There’s lots to be excited about for the 2016 season of TinCaps baseball at Parkview Field. For example, on the field, there’ll be new top San Diego Padres prospects. Off the field, there’ll be the addition of a new group seating area, The Summit presented by Tuthill. And there will even be something new in between.

The TinCaps plan to expand the protective netting at Parkview Field in 2016 to the far end of each dugout. Presently, the protective netting at Parkview Field is available for fans sitting in the sections immediately behind home plate.

“This is something we’ve been researching and planning for months, going well back to last season,” TinCaps President Mike Nutter said. “By expanding the protective netting at Parkview Field, we’ll increase the fan experience and fan safety at our ballpark.”

In December, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred recommended that all Major League clubs implement increased netting to further protect fans from balls and bats entering the stands during game action. Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner endorsed Manfred’s recommendations.

“Minor League Baseball is very appreciative of the time and effort that went into the research done by Major League Baseball in an effort to balance fan safety and the overall fan experience,” O’Conner said. “Minor League Baseball clubs strive to offer safe, family-friendly facilities for our fans and these recommendations will help ensure the safety of those fans sitting close to the action.”

The TinCaps know the expanded netting at Parkview Field will further establish Parkview Field’s reputation as a fan-first facility for entertainment, affordability, and guest safety.

While netting previously has guarded fans in Sections 105-111, the expanded netting will additionally cover Sections 103, 104, 112, and 113.

“We’ve researched this extensively,” Nuttersaid. “We know that expanding the protective netting at Parkview Field will best benefit our fans and their experience at the ballpark.”

Opening Day 2016 at Parkview Field is set for Saturday, April 9, at 6:05 p.m. when the TinCaps host the Lake County Captains (Cleveland Indians). Season tickets and tickets for group outings are now on sale. Individual game tickets will go on sale in February. To purchase tickets or find out more, call 260-482-6400 or visit TinCaps.com.