The Kane County Cougars have announced that new protective netting at Northwestern Medicine Field will be extended for the upcoming 2019 season.

Currently, the protective netting covers sections 108-112 behind home plate. The new netting will now span the entire length of the seating bowl from sections 103-118.

In February of 2018, Major League Baseball announced that all 30 teams would extend protective netting to at least the end of each dugout. The Cougars decision to extend the protective netting was based on research provided by ballparks across the country as well as a belief that the netting will enhance the fan experience.

“This is a project that we have been researching and discussing for months,” said Cougars Vice President and General Manager Curtis Haug. “We know the expansion of the protective netting will not only increase the visual experience for fans, but also peace of mind for families visiting the ballpark.”

The Cougars will work with Custom Net Backstops, Inc. (www.CustomNetBackstops.com) on the project as the existing netting is replaced with a thinner and stronger material known as Dyneema. The new material will reduce the visual impact on spectators, making the netting virtually invisible to the eye after only a few minutes.

“We are excited to be a part of the growing norm of implementing protective netting at MiLB ballparks across all levels,” said Custom Net Backstops owner Jim Cruea. “The Kane County Cougars project will consist of engineering and installing #18 Dyneema netting above the dugouts and down to each of the bullpen areas.”

Installation of the expanded netting is expected to be completed by the end of March, just in time for Opening Night on Thursday, April 4. The Cougars will host the Clinton LumberKings at 6:30 PM while the first 1,500 fans will receive a 2019 Opening Night cap, courtesy of Northwestern Medicine.

Single-game tickets for the 2019 season are on sale now at www.kccougars.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 630-232-8811 or visiting the box office at Northwestern Medicine Field.

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About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates.

A total of 161 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.