Sports arenas are about to get a lot more colorful—and a lot more wobbly. In an unconventional move to engage sports fans, the dessert brand Jell-O has unveiled a new invention called the “JELL-OMETER,” a device designed to translate crowd energy into real-time physical movement.
How the “JELL-OMETER” Works
While most stadiums use standard decibel meters on their jumbotrons to encourage fans to “get loud,” Jell-O is taking a more visual, mechanical approach. Instead of just displaying a number on a screen, the device uses proprietary plate-sensing technology to capture sound pressure from the crowd.
This sound pressure is then converted into mechanical motion, causing a large mass of Jell-O to shake and vibrate. The intensity is measured on a scale of 1 to 10 “jiggles” :
– 1 Jiggle: Roughly equivalent to the sound of a microwave.
– 10 Jiggles: Comparable to the rumble of a small earthquake.
The goal is to provide a tangible, visual representation of fan passion, turning abstract noise into a spectacle that fans can watch in real time.
Testing the Madness
The technology is no longer just a concept. It has already undergone live testing during a professional hockey game between the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers, where the device recorded a reading of 5.8 jiggles.
According to Kathryn O’Brien, head of marketing for desserts at the Kraft Heinz Company, the device is intended to give fanbases “bragging rights” by visually proving which crowd is the most passionate.
Why Crowd Noise Matters in Sports
The push to measure crowd intensity isn’t just about entertainment; it touches on a genuine competitive advantage in professional sports. High decibel levels can influence game momentum and even impact player performance.
- Acoustic Advantages: Stadium architecture plays a massive role in noise. For example, the Kansas City Chiefs’ stadium features canopies that help amplify sound, contributing to their 2014 Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar (142.2 decibels).
- Strategic Noise: Teams have even used noise as a tactical tool. During the 2017 World Series, the Houston Astros famously kept their retractable roof closed—despite clear weather—to trap and amplify crowd noise, helping them secure a series victory.
Looking Ahead
Jell-O has stated that the JELL-OMETER is “neutral” and does not favor any specific team. The company is currently gathering feedback from fans and stadium operators to determine which cities and venues are the best candidates for a wider rollout.
“The JELL-OMETER doesn’t take sides. It just measures the madness.”
Conclusion
By turning sound pressure into physical motion, Jell-O is attempting to bridge the gap between digital data and physical experience. If successful, this “jiggly” innovation could transform how fans interact with the atmosphere of a live sporting event.
