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May 19, 2021

Designetics Helps the Mud Hens Get Back to the Ol’ Ballpark


MudHens stadium outfitted with protective barriers.

When the worldwide pandemic truncated the 2020 Major League Baseball season and eliminated the entirety of the Minor League Baseball season, many fans, players and pundits were left to wonder if there would be a viable 2021 season. But careful measures and a focus on safety have given new life to baseball in 2021. And the Toledo Mud Hens are no exception.

Enhancing the Stadiums Safety


The minor league organization has partnered with Designetics to enhance the safety and security of Fifth Third Field for both players and fans alike, with the introduction of a host of 2Shield protective barriers throughout the stadium.

2Shield is a transparent plexiglass barrier offering aerosol protection from viruses and germs. For the majority of the project at Fifth Third Field, Designetics built custom barriers throughout the stadium, including stands, vendor and player areas or other high-traffic spots, offering both mounted and tabletop protection against aerosol transmission while still providing exceptional sightlines for everyone. Designetics also manufacturers portable 2Shields with locking wheels for mobile use, but both Designetics officials and Mud Hens staff felt using custom non-moveable barriers in the ballpark would enhance safety measures.

“We wanted to ensure a smooth transition to a great season of baseball for both our players and fans,” says Andi Roman, Communications & Media Director for the Toledo Mud Hens. “2Shield was an obvious choice to limit the spread of germs throughout the ballpark.”

An added bonus: 2Shield is manufactured in Holland, OH, a fast-pitch away from Fifth Third Field, so delivery and installation were seamless. In fact, Designetics personnel could easily assess needs with a quick drive to meet with Mud Hens staff. A walk-through of the stadium allowed the Designetics team to strategically determine the best placement of 2Shield barriers for maximum impact.

“We developed 2Shield out of a desire to help mitigate risk of germ and virus spread,” says Sydney Spraw, Ph.D., President of Designetics. “Knowing the Toledo Mud Hens want to craft the best and safest experience for fans and staff seemed like a perfect fit. We’re excited that we were able to be a part of getting the Mud Hens back onto the field and fans in the stands.”