The Texas Rangers today announced that the club will institute new fan safety plans at Globe Life Park effective at the start of the 2016 season.
 
This will include the installation of additional protective netting that will extend to the outfield end of both the first and third base dugouts. 
 
"The safety and well-being of our fans is our top priority," said Rangers Executive Vice President for Business Operations Rob Matwick. "While we are in compliance with the Major League Baseball recommendations that were issued in December, we have spent the last several months reviewing and considering different additional options that provide protection to fans sitting behind the dugouts. After careful consideration, we feel it makes sense to implement the additional netting for the 2016 season to make our park as safe as it can be.
 
"We fully understand that it may take some time for fans to be accustomed to this change and that some fans may have a different preference for their ballpark experience. We will do our best to accommodate the requests of any fan who is affected by the changes."
 
The new safety netting will extend approximately six-feet high and will run from the end of the home plate screen to the end of each dugout, a distance of approximately 68 feet on both the first and third base sides.
 
In addition to the revisions to the protective netting, the Rangers will add additional signage warning fans about the dangers posed by batted balls and bats entering the stands. Based on availability, the team will also offer to relocate any fans who attend a game and wish to sit in a section that has the added protection from their original seats.
 
Photos of the netting on the first and third base dugouts are attached.