Beacon BallieldDimensionsGuide-2024-WEB - Flipbook - Page 18
FACILITY AMENITIES
Fan Safety |
T H E K E Y FA C T O R S T O P R O T E C T I N G P L AY E R S & FA N S
Today’s fans face many distractions at the ballpark. Cell phones, ball park entertainment, and casual conversations bring increased risk for
fan injury from line drive foul balls or errant balls from adjacent fields. Balancing fan safety with the ultimate ballpark experience boils down to
a few key factors. Consider these important topics to help you effectively address fan and player safety.
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The areas to protect
Prioritize safety, but within budget
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Ways to provide protection
Your needs will vary depending upon the style
While complete protection may be your goal at the
Examine the layout of your entire facility. Look at
of facility — single field, multi-field, mixed sport
outset, the reality is your budget will play a huge
it from the spectator’s point of view. Now, think
complex, or wagon wheel / cloverleaf design.
role in what is feasible. Determine if your facility
about the flight of the ball off the bat. Considering
Consider these areas when planning your strategy.
is most in need of directional protection from line
these elements together is what makes for a smart
drives, or overhead protection from foul pop-ups.
design. From there, your options include:
Outline and prioritize your key areas to protect.
Consider a multi-year approach to accomplish
◾ Placement of physical barriers
(netting systems, shade structures)
your goals and remain within budget. In any case,
◾ Landscaping (trees, hillsides)
an excellent solution can still be found with a
◾ Risk awareness signs
◾ Fan seating areas and pedestrian flow
◾ Handicapped seating, playgrounds
◾ Closely adjacent parking or buildings
◾ Concession areas
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◾ Bullpens, batting cages, warmup areas
strategic combination of netting, deciduous trees
◾ Adjacent fields
and risk awareness signs.
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