Protective netting at Blue Wahoos Stadium will be extended the entire length of both baselines, as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Class AA; Southern League) announce plans for the project.
The project is being completed in partnership with the city. The City of Pensacola is paying for the cost of the netting, and the Blue Wahoos are executing the contract and installing the nets. The additional netting is expected to be installed by opening day for the 2020 season, which is Thursday, April 9.
“We have a great partnership with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and are glad to provide this additional safety for fans as they continue to enjoy Minor League Baseball here in Pensacola,” said Mayor Grover Robinson. “The Blue Wahoos are a tremendous asset in our community, and we are looking forward to a wonderful, safe season ahead for their team, employees and fans.”
“We really commend Mayor Robinson for stepping up and putting fan safety first,” said Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer. “I know the Minnesota Twins are thrilled with the City of Pensacola’s decision and we are certainly thrilled with the city’s decision to extend the netting.”
The installed netting will still allow fans opportunities for player autographs. A portion of the netting will be retractable to allow players to sign autographs prior to the game at certain areas along the baseline.
The netting is approximately 30 feet by 84 feet and will be extended from the current position at the end of both dugouts to the foul pole — a distance of approximately 250 feet.
RELATED STORIES: Winston-Salem Dash Extend BB&T Ballpark Protective Netting; Durham Bulls Extending DBAP Protective Netting; Somerset Patriots Extending TD Bank Ballpark Netting; Toledo Mud Hens to Extend Fifth Third Field Netting; TinCaps to Extend Parkview Field Protective Netting; Akron RubberDucks Extending Canal Park Netting; Texas Tech Extends Dan Law Field Protective Netting; Cleveland Indians Extending Progressive Field Netting; Lakewood BlueClaws Extending FirstEnergy Park Netting; Columbus Clippers to Extend Huntington Park Netting; Whataburger Field Set for Upcoming Improvements; Albuquerque to Evaluate Isotopes Park Retractable Netting; Charlotte Knights Extending BB&T Ballpark Netting; Blue Rocks Extending Frawley Stadium Protective Netting; IronPigs Extending Coca-Cola Park Extended Netting; Tulsa Drillers Extending ONEOK Field Protective Netting; Cooley Law School Stadium Extended Netting Explored; All MLB Ballparks Will Feature Extended Netting in 2020; Target Field Extended Netting on Tap for 2020; Aces Extending Greater Nevada Field Protective Netting; Phillies to Extend Citizens Bank Park Netting; Foul-Ball Injury Likely to Revive Issue of Ballpark Netting Rules