How The Shadium calculates shade

The Shadium predicts which seats will be in the sun or shade for a specific game by combining four inputs: where the sun is in the sky, how each venue is built and oriented, the weather, and the real game schedule. Here is exactly how each piece works.

1. Sun position — NREL Solar Position Algorithm

For any date, time, and location we compute the sun's azimuth(compass direction) and elevation (height above the horizon) using a solar position algorithm based on the NREL Solar Position Algorithm. This tells us the precise direction sunlight is coming from at first pitch and throughout the game.

2. Stadium orientation & geometry

Each venue has a verified orientation — the compass bearing from home plate to center field — plus per-section geometry (which way a section faces, its distance from the field, and the height of the deck or roof above it). Combining the sun's direction with a section's orientation tells us whether that section is facing into the sun or shaded by the structure around it. Sections under an overhang or roof are modeled as covered in their back rows.

3. Weather — Open-Meteo

Clear-sky geometry is only half the story. We pull cloud-cover and conditions from Open-Meteo so a heavily overcast forecast is reflected in what you should actually expect at the game.

4. Game schedule — MLB StatsAPI

Shade depends entirely on the real first-pitch time, so we use official MLB schedule data (MLB Advanced Media) to tie every calculation to the actual game you pick, in the stadium's local time zone.

Accuracy & limitations (the honest part)

• Our section-level model is an approximation. It captures which side of the park shades first and which levels have overhead cover, but real bowls curve and individual rows vary — treat results as a strong guide, not a guarantee.
• Overhang and roof coverage is modeled by row: we mark the back rows of covered levels as shaded and the front rows as exposed. The exact cutoff row differs by venue and isn't individually surveyed for every section.
• Weather changes fast. A forecast is not a measurement, and passing clouds or an open/closed retractable roof can change conditions at game time.
• Venue data was last verified on May 21, 2026. Teams rename parks, tarp sections, and occasionally change home venues — we update as we learn of changes.
• The Shadium is an independent tool and is not affiliated with MLB, MiLB, the NFL, or any team.

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