The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have announced that the team will extend the protective netting at TD Bank Ballpark to four additional seating sections.
“As an organization, we weighed several options and ultimately decided on the expanded netting to provide additional protection for our fans,” said Somerset Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “There are those that like to be behind the netting and others that like to see the field without it. This will allow us to accommodate both of those preferences of our fans, as well as actively respond to the movement towards more protective netting at ballparks throughout the nation.”
Following Major League Baseball’s recommendations for expanded protective netting at ballparks around the country, the Somerset Patriots will be adding netting in front of Sections 107 and 109 on the first base side and Sections 108 and 110 on the third base side. After installation, 47.6% of the Field Box and 50.7% of the Upper Box seating areas will be behind the protective netting.
The state-of-the-art netting is designed to optimize the viewing experience with the least amount of obstruction for fans. The goal is protection without taking away from the aesthetics of the award-winning ballpark.
“Regardless of the amount of protective netting added to any ballpark, there is still the inherit risk of foul balls and bats that require the need for all fans to be alert while the game is being played and to make a personal choice on where they would like to view the game,” McVerry added.
The netting will be installed over the next few weeks and be ready for the team’s home opener at TD Bank Ballpark on Friday, April 27th.
The Somerset Patriots led the Atlantic League in attendance and made their 14th appearance in the playoffs last season. The Somerset Patriots will welcome their 7,000,000th fan in their 20th season at TD Bank Ballpark in 2018. Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 Season presented by Ford beginning at home on Friday, April 27th. For more information, please visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
About The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
