In an ongoing commitment to provide a safe environment for fans and their families, the Springfield Cardinals have announced plans for new safety netting at Hammons Field.
The new netting will be approximately 8 feet taller and 100 feet wider down both sides than the previous netting, covering the entire area from dugout to dugout and protecting more fans from bats, balls and other objects leaving the playing field. The new netting at Hammons Field will exceed Major League Baseball's Fan Safety Recommendations.
Made by Promats Athletics, the Cardinals are installing Ultracross Knotless Dyneema Safety Netting, the same premium netting that is at Busch Stadium and numerous other Major League ballparks. Through cutting-edge technology, Ultracross Knotless Dyneema Safety Netting is more than 50% stronger at the intersections than industry alternatives. The netting's knotless design also results in a profile that permits fans to see 54% less netting than the previous netting at Hammons Field.
"The Cardinals remain fully committed to delivering the best possible gameday experience for our fans with a priority to keep our guests safe at Hammons Field," said Springfield Cardinals Vice President / General Manager Matt Gifford. "While we know the increased netting will be an adjustment for some fans, we are confident that the knotless design will be even easier to see through than the existing netting and will be something fans will adjust to quickly."
"While we work to improve safety at the ballpark, we do appreciate and believe in the intrinsic tradition of fans at a baseball game being able to catch and keep foul balls as souvenirs," Gifford said. "The new netting will go to great lengths in protecting fans from many hard-hit foul balls, but it will still allow for ample opportunities to catch keepsakes at the ballpark. With those souvenir opportunities, we do want to remind everyone that there is still the same inherent risk when enjoying a game at Hammons Field, as well as any baseball game at all levels of play. We ask everyone who might have reservations about sitting behind the netting to come experience the game from behind it and enjoy the freedom to relax and feel safer with their friends and families."
