Indians to extend netting at Progressive Field

CLEVELAND -- The Indians have joined the growing list of Major League teams to announce plans to expand their stadium's protective netting for the 2018 season.
On Wednesday, the team announced that its current safety netting at Progressive Field will be extended to reach the far end of each dugout. The netting and its protective overhang will run to Section 140 down the first-base line and Section 164 down the third-base line.
"We remain committed to delivering the best experience for our fans at Progressive Field," said Jim Folk, the Indians' vice president of ballpark operations. "Safety is our No. 1 priority, and these measures should balance that commitment to safety with the interactive nature of our game, something we know is also important to our fans."
The Indians have started the process of alerting season-ticket holders whose seats are affected by the expansion.

In September, the conversation about expanded netting in Major League ballparks gained momentum after a young girl was struck by a foul ball at Yankee Stadium. Ten MLB teams already had taken the initiative prior to that incident, and four others (Reds, Rockies, Padres and Mariners) announced plans to expand their protective netting in the wake of that event. The Yankees, Brewers and Indians joined that group this offseason.