 magnitude reading on the Richter scale.

Husky Stadium recorded 133.6 decibels during a 1992 college football game between Washington and Nebraska, a national record that stood until 2023.

Both Lumen Field and Husky Stadium feature architectural designs that trap and amplify crowd noise.

T-Mobile Park roof closure expected to amplify sound during Game 5

Weather forecasts predict rain for Game 5, requiring the T-Mobile Park roof to remain closed. The roof was open for Games 1 and 2 of the series.

MLB regulations stipulate that if a game begins with the roof closed, it must remain closed for the entire game. The enclosed environment is expected to increase sound levels inside the ballpark.

The Mariners will attempt to defeat Tigers starter Tarik Skubal for the first time in four meetings this season. No team has defeated the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner four times in a single season during his career.