Mariners Extend Protective Netting to Dugouts at Safeco Field
Safeco Field will have a definite different look this year as the Seattle Mariners will expand the protective netting around home plate.
Team officials say the nets will extend to the outside ends of both dugouts, and reach a height of 11-feet above field level. Installation be ready by Opening Night on March 29.
Kevin Mather, Seattle Mariners President, said in a statement released to the media, "We believe we have a design that improves safety and uses the latest materials and industry standards to minimize the impact on sightlines."
The nets will be attached to the front edge of the dugout and will be dyed green to reduce the visible impact to those sitting behind the nets. When completed, fans seated in Sections 122-138 will be behind a net.
Thoughts of expanded netting took on additional attention after a young girl was struck in the face by a foul ball going 105 mph at Yankee Stadium. Several other ballparks around the league have also announced plans to expand protective netting.