Field turf at BDS

[carl childers]

With the issues Bama constantly seems to have with the turf in BDS, I wonder what the possibility of putting in artificial turf would be? I was on that field in 2015 when I officiated at the Super 7, and let me tell you it was not pretty. The corners of the end zones were basically painted dirt, and the middle of the field was really chewed up. I believe a big problem is with the upper decks all the way around, the amount of sunlight the grass gets is very limited. Artificial turf has come light years from when it used to be down at BDS, and I for one would not mind it a bit. What are your thoughts?

[2Stater]

With the issues Bama constantly seems to have with the turf in BDS, I wonder what the possibility of putting in artificial turf would be? I was on that field in 2015 when I officiated at the Super 7, and let me tell you it was not pretty. The corners of the end zones were basically painted dirt, and the middle of the field was really chewed up. I believe a big problem is with the upper decks all the way around, the amount of sunlight the grass gets is very limited. Artificial turf has come light years from when it used to be down at BDS, and I for one would not mind it a bit. What are your thoughts?

Or just keep flying in helicopters every week. 

You've got a point. Never thought about the upper decks blocking out the sun. I wonder if they've even considered new artificial turf?

[carl childers]

I call HS games on the newer type turf and it great. Cushiony, realistic feel.

[2Stater]

I call HS games on the newer type turf and it great. Cushiony, realistic feel.

I remember the old artificial turfs were the cause of so many injuries.

[carl childers]

I call HS games on the newer type turf and it great. Cushiony, realistic feel.

I remember the old artificial turfs were the cause of so many injuries.

That old stuff was basically fuzzy concrete. Turf now has longer blades and has small rubber pellets raked into it. Makes the grass stand up plus cushions it.

[McBaman]

With the issues Bama constantly seems to have with the turf in BDS, I wonder what the possibility of putting in artificial turf would be? I was on that field in 2015 when I officiated at the Super 7, and let me tell you it was not pretty. The corners of the end zones were basically painted dirt, and the middle of the field was really chewed up. I believe a big problem is with the upper decks all the way around, the amount of sunlight the grass gets is very limited. Artificial turf has come light years from when it used to be down at BDS, and I for one would not mind it a bit. What are your thoughts?

The "lack of sunlight" issue has been mentioned before and linked to the last round of construction.  As the season goes on and the sun gets lower in the sky, the amount of sun is reduced.  Probably some areas get no direct sun after Oct.

I wonder if overseeding with a different kind of grass would work?  It would have to be a "low sunlight" grass and I'm sure the folks responsible for the field know more than I do.

Another point: Fields used to be covered when there was a lot of rain.  Do they do that anymore?

[ricky023]

I always hated artificial turf for the injuries. You all know more than I though. RTR!

[N.AL-Tider]

I think it would be nice if they would remove whatever turf they have now, spread about 4" of good topsoil and then sod the field with Zoysia turf.  Zoysia is very tolerant of less sunlight and will in some cases grow well with just a little sunlight.  It is far better than Bermuda, even the "hybrid" Bermuda grasses.  It also grows really thick when properly cared for which would give the "cushion" effect mentioned above.

[Chechem]

I think it would be nice if they would remove whatever turf they have now, spread about 4" of good topsoil and then sod the field with Zoysia turf.  Zoysia is very tolerant of less sunlight and will in some cases grow well with just a little sunlight.  It is far better than Bermuda, even the "hybrid" Bermuda grasses.  It also grows really thick when properly cared for which would give the "cushion" effect mentioned above.

I thought Zoysia couldn't tolerate full sun.
Not sure, but that's been my observation in our neighborhood.  Usually folks here plant turf that includes a Bermuda-Zoysia mix, and the conditions dictate which survives best.  I know Zoysia is less drought tolerant, but that shouldn't be an issue as field turf.   

[carl childers]

Another thought: since the bermuda turf is shade intolerant, is it possible to have sun lamps for when the sun starts getting lower in the fall?

[ricky023]

Another thought: since the bermuda turf is shade intolerant, is it possible to have sun lamps for when the sun starts getting lower in the fall?

This an idea for real. We have the money to cover those for light to the grass. RTR!

[N.AL-Tider]

I think it would be nice if they would remove whatever turf they have now, spread about 4" of good topsoil and then sod the field with Zoysia turf.  Zoysia is very tolerant of less sunlight and will in some cases grow well with just a little sunlight.  It is far better than Bermuda, even the "hybrid" Bermuda grasses.  It also grows really thick when properly cared for which would give the "cushion" effect mentioned above.

I thought Zoysia couldn't tolerate full sun.
Not sure, but that's been my observation in our neighborhood.  Usually folks here plant turf that includes a Bermuda-Zoysia mix, and the conditions dictate which survives best.  I know Zoysia is less drought tolerant, but that shouldn't be an issue as field turf.   

Zoysia can tolerate full sun.  There are several  softball fields up here in North Alabama that has it covering their outfields.  Totally full sun.  I think the problems your neighbors have may be due to a lack of watering during the extremely hot, dry months...

[Catch Prothro]

I call HS games on the newer type turf and it great. Cushiony, realistic feel.

I remember the old artificial turfs were the cause of so many injuries.

That old stuff was basically fuzzy concrete. Turf now has longer blades and has small rubber pellets raked into it. Makes the grass stand up plus cushions it.

You can tell when they're playing on fake turf -- those black rubber pellets pop up and look ridiculous.  I can imagine them getting in someone's eyes or nose.
 And when the turf rips, like it did near the end zone in one NFL game, it is a complete mess.  Give me grass any day.

[SUPERCOACH]

I prefer grass.  I am still skeptical about injuries on turf, even though "they" say that is not a problem any more.  I think "they" are probably the Turf Salesman of America Association. 

Remember Kenyan Drakes horrific injury at Ole Miss on their turf?  I noticed during the Egg Bowl the other night they have natural grass now.

Simple physics are at play.  Natural grass will create a divot when there is excessive force through the athletes foot.  Artificial turf doesn't create a divot, and that excessive force is absorbed by the athletes body.  Not a good equation.

[SUPERCOACH]

And I forgot to mention that artificial turf is just plain ugly.  You would think they could at least get the shade of green correct so that it doesn't look like plastic.

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