An artist's rendering of a new left field patio feature planned for Chukchansi Park by the new ownership group.

New additions to Chukchansi Park mean Fresno Grizzlies fans will be a little bit safer in 2018 in addition to having a new gathering area by left field.

In an effort to prevent injury to attendees from line drives and foul balls, extended protective netting will be in place by opening day on April 10.

“This is a proactive measure; with our renewed focus on fan experience, the last thing we want is what should be a fun occasion and a trip to a Grizzlies game spoiled by an injury,” said Fresno Grizzlies president Derek Franks. “We want to avoid a major incident, but extended netting will also cut way down on minor injuries caused by balls headed for the seats, and will eliminate the nuisance of scrambling away from line drives.”

Another project aimed at improving the experience for baseball fans is a new terrace that the new owners revealed.

About 1,000 seats from three sections at far left field, near the taco trucks, will be taken out and replaced by patio-type umbrellas, tables and chairs where guests, regardless of seat number, can congregate. The team expects construction to be finished by about mid-season, according to Paul Braverman with the Grizzlies.

Funding was provided by a plan that took money from the city, which owns the stadium, the team’s previous owners as well as its current owners, Fresno Sports and Events.

Opening Day for the Grizzlies will be April 10. Season tickets are already on sale and the upcoming schedule can be found at FresnoGrizzlies.com.