Rangers Modify Ballpark for Safety Following Fan Death

Following the tragic death of firefighter Shannon Stone at a Rangers game on July 7, the Texas Rangers will be implementing several new safety measures at The Ballpark in Arlington.

FATAL FIELD: Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers plays in the outfield against the Oakland Athletics at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Following the tragic death of firefighter Shannon Stone at a Rangers game on July 7, the Texas Rangers will be implementing several new safety measures at The Ballpark in Arlington. The new measures will raise the safety railing at the ballpark, as well as adding new signage.

Stone died after falling 20 feet from the left field reserve seats into the section behind the left field wall while trying to catch a fly ball from left fielder Josh Hamilton at the end of the inning.

To assist in fan safety, the Rangers organization will raise the height of the rails, according to their press release, “to the highest standard in the United States at this time.” The statement also said, “All current rail heights in Rangers Ballpark in Arlington currently exceed code.”

CEO and President Nolan Ryan said in a press release, “The safety of our fans is our top priority. The initiatives we are announcing today for Rangers Ballpark in Arlington will help to ensure that we meet that priority.”

Ryan was just released from the hospital on Tuesday after experiencing discomfort on Sunday. Test results were negative for any new heart problems and he will take medication and rest, according to press release from the team.

New Signs

While the new rails are being installed, the team will implement three new steps to ensure fan safety. The organization will install signs at all of the rails that read, “Do not lean, sit on, or stand against rail.” There will also be a pre-game announcement before every game repeating message on the signs. Security and customer service staff will also be diligent in enforcing the new policies with the fans sitting near rails.

Not the First Time

This incident is not the first time a fan has fallen over the rails at The Ballpark in Arlington. Several archived articles from The Dallas Morning News reported on the other incident.

At the home opener of the 1994 season, which was also the first ever game at the stadium, Plano resident Holly Minter, 26, fell 35 feet over the railing over the Home Run Porch in right field while taking a photo. She survived, suffering only a broken arm, ribs, and neck, but did not sustain paralysis.

At that time, the Rangers organization added 46 warning signs advising against leaning or sitting on the rails. They reiterated that the railing was safe and within code.

Follow Kristen on Twitter @Call2theBullpen