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For Immediate Release July 10, 2017 Media Contact: Dave Schermerhorn (860) 887-7962 x 118 DODD STADIUM PROTECTIVE NETTING EXTENDED FOR FAN SAFETY Fan safety, MLB guidelines at forefront of decision NORWICH, CT- The Connecticut Tigers in conjunction with the City of Norwich announce the extension of protective netting at Dodd Stadium beginning with the Tigers home game on Tuesday, July 11th. Fans who attend Connecticut Tigers games this season will be safer than ever, as the City of Norwich and the Tigers have extended the safety netting to further protect fans from flying objects. The protective safety netting, which blocks foul balls and broken bats from vulnerable seating areas, will be expanded to cover one full additional seating section over the home plate end of each dugout. These changes were prompted by increasing safety concerns as evidenced by recommendations issued by Major League Baseball. “The safety of our fans has always been and will always be of the utmost importance to us. We take great pride in providing a safe and clean facility,” said Tigers General Manager Dave Schermerhorn. “This was a decision made in conjunction with the City of Norwich to protect our fans and meet the recommendation of Major League Baseball. Players are bigger and stronger than ever, which results in balls and bats reaching the stands faster than ever. We feel this upgrade will allow fans a better experience, with a reduction in concerns over safety.” The existing protective netting covers sections 9-13 located between the home and visitors dugouts. The expanded netting will provide added protection for the fans sitting on the first base side in sections 8; and along the third base side in section 14. In December 2015, 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 echoed Manfred's call for further protection. "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," Minor League President & CEO Pat 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 Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. 2017 group tickets, individual game tickets and team merchandise are now on sale! The front office and box office is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962. ###