ST. LOUIS – St. Charles area high school students honored earlier this year for achievements in STEM education learned more about how data science is used to improve the fan experience by the St. Louis Cardinals.  The Cardinals partnered with the Electrical Connection 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.  The May 15, 2019 presentation at Busch Stadium detailed how data analytics are used in marketing and in measuring a player’s performance that is part of new information graphics on scoreboards. The presentation also revealed ever evolving integrated IT and communications systems in the stadium.

The panel discussion was moderated by Tony Simokaitis, director, scoreboard operations & fan entertainment, senior account executive. Panelists included:

·         Joe Abernathy, vice president, facility planning and engineering;

·         Jennifer Needham, manager, ticketing & business analysis; and

·         Jaren Haukap, editor, 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, executive vice president, Electrical Connection, 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.” 

Every year, NECA contractors and IBEW have been tapped to engineer and install the new technology infrastructure, not only at Busch Stadium but at Ballpark Village. The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). 

The students engaged in the presentation were honored at the March 1, 2019 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 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 support by the Electrical Connection.  Others include partnerships with the FIRST Robotics, the Saint Louis Science Center, Missouri Energy Initiative (MEI), the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) 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 www.electricalconnection.org.