Astros to extend netting before next homestand

The Astros announced Thursday that they will be installing more protective netting inside Minute Maid Park before the club’s next homestand beginning Aug. 19.

Houston will replace the current netting with knot-less netting, per an official team release, to provide a better viewing experience for fans. It will be extended further down the left-field and right-field lines (as pictured above) to increase the number of fans protected from foul balls, as well as bats that fly out of hitters’ hands.

“Fan experience is always a top priority for the Astros,” the team said as part of an official statement. “The Astros have followed Major League Baseball’s guidelines regarding netting while providing fans with a choice as to whether they sit in areas with or without protective netting.

“These changes will improve the fan’s experience and increase the number of seats behind protective netting. Fans will continue to have the option to sit in areas without netting.”