Field Turf

BelgradeBobcat · Post by **BelgradeBobcat** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 4:53 pm

If a cow won't eat it...

There are advantages to the new generation of artificial turf. Topping the list is a better surface late in the season. I've been on the field after games in November-it's pretty rough.

The other advantage-makes the stadium a little more multi-purpose. Perhpas hosting high school playoff games or state championship games.

Gives the team a better surface to practice on late in the season.

I could be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure I recall Kramer stating he is in favor of an artificial turf in the stadium. He's also campaigning for an indoor practice facility.

Nothing's going to happen until the debt's retired, or a really big money donor steps up.

NavyBlue · Post by **NavyBlue** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 7:41 am

MSU would not be the first Ag school in the West to go to a field turf product if they put it in. At Utah State we put in "Sprinturf" the same thing they have in Missoula. The coaches and players love it, even those who before it was put in did not think they would like it.

If MSU had sprinturf they could host high school championships and get players on campus while they are still in high school which would help recruiting.

At USU we had many people who did not like the fact that at an Ag school we played on fake grass. After a year of having sprinturf, no one is complaining.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 7:53 am

If they go to Sprinturf then so be it. It does have some positives such as hosting other venues, but I just like grass a lot better. I think we need to close off the south endzone first before we invest on a field playing surface though. I guess we'll see how it goes in the next few years.

Helcat72 · Post by **Helcat72** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:25 am

I wonder what Kramer would say if you asked him "off the record" about putting in the Sprinturf...I've heard him spout the "football was made to be played on grass" mantra before, but you gotta admit that arificial turf would give the team more time for practice in foul weather.

mquast53000 · Post by **mquast53000** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:30 am

You have to admit that having other events on the field during the year sure would help… It would be added revenue and like NavyBlue said, it would be a nice recruiting tool to bring in those high school players…

One last note, Kramer is in favor of the new turf, so really the only thing holding MSU back is simply not having the funds.

Cat Pride · Post by **Cat Pride** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:28 am

Helcat72 wrote:I wonder what Kramer would say if you asked him "off the record" about putting in the Sprinturf...I've heard him spout the "football was made to be played on grass" mantra before, but you gotta admit that arificial turf would give the team more time for practice in foul weather.

Correction, I have heard Kramer say the exact opposite. In fact, when hired, he put MSU on the path to getting the Sprinturf. Actually, MSU was looking at getting the stuff in (gasp) before UM ever looked at it! The stopper was once research provided the overall cost of the project, and the fact that MSU didnt have a Cliff Edwards. But make no mistake, Kramer wanted the stuff.

Cat Pride · Post by **Cat Pride** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:29 am

mquast53000 wrote:One last note, Kramer is in favor of the new turf, so really the only thing holding MSU back is simply not having the funds.

Exactamundo!

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:36 pm

Chargers practice field is going to fieldturf as well. I Love this quote though:

“With training camp coming to Chargers Park for the first time this year, we wanted to upgrade our facility and make sure the field could withstand the additional usage,” Steeg said. “FieldTurf has set the standard and become the norm for artificial turf fields in the NFL and around the country. Our players say it’s like playing on natural grass.”

Its like playing on real grass! What a concept

Why don't they play on real grass then

http://www.chargers.com/news/headline_d ... s_key=2134

theblackgecko · Post by **theblackgecko** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 4:57 pm

When Judas Glenn left Montana from Wyoming, the first thing he wanted at War Memorial Stadium was SprintTurf, just like at Montana.
Here's a quote:
http://www.sprinturf.com/quotes.htm
Apparently, Joe had his way.
http://wyomingathletics.collegesports.c ... 05aaa.html

In terms of costs, grass field maintenence is expensive. If the AD can show that the upfront cost will be balanced by reduced maintenence costs, then it makes sense to raise the revenue through bonds in order to go ahead with the project. So, from a financial perspective, upfront costs wouldn't be a good reason not to go ahead with a Fieldturf project. [/u]

BobcatLionFan · Post by **BobcatLionFan** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 5:05 pm

CARDIAC_CATS wrote:Its like playing on real grass! What a concept Why don't they play on real grass then

I believe the comparison was for playing on game day grass that is used only once every other week, thus giving time to recover. Thus the grass is in great condition and you have the full benifits of grass in feel with the condition.
The turf doesn't wear, so you can practice day after day and have the grass feel also. It doesn't go to thin and dirt spots.
Also it is not effected by the cold as much.