Red Sox Unveil Fenway Park Safety, Fan Experience Improvements
BOSTON (CBS) – The Red Sox unveiled safety and fan experience upgrades at Fenway Park as the team readies for its home opener on Monday.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh toured the historic ballpark on Friday morning.
Among the noticeable changes at the park is the new protective netting that follows Major League Baseball's recommendations aimed at protecting fans.
Netting now stretches from the Red Sox dugout to the visiting team's dugout. According to the Red Sox, the netting extends 9 feet, 8 inches from the top of the wall in front of the first row of seats.
The previously existing netting behind home plate, which includes the portion that stretched above fans' heads, has also been replaced.
David Rosario, who was sitting next to Tonya Carpenter when she was hit by a piece of a broken bat, praised the additional netting added at the ballpark.
"It's about time and when you see from the photos of the net you can barely see it," Rosario said. "It's about time Red Sox and MLB recognized safety first for the fans! Thank you to all those who have support Tonya in the last 10 months."
Red Sox ownership added 222 new seats in the right field State Street Pavilion section.
New concession stand options have also been added in advance of the team's Fenway Park opener.
The concession area in the third base concourse inside Gate E was renovated and includes a new bar called "3rd Base Saloon."
The bar will serve craft beers and includes tables and televisions around the bar.
Children's meals will be offered this season for $5. The meal includes peanut butter and jelly, goldfish, and a bottle of water.
Aramark has added a new concession stand into the main concourse. The stand will have rotating monthly specials that will include items including a loaded baked potato bar, homemade macaroni and cheese, and a "double play dog" that is two hot dogs in a jumbo bun.
Among the technology enhancements for the upcoming season is a virtual reality experience that aims to show fans "what it's like to be a Red Sox player during the 2016 season."
The virtual reality stations will be located inside Wally's Clubhouse, the Kids Concourse, and on the Budweiser Right Field Roof Deck.
Fans will get their first look at all the improvements to Fenway Park when the Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.
