As players and coaches prepare for the 2020 MLB season, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced they are working to improve fan safety for the upcoming season by extending the protective netting at PNC Park and LECOM Park.
In a video, the Pirates showcased how the netting will stretch nearly the full length down the first and third base foul lines. The netting will be in place at PNC Park for the 2020 season and at LECOM Park for fans who attend spring training.
They specifically focused on creating an environment that was safe for families to sit close to the action. The new netting system will also allow for staff to open it during games, enabling young fans to interact with players.
The Pirates join the Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles as more organizations move towards ways to better protect fans in attendance.
The moves come after a four-year-old girl was struck by a foul ball at a Houston Astros game this past season. Finally, teams are stepping forward to expand the protective netting and to keep fans safe while they enjoy the game.