By Opening Day 2018, the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Low A; Midwest League) will install extended protective netting at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The current protective backstop netting covers sections 108 to 114 (mainly behind home plate) and meets standards issued by Major and Minor League Baseball. The new netting will attach to the front of both dugouts and extend to the outfield ends of both dugouts. This upgrade adds protection to sections 105 to 107 on the first base side and sections 115 to 117 on the third base side.
“The Kernels take fan safety very seriously and take several steps during games to remind fans of the risks of foul balls and broken bats entering the seating area,” said Scott Wilson, Kernels General Manager. “While we remind fans to pay attention to the game at all times, this additional netting helps create more awareness about fan safety and offers more seating choices for those fans that wish to sit behind the protective netting.”
The expanded protective netting project is scheduled to be complete prior to the Kernels first home game on Saturday, April 7.