Minnesota Twins to Add Protective Netting and Enhanced Communication at Target Field

Over that past baseball season, there were more fans injured by line drives which lead to more debates about whether additional safety precautions should be in place at ballparks.  Major League Base did release safety recommendations, which the Minnesota Twins will be following beginning in 2016.

The Twins have announced that extra safety precautions will be in place next season, including new protective netting at Target Field.  “The Twins commend MLB and Commissioner Manfred for their leadership on this critical issue and the completion of a thorough analysis in consultation with all 30 clubs,” said Twins President Dave St. Peter in a press release.

Since opening in 2010, Target Field has earned its reputation as one of the most intimate venues in all of sports. The ballpark’s lower level seats are located closer to home plate than any other venue in MLB. Target Field’s current backstop net is in compliance with the stated MLB recommendations – which call for netting to protect seats between the dugouts within 70-feet of home plate.

In contrast to other MLB ballparks, Target Field’s dugouts are the closest to home plate of any in the league. Because of the proximity of seats within the Dugout Box seating sections (sections 3 through 6 and sections 11 through 14), the Twins will add protective netting above the dugouts in advance of the 2016 season. This new safety netting will extend approximately seven-feet high and run the length of the first and third base dugouts.

Regarding the netting itself, the Twins will take advantage of the latest technology – both behind home plate and at the dugouts – delivering a minimally obtrusive viewing experience.

In addition to protective netting revisions, the Twins will implement an enhanced communication plan at Target Field warning fans about the dangers posed by batted balls.