The Salt Lake Bees will join a growing number of Major League and Minor League baseball teams by extending protective netting down the left- and right-field baselines for the 2020 season.
Construction on the netting extension has begun. The protective netting currently runs to both dugouts; now they will extend nearly to both foul poles.
“Fan experience at Smith’s Ballpark is always a top priority and that includes fan safety,” Bees President Marc Amicone said in a statement. “We are grateful for our partnership with Salt Lake City that allows us to make upgrades to the ballpark that will ensure a safe environment while enjoying our national pastime.”
The net will be the same braided and knotless Ultra Cross Netting currently stretching from the end of each dugout, allowing for 95% spectator visibility. Additionally, the net will retract in sections 6 and 7 on the first base side and 19 and 20 on the third base side prior to games to preserve fan and player interactions.
The net extension is scheduled to finish in early March and will be in place for the first baseball game of the year at Smith’s Ballpark when the University of Utah hosts Utah Valley University on March 17.
The Bees will play their home opener on April 9 against the El Paso Chihuahuas.