The Seattle Mariners today announced details of previously reported plans to expand protective netting at Safeco Field. Beginning at the start of the 2018 season, protective netting at the ballpark will extend to the outside ends of both dugouts and reach a height of 11-feet above field level.
The Mariners consulted with Major League Baseball and HOK, a global architectural firm, on design and engineering for the project. Installation will begin in March and be completed prior to Opening Night on Thursday, March 29, when the Mariners meet the Cleveland Indians.
"Fan safety and ballpark experience are always top of mind for us. We believe we have a design that improves safety and uses the latest materials and industry standards to minimize the impact on sightlines," said Kevin Mather, Seattle Mariners President.
The netting will be attached to the front (field) edge of the dugout roofs. During the project, all of the protective netting will be replaced with Promats Athletics 1.2 mm Field Green Ultra Cross® Knotless Dyneema® Netting, a lightweight, open mesh that is dyed green to meet MLB's recommendation to reduce visible impact on those seated behind the netting.
Prior to the 2016 season, the Mariners expanded Safeco Field's protective netting to extend 70-feet beyond home plate on the first and third base sides, meeting MLB's recommended minimum dimensions. At that time, netting protected fans seated in Sections 126-134. The expanded netting will now protect fans seated in Sections 122-138.