The Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) will have extended protective netting at Chukchansi Park this season, with installation to be complete by the team’s home opener.

By the home opener on April 10, fans sitting adjacent to either baseline will have increased cover from high-velocity foul balls. Protective netting at Chukchansi Park will now extend from behind home plate to the far end of each dugout.

“This is a proactive measure; with our renewed focus on fan experience, the last thing we want is what should be a fun occasion and a trip to a Grizzlies game spoiled by an injury,” said Fresno Grizzlies President Derek Franks. “We want to avoid a major incident- but extended netting will also cut way down on minor injuries caused by balls headed for the seats, and will eliminate the nuisance of scrambling away from line drives.”

Should individual ticket or plan holders wish to adjust already purchased seats due to the extended netting, they will be accommodated by either visiting the Fresno Grizzlies ticket office or getting in touch with their personal sales rep. Visibility may be affected for fans sitting close to the field behind each dugout, although no worse than seats directly behind home plate.

“Major League Baseball took the lead on this initiative, with all 30 ballparks now offering more protection,” Franks continued. “Several minor league clubs have followed suit, and we’re proud to make a Grizzlies game a more relaxing experience. We believe fans will quickly adjust to the increased protection in how they watch the game, as this is the new status-quo.”