In Philadelphia, Natalie Kostelni noted the Phillies spent $30M to "enhance the fan experience at Citizens Bank Park" and have plans to make "additional changes in the future." The centerpiece of the project launched last year is an area "called the Yard." It is "focused on entertaining younger fans and engaging them with the game of baseball." The Yard is located in the right field area where Bull’s BBQ had been and includes a "replica of a much smaller version of the Phillies ball field." There, kids can "hit Wiffle balls, visit a dugout that mirrors the Phillies, experience a Hatfield hot dog launcher ... and test their skills on a climbing wall" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/3).
ADDING NEW TO THE OLD: In Boston, Billy Baker notes the Red Sox "premiered some new additions" to Fenway Park that will be "awaiting fans this season." One of those additions is the Jim Beam Dugout, which is "located next to the photographers’ pit that borders the Red Sox dugout, the new area is below grade, mimicking the view of players on the bench." The area accommodates 25 people, with stools "pulled up to a counter that is right on top of the new protective screen." The area also features "cutesy dugout items like bats and helmets and a Gatorade cooler" (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/4).
FOR YOUR SAFETY: In N.Y., John Harper notes the new protective netting at Yankee Stadium "not only extends to the far ends of each dugout, but well down each foul line offering more protection than many of the other ballparks that had already added more netting." It is "very noticeable, mainly because the netting is attached to posts in front of the seats beyond each dugout to hold it in place." That drew a "few complaints from fans" yesterday, but most people were in "favor of the added protection" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/4).
NEW EATS: In St. Paul, Jess Fleming noted the Twins have "new foods they'll be serving this season at Target Field." There are a "few new vendors, but the biggest change" is the addition of Bat and Barrel, a "new dining area that features five food and beverage 'experiences.'" The space is "open to the public." The other "brand-new addition" is a stand from the Holy Land Deli (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 4/3).
