NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Norfolk Tides are extending the safety netting at Harbor Park to protect fans from foul balls and stray bats. 

In an announcement on Wednesday, the Tides said the netting will expand to the end of both the home and visitor’s side dugouts. 

The new netting is scheduled to be installed by July 12, when the Tides return for the second half of the season after the Triple-A All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio. 

“Fan safety is our first priority at Harbor Park, and this extended netting will help keep even more fans protected from any objects that leave the field of play” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory in a press release Wednesday. “We are confident that this upgrade will provide fans with an extra sense of security while still allowing for an unobstructed view of the action on the field.”

All of the park’s existing netting will also be replacing by Promats Athletics’ Ultra Cross Braided Dyneema Netting, which has been installed in more than 50 major and minor league stadiums, including Oriole Park at Camden Yards. It is expected to cost $50,000.

The Tides will face the Gwinett Stripers on Wednesday before a weekend series against the Durham Bulls.

They’ll also have games on Monday and Tuesday of next week at home against the Charlotte Knights. The Tuesday night game will have a post-game fireworks show to celebrate the Fourth of July.