Field Issues?

54cy · 04-19-2008, 11:18 PM

I am sure that I am not the only fan that took notice of the poor field, or lack there of today. Didn't the grounds crew win national awards as recently as a couple of years ago for the impecable condition of the turf in JTS. Moreover, isn't ISU an agricultural university? One would think that they could get some grass to grow. Not a big issue, just an observation.

cytech · 04-19-2008, 11:24 PM

I thought I remembered hearing it needs to be redone. I also think there was some field turf discussion too. I don't recall if a decision was made or not.

cyclonez7 · 04-19-2008, 11:26 PM

I heard on the radio that they were going to tear up the field after the game. I'm not sure what for though.

StormnClone58 · 04-19-2008, 11:29 PM

rumor i heard is that field has lived almost double its expectency ..... but also that they are tearing it up after today and laying new down for next season ...

SeattleClone · 04-19-2008, 11:34 PM

The field looked like crap today, but I am not concerned about it. I'm sure it will be just fine on August 28th.

Cyclone62 · 04-19-2008, 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by cyclonez7

I heard on the radio that they were going to tear up the field after the game. I'm not sure what for though.

My guess is spring. Right now is the best time to lay sod because of the moisture that is (likely) to be there naturally. Also, the winter is the second hardest season on sod (summer is first), so after the Colorado game in November, the crew probably left the sod as it was to try and survive the winter. Fields for soccer and football need new sod much more frequently than regular lawns do.

For other posters, it has nothing to do with the grounds crew as much as it does the tendencies of natural organisms. This is something that gets beaten down hard, not concrete.

tman24 · 04-19-2008, 11:37 PM

its not like it has been raining the last two days either

CrossCyed · 04-19-2008, 11:39 PM

Yeah, it's getting replaced. Probably just wanted to stretch it through spring practice so that it'd be trod on that much less before the summer and fall.

CyForPresident · 04-19-2008, 11:49 PM

The currently turf lasted for 8 years while the normal life expectancy is 5. The turf crew is that good to get an 3 extra years out of it. It was showing its age at the end of last season. The athletic department was hoping to get a few more years out of it because when the south endzone is constructed the turf will have to be replaced. Unfortunately the turf wont last a few years and a new one will be going in later this spring. If the turf could have lasted until the construction, then it would have saved ISU around $250,000 (Cost of putting in a new turf). Don't worry it will look awesome come August.

I believe ISU has won 8 straight national championships for Turf Grass Management.

cys_av8r · 04-20-2008, 12:17 AM

A poor football field after a crap winter and a wet spring. People really will complain about anything.

cmoneyr · 04-20-2008, 12:50 AM

I believe ISU has won 8 straight national championships for Turf Grass Management.

ISU! ISU! ISU!

twojman · 04-20-2008, 01:03 AM

To confirm what someone else said. John Walters said that on Monday they are ripping up the turf and putting new sod/grass/turf whatever you want to call it in.

ketelmeister · 04-20-2008, 07:40 AM

Comments are right on...it has outlived it normal life and with weakened root system comes winter kill. That's what you saw yesterday. It's full of pot holes filled with sand and it worn out. It will be fun to see it anew along with all the new dressing on the stadium. All new logos, paint etc will be cool.

travman23 · 04-20-2008, 08:45 AM

It didn't look great but then again my lawn isn't in it's best shape at this point either so it really didn't bother me. It'll be looking great by August I'm sure

kingcy · 04-20-2008, 10:07 AM

Grass needs heat and sun to grow and look good. We have been a little short of both those things this spring.