MADISON – Toyota Field, which enters its third year of operation this spring, is a gem of a park sitting just over the divide from neighboring Huntsville.

But the venue, which is home to the Double-A South Rocket City Trash Pandas, will add some upgrades for the fan experience before the start of the team’s second season.

Changes include a new outfield bar, a Mojo Speed Pitching Cage, extended netting and more.

Booz Allen Hamilton joins the Trash Pandas as a presenting sponsor for the 2022 season and will host a number of community events as well as a fireworks show Opening Night on April 12.

“We are thrilled to be a part of Trash Panda Nation,” said Kristina Barbee, principal for Booz Allen Hamilton, Huntsville. “For almost two decades, Booz Allen has been deeply rooted in the Huntsville community, proudly supporting local projects and organizations.”

According to a team press release, since 2003, Booz Allen has been providing a broad range of technology and engineering services to the Huntsville area while heavily investing in philanthropic partnerships across the Tennessee Valley.

“The atmosphere here is incredibly energetic and fun and we’re excited to be part of that spirit,” Barbee said. “We look forward to a successful baseball season.”

Among the new attractions is the Mojo Speed Pitch Cage. For a small fee, fans can have their pitch clocked and accuracy measured by throwing at a realistic catcher.

Also new will be a bar in center field near the bullpens, which will feature craft beers and signature Trash Pandas cocktails. That comes as part of the 360 experience, which is designed to provide a full game-day experience around the concourse with a variety of food and drink options.

The protective netting at Toyota Field has been extended throughout the ballpark to enhance fan safety. The original netting behind both dugouts and home plate has been raised 10 feet to a height of 35 feet. New netting has been added down both baselines and will taper down toward the foul poles to a height of about 12 feet.

“Fan safety is our number one priority at Toyota Field,” Trash Pandas General Manager Garrett Fahrmann said. “Our new protective netting will provide a safer atmosphere for everyone to watch the game without sacrificing the close-up views of the action that fans have grown to love.”

For suite and club level ticket holders, a New Era merchandise kiosk will be open near the press box during Trash Pandas games to give fans an opportunity to purchase caps and merchandise beyond the Junkyard Team Store.

Another addition is a Hawk-Eye system that has been added to provide installed will provide game information as speed of pitch, distance of a home run and more statistics.

Toyota Field is a cashless venue, accepting most major credit cards as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

For ticket information and rules regulating acceptable bags and prohibited outside items can be found at the team’s website.

Rocket City’s season begins April 8 at Birmingham.