Twins to install new protective netting

Target Field just got a little safer.

The Twins announced plans on Wednesday to install new protective netting at their home stadium that will comply with Major League Baseball's Fan Safety Recommendations. The netting will be in place for the 2016 season and is designed to make fans feel safer while watching the game.

• MLB recommends netting between dugouts

"The Twins commend MLB and Commissioner [Rob] Manfred for their leadership on this critical issue and the completion of a thorough analysis in consultation with all 30 clubs," said Twins president Dave St. Peter. "It's our intent to follow MLB's recommendations regarding fan safety netting as well as an incremental focus on educating fans regarding the dangers posed by batted balls and bats entering the stands."

Target Field's backstop net is already in compliance with the league's guidelines, and further netting will be installed to protect seats between the dugouts and within 70 feet of home plate.

The dugouts in Target Field are the closest to home plate of any stadium in the league, so the Twins will add protective netting above the dugouts in advance of the season. The new netting will extend seven feet high and will run the length of the dugout in seating sections 3 through 6 and 11 through 14.

"The Twins remain fully committed to delivering the best possible game-day experience for our fans," St. Peter said. "In that spirit, we have developed this plan aimed at enhancing fan safety while preserving the unique sightlines and accessibility of our ballpark. The Twins are proactively reaching out to season-ticket holders most affected by these changes. We fully understand fans differ in relation to their opinions about sitting behind protective netting and will do our best to accommodate the varying preferences."