CONNECTICUT TIGERS EXTEND PROTECTIVE NETTING AT STADIUM

Norwich — Connecticut Tigers fans will see a change at Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium when the Tigers return Tuesday from a road trip.

The extended protective foul ball netting in the works since last winter was installed Monday along the two dugouts at Dodd Stadium. The Tigers will return from a road trip for a 7:05 p.m. game Tuesday against the Williamsport Crosscutters.

The protective safety netting was expanded to cover one additional seating section over the home plate end of each dugout. Previously, the protective netting covered sections 9-13 between the home and visitors dugouts. The expanded netting will provide added protection for fans on the first base side in Section 8 and along the third base side in Section 14. The new netting cost $4,480, city Purchasing Agent William Hathaway said.

The changes were prompted by increasing safety concerns and recommendations issued by Major League Baseball. In December 2015, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred recommended that all Major League clubs implement increased netting to further protect fans from balls and bats entering the stands during games. Minor League Baseball echoed Manfred’s call for further protection.

“The safety of our fans has always been and will always be of the utmost importance to us,” Connecticut Tigers General Manager Dave Schermerhorn said in a press release announcing the netting installation. “We take great pride in providing a safe and clean facility. This was a decision made in conjunction with the city of Norwich to protect our fans and meet the recommendation of Major League Baseball.”