The death of a fan last weekend at Turner Field "raises questions about the height of guard rails" at the Braves' new ballpark when it opens in '17, according to Charles Odum of the AP. The Braves said that they had "safety in mind when planning SunTrust Park even before Gregory Murrey's death Saturday night." Team officials yesterday "would not release plans for railing heights at the new stadium." The railings at Turner Field "meet industry requirements, but the team could exceed those heights at their new building." Braves President John Schuerholz said that the death "wouldn't influence construction plans" at the new ballpark. Schuerholz: "We're not going to tie that into how you design a facility. It was a sad, tragic event. We obviously abide by industry regulations and we'll continue to do that. That's what we'll do. We made our plans long before this event occurred" (AP, 8/31). The Braves in a statement said team execs are working with architects to "ensure that SunTrust Park has effective safety protocols in place at the time of opening." In Atlanta, Klepal & Stafford note the Braves "did not provide specifics on what measures will be put in place" at the new ballpark (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 9/1).
BRICK IN THE WALL: In Minneapolis, Nick Halter reports the Twins are "planning to remake the fan area beyond Target Field’s center field, underneath the Minnie and Paul sign." Team President Dave St. Peter said that final designs "are not complete, but a couple hundred seats will be removed directly above" the ballpark's black wall in center field. He added that in their place "will be seating with drink rails, 'premium' standing room and new concessions options." Halter notes the move will "result in an overall decline in seating, but an increase in fan capacity at Target Field." St. Peter said that more details and renderings "would be released in September or October." Halter notes construction "would begin" after the MLB playoffs in early November. Minnesota Ballpark Authority Exec Dir Dan Kenney said that the project will be "several million dollars and completely funded by the Twins" (MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL BUSINESS JOURNAL, 8/28 issue).
'PEN AND PAPER: In Chicago, Paul Sullivan reported the Cubs' plan to move the Wrigley Field bullpens to an enclosed area under the bleachers "has been pushed back" until '17. The bullpens "have been located down the first- and third-base foul lines for decades, giving fans close proximity to pitchers as they warm up." But the Cubs "decided to add seats down the lines in their ongoing renovation and have cited safety issues as a reason for the bullpen switch" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/29).
