I found this very interesting that they are using Bermuda grass. This is a ‘warm season’ grass that does not do well the further you move away from the equator.
I’m curious to see if they transition to the Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye blend as the season progresses.
The field is re-sodded multiple times during an NFL season so the transition mid-season is possible. Soldier field could perform great when the weather is warm during the early season (September)…but as the temperature cools in Chicago the turf will not recover as quickly in between games (thus the mid-season transition).
They could use tarps to cover the field, which causes heat to be trapped, and can create ‘warmer’ conditions that bermuda likes. We do this on golf greens here in the transitional zone of North Carolina. Greens get tarped when the temperatures drop too low (near freezing or frost).
As a turf manager, this is wild news that Soldier field is attempting to play on Bermuda grass in Chicago, Illinois. I know my eyes will be watching the pro’s up in Illinois to see how they handle this transition.
Imagine starting an ice cube farm in Arizona…that is the pressure these people will be dealing with at Soldier Field.
We grow the grass for people to use (sports, recreation)…but in the process of ‘using’ the turf the people destroy the plant.
High volume traffic is a killer. It’s why the cups gets changed everyday on golf courses. It’s not for a fresh new cup…it’s to limit the damage caused by all the feet stomping around the tiny cup. The local park here in my town shuts down the two soccer fields every year for the entire month of July. It makes me so happy to see the fields roped off. It gets beat up for 11 months but that 1 month of recovery in July allows the fields to be enjoyed by the public year after year.
You coaches out there…don’t practice/drill in the same spots. Move the soccer nets, take fly balls in different areas each week.
Take care of your fields and they will take care of you and your players.
If they create a sloppy field to slow teams down they’re just going to to get Justin fields killed. If he can’t run behind that line he won’t last the season.
When you are used to it, and the other team isn’t…
Just like how cold weather and snow should technically be a disadvantage for both teams…but one of 'em’s used to it.
I remember reading stories about how teams would let the grass get long before Barry came to town to try to slow him down or make him wear cleats… soldier field has always been bad for as long as I can remember though… not sure how much that has helped or hurt the home team.
Worst field to my memory was Veteran’s Stadium. Worse than silverdome astroturf and was outdoors.
Right on! Didn’t know that but I believe it. It’s home field advantage so I have no problem with it… that’s why outdoor stadiums are so awesome! You have a little more ability to manipulate the field to your advantage.
Not quite the same but will never forget the stories of Scotty Bowman having the visitor’s locker room repainted before playoff games. I love the smell of fresh paint but not everyone does… just get ‘em to huff some of those fumes beforehand and then we come out and kick your butt
