Buoyed by fan demand, the Salem Red Sox (High Class A; Carolina League) are removing tarps from general-admission seating areas and increasing capacity at Salem Memorial Ballpark for the remainder of the season.
“When the tarps were installed last season, our goal was to create a more intimate setting at the ballpark and bring fans closer to the action. We received positive feedback, but since the tarps were installed, we have heard from an increasing number of fans that like the flexibility to watch our games from different vantage points and enjoy the comforts of a little extra space at the ballpark,” said Salem General Manager Todd Stephenson. “Enhancing the fan experience is always a top priority, and we hope that by making this change our fans will know we are listening and are committed to making baseball at Lewis-Gale Field one of the best family friendly entertainment options in the Roanoke Valley.”
“The Red Sox have been great partners ever since they arrived in Salem, and the members of City Council share their belief that this will enhance the game day experience for our fans,” said Salem Mayor Randy Foley. “The fans have wanted this for some time, and it’s good to see management listening to their requests and acting on them.”
The tarps were installed prior to the 2009 season in an effort to bring fans closer to the action on the field, as well as to display the club’s new logo and its new affiliation with the Boston Red Sox. The tarps in left field, which are visible as fans enter the Taliaferro Sports Complex, will remain in place for the rest of the 2010 season.
With the removal of tarps on two of the four general admission sections, Lewis-Gale Field’s fixed seating capacity will increase to 5,503.
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