The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks are giving a much-missed tradition a breath of fresh air. Starting from July 15th, fans can once again fill the air with jet balloons at their games, a popular ritual that had been grounded for three years due to the pandemic. However, this time around, fans can leave their lungs out of it. Specialized pumps will be sold to keep the balloons aloft, nixing the need for huffing and puffing.
Before the pandemic hit, jet balloons – inflated and launched in a synchronized spectacle before the bottom of the seventh inning or when the team claimed victory – were a highlight at SoftBank games. But in 2020, the potential for airborne droplets during the balloon-blowing process led to a ban on the balloon bonanza.
The ban lifts with the upcoming game against the Orix Buffaloes at PayPay Dome in Fukuoka, but with the breathless modification. Specialized pumps, now the balloon inflator of choice, will be on sale alongside the balloons at the stadium. The SoftBank PR team is urging fans to get pumped for the jet balloon comeback, hoping to boost team spirit without raising COVID-19 risk levels. Source: NHK / SoftBank Hawks
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