Additional safety nets coming to Coastal Carolina’s baseball stadium
Additional nets are coming to Coastal Carolina Baseball’s stadium in hopes of keeping fans and players safe.
Across baseball, from colleges to the major league, stadiums are expanding nets. Foul balls and errant throws can send balls and bats flying into the stands. And fans can sometimes send them back onto the field.
“I think it’s something that if you look at the trend at Major League Baseball as it’s coming down,” University President David DeCenzo said. “I think this is something we’re going to be seeing more and more.”
CCU currently warns fans about the potential risks of attending a baseball game through signs around the stadium and on the tickets. There has only been a couple of instances of a person being hit by a ball, but the university keeps insurance in case of a lawsuit.
Springs Brooks Stadium already has nets along the grandstand, but the new nets would also protect the berm area along the outfield that is popular with kids. Athletic Director Matt Hogue said the baseball team’s coaches support more nets.
The nets will cost close to $50,000. Funding will come from capital improvement funds CCU has on hand, according to Finance Director David Frost.
This story was originally published December 17, 2019 at 11:03 AM.
