Red Sox to extend protective netting for 2018 season
The Red Sox today announced plans to extend protective netting beyond the dugouts at Fenway Park for the start of the 2018 season. The new netting system will extend from Field Box Section 79 to Field Box Section 9, expanded from an area previously covering Field Box Section 61 to Field Box Section 29. It will be positioned with the same consistent height as the existing system, which stands at 12 feet, 8 inches above the playing field.
Additionally, in collaboration with Lee County, Florida, protective netting will also be extended at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers from Field Box Section 111 to Left Field Box Section 114, expanded from Field Box Section 105 to Left Field Box Section 106. This new system will be completed for the start of the upcoming 2018 spring training season.
The club has worked with design and engineering teams, as well as netting vendor Promats Athletics, to devise and install netting solutions for both Fenway Park and JetBlue Park that offer optimal visibility for the fan viewing experience. All netting will be "field green" in color to further minimize the impact to sightlines in affected areas.
While expanded netting will offer additional protection, the club continues to encourage fans to be vigilant during games and to be on the lookout for balls and bats that may enter the stands in their seating area.
The new netting coverage area for both Fenway Park and JetBlue Park is displayed in the attached ballpark maps.