Grass? In a Dome?
Crews at the Georgia Dome spent the weekend installing a grass field in preparation for Wednesday’s soccer match between Mexico and Venezuala.
It will be the first time the venue hosts an event on a grass field (click here for photos).
Sod from Precision Turf in Lilburn was laid in 4-by-8 foot sections. It will be removed after the game and more grass will be put down in preparation for another soccer match on July 22.
In chatting with head groundskeeper Jim Hewitt (@FalconsGrounds) Tuesday I learned the grass doesn’t need much to stay in place. A bed of plastic and plywood do the trick for a base (pictured) and the large sections of grass (about 2 inches thick) buddy up and start to connect.
I also learned that grass, especially in Georgia, needs plenty of heat and light to grow.
That was a problem when the idea of putting a natural surface in an indoor stadium was first explored.
Engineers of the Astrodome originally put down Bermuda grass, which would — in theory — grow under a semitransparent roof. A section of the roof was painted to prevent glare which, combined with the problem of growing grass in the absence of sunlight, led to the demise of the concept.
The Houston Texans also play on a grass field inside of Reliant Stadium, but the sod is brought in and out of the retractable-roof facility on trays. The Arizona Cardinals also play on grass under a retractable roof, but the entire field is tracked in and out of the stadium.
According to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta plans to be in a proposal to host World Cup games in 2018 or 2022
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you you i can’t beleive i am talking to the folcon but i am your#1 fan
I have always wondered why domed stadiums didn’t sport real grass turf. You can install the necessary lighting and adjust the indoor environment to make the grass happy. Considering the potential for injury on artificial turf, something like this would seem to be just a no-brainer.
I’m with you. I think cost and use are limiting factors. Most domed buildings get used by a ton of people — high schools, colleges, pros, conventions, etc. With artificial turf getting better, it’s just more cost effective to go with a solution that’s cheaper and easier to move in and out. It would be great to have everyone on natural grass, though.
J Mike,speed or lack there of is the reason teams don’t like grass!Turf really gives you a chance to exploit teams with your speed players.Injuries are just a part of the game.Why do you think it is so hard to stop New Orleans,and the Rams at home?
I think that all dome stadiums should sport real grass, because there are or might be advantages to teams who play in dome because of the turf. Plus real grass would make it feel likeyou are playin outside, which is more fun anyway,).