The Sacramento River Cats (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are making changes to Raley Field in 2019, highlighted by a new videoboard and extended protective netting.
The most prominent addition to Raley Field is the replacement of the center field videoboard. The River Cats worked with Rancho Cordova, CA-based D3 LED to design a larger and sharper video entertainment hub for the ballpark. The next-generation display is more than twice the size of the previous board, and at 1296 pixels high and 1,116 pixels wide, it will have a resolution comparable to a high-definition TV. The ballpark is also adding two similarly high definition banner displays on the suite fascia that are each 50 feet wide. The new video elements will help to create a 360-degree experience for fans. “The River Cats always aim to provide fans with the best entertainment value in the region”, said River Cats General Manager Chip Maxson. “We are thrilled to bring an immersive experience to Raley Field that will bring smiles to faces from gates open to gates close.”
Fans will find a more spacious On Deck Shop when in search for the newest River Cats gear this season, as the team store has pushed registers to the east wall in order to create a more open feel for shoppers.
The River Cats, in line with actions taken by many other major and minor league teams, will extend the protective netting roughly 60 feet down both the first and third base lines. The ballpark will also raise the height of the backstop netting by 16 feet, providing additional protection to those fans sitting behind home plate, on the suite level, and walking the concourse. “Fan safety is a top priority for the River Cats and Raley Field, and the installation of this additional netting allows us to protect our guests to an even higher degree,” said Maxson.
For the team’s youngest fans, the “Down on the Farm” area will feature new elements for the 2019 season. Kids will enjoy a series of kid-sized “stores” to play in during River Cats home games. There will be a Raley’s grocery store, Sutter Health hospital, bank, and cinema for kids to enjoy in the area beyond Toyota Home Run Hill in right field.