Prior to the 2018 season, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High A; Carolina League) will install new extended protective netting at TicketReturn.com Field.
The current black netting, located behind home plate, will be replaced with a new, state-of-the-art, netting system which will extend beyond home plate to protect both the first and third base lines. Installation is scheduled for the week of March 19.
The City of Myrtle Beach and the Pelicans have worked closely with the netting manufacturer, Promats Athletics, throughout the process. Promats Athletics is a premiere net provider for Major League Baseball having installed systems for the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, and more.
“Earlier this month it was announced that all 30 Major League teams will have protective netting extending to at least the far ends of both dugouts installed by Opening Day,” stated Pelicans President Andy Milovich. “Fan safety is of the utmost importance. We applaud the City’s effort to meet the directive of Major League Baseball’s Commissioner. The netting choice is the most advanced netting technology available. In addition to better protecting our fans throughout our seating bowl, the knotless netting system, ultra thin material, and camouflage coloring will create the ultimate fan experience from a viewing perspective, while helping parents to enjoy the game stress free with their children.”
The Promats Athletics netting is the first to offer 95% spectator visibility. In contrast to previous solutions, the netting that will be installed at Pelicans Ballpark is a braided and knotless design which is the strongest configuration available. The new netting will also differ in color from that which is currently in place at the stadium. The new netting will feature the Promats Athletics Ultra Cross Field Green Netting which offers the most advanced solution to achieve viewer satisfaction. The netting uses a green coating over durable black-fiber Dyneema twine which serves as a camouflage against the backdrop of the playing field.
Major League Baseball has issued a recommendation that all teams expand their ballpark netting to increase fan safety. In a MLB statement, Commissioner Rob Manfred said, “This recommendation attempts to balance the need for an adequate number of seating options with our desire to preserve the interactive pregame and in-game fan experience that often centers around the dugouts, where fans can catch foul balls, see their favorite players up close and, if they are lucky, catch a tossed ball or other souvenir.”
Following the MLB statement, Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner commended MLB’s efforts and recommendations stating, “We wholeheartedly endorse these recommendations made by Major League Baseball in regard to the protective netting in our ballparks and encourage our clubs to implement these recommendations as soon as practical.”
“The City is committed to working with the Pelicans to ensure fan safety is our top priority for everyone visiting TicketReturn.Com Field,” Milovich added. “We’re fortunate to host over 200 events annually including Coastal Carolina, Baseball at the Beach, and the numerous travel ball events throughout the year. I continue to be impressed with the City’s focus on the health and safety of its residents and guests.”