Jhoan Duran Closer Entrance - Case Study

Philadelphia Phillies – Citizens Bank Park, 2025

When the Phillies acquired closer Jhoan Duran mid-season, the team needed a dramatic walk-out spectacle ready in just 48 hours. This project brought together graphics, lighting, and sound to debut one of the most electrifying entrances in baseball.

2025 Phillies Jhoan Duran Closer Entrance

My Role

I spearheaded the design and execution of the visual experience, ensuring all elements synced seamlessly.

Key Collaborators:

- Sydney Worek – Motion Graphics

- Ari Krizek – LED Content Coordination

- Phillies Broadcast & PhanaVision Control

- Minnesota Twins Game Day Experience Team

2025 Phillies Jhoan Duran Closer Entrance

The Challenge

Recreate and enhance Duran’s viral “Durantula” entrance from Minnesota for Citizens Bank Park — on a two-day deadline, during a packed weekend of alumni events.

The Approach

I led creative development and coordination with multiple departments:

- Adapted original Twins entrance assets

- Designed custom flame + spider motion graphics

- Synced LED and lighting cues to a remixed soundtrack

- Integrated PhanaVision graphics with live fan interaction

2025 Phillies Jhoan Duran Closer Entrance

Results & Impact

The debut was a flawless success — with Duran sealing a four-pitch save in front of a roaring home crowd. The entrance immediately drew national attention, going viral on social media and being featured in The Athletic, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Maybe one of the best entrances that I’ve seen for a pitcher coming into a game to close it out.
— Ranger Suárez, Phillies Pitcher

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Looking Ahead

We are developing enhancements for October — including syncing stadium lighting with fan smartphones to take this viral moment even further into the postseason.