Extended netting is on tap at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, with the netting set to be installed prior to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp‘s (Class AA; Southern League) 2018 season. The netting, which will run to the far end of each dugout, will be installed by the Jumbo Shrimp, the City of Jacksonville and SMG Jacksonville.

The new netting will extend in front of Sections 102 (on the third-base side) to 113 (on the first-base side). Netting will also remain in place over the top of Sections 105 to 110. The new netting will be in place for the March 27 game between the University of Florida and Florida State University, followed by the Jumbo Shrimp home opener on Wednesday, April 11, at 7:05 p.m.

The current netting will be extended with an Ultra Cross Braided Dyneema Netting system. The new netting will have a minimal impact on the fan-viewing experience due to the thinner material and knotless construction offering up to 95 percent spectator visibility.

“Fan safety is our top priority,” said Jumbo Shrimp General Manager Harold Craw. “The netting extension will make the Baseball Grounds safer, without taking away from the fun-filled environment. We thank Mayor Curry, the City of Jacksonville and SMG Jacksonville for their commitment to fan safety.”

Installation will be performed by Burbank Sports Nets from Fernandina Beach, Florida, and it is scheduled to begin in early March.

Each Major League Club made the decision to expand its ballpark netting beyond the minimum recommendations issued by the Commissioner’s Office and endorsed by Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner.