Is Soldier Field Grass or Turf?
Location: 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL 60607
Home to the iconic Chicago Bears football team since 1971, Soldier Field is one of the most recognizable stadiums in the world. With its 61,500-seat capacity and stunning views of the Chicago skyline, Soldier Field is a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts. But have you ever stopped to think about the quality of the playing surface inside this historic stadium? Today, we’re going to settle the debate once and for all: is Soldier Field grass or turf?
Contents
**The Beginning of the End for Artificial Turf**
In the past, Soldier Field was faced with the challenge of aging grass, which made way for the introduction of astro turf in the 2013-2014 football season. The artificial grass, known as FieldTurf, was installed during a major renovation project led by the Chicago Bears in collaboration with the NFL (National Football League). For many fans, this development marked the end of tradition and the beginning of what some perceived as a bland, artificial playing surface. But was it fair to judge the new artificial turf without giving it a chance?
**The Advantages of Artificial Turf**
Here’s a list of benefits when it comes to artificial turf:
• Conservation: Artificial turf requires fewer resources, including water (up to 70 times less!) and maintenance teams. This eco-friendly measure has a significant impact when it comes to the financial and environmental costs associated with maintaining a natural grass.
• Durability: Artificial turf can withstand significant amounts of wear and tear, making it an attractive option for high-traffic stadiums like Soldier Field, where thousands of fans cram in to watch the biggest games.
• Cuts Maintenance Costs: Installing artificial turf eliminates the expenses associated with mowing, watering, and fertilizing natural grass, which also means less labor required overall.
• Year-round Use: Artificial turf plays just as well in -20°C temperatures as in +30°C temperatures.
**Where Does Grass Fit In?**
Natural grass has its drawbacks, but it also retains a certain charm and essence that artificial turf can only replicate. Here are the advantages of natural grass, particularly in a stadium:
• Aesthetics: Natural grass has its own unique charm, looking lush and vibrant, drawing in fans and creating the perfect atmosphere for sports action.
• Better Spacing: Natural grass accommodates the unique movements required for various sports, in this case, football; allowing for better player flexibility and performance.
• Healthier Players: Modern natural grass fields have antimicrobial properties, which benefit the health and safety of athletes by reducing the accumulation of bacteria and fungi growth.
**Soldier Field’s Real-Grass Experiment – 2019**
In April 2019, it was announced that Soldier Field would be returning to the use of natural grass football field. This change didn’t come without its unique challenges, including:
- Weather Conditions: To combat the Chicago climate – and its notorious lake- effect snow and rain!
- Field Preparation:
- Soil Test: Conducted to address soil quality and compaction.
- Irrigation System: Installed to cope with potential rain events.
- Re-grading: Done on the field to achieve necessary slopes and drainage.
On August 17, 2019, Soldier Field welcomed its first game utilizing the new natural grass (Kentucky Bluegrass to be specific). Now, let’s examine key takeaways from this historic experiment:
**Post-Change Performance**
• Improved Sod Quality: Soldier Field’s new natural grass resulted in a healthier, closer-to-perfect playing condition, with reduced issues affecting the field’s appearance after play.
• Significant Cost Savings: Installation costs for the new Kentucky Bluegrass were reportedly estimated to be around $9 million, a substantial budget decrease compared to the more expensive artificial turf.
**Conclusion**: Soldier Field Grass or Turf?**
After a six-year stint with artificial turf, Soldier Field returned to natural grass in 2019. While many still debate the merits and drawbacks of each option, the data suggests that Chicago’s iconic stadium now better caters to the diverse needs of its players (athletes) and maintains the classic, iconic aspect that fans love. Nonetheless, the choice between sold- grass and turf surfaces depends on various factors:
- Stadium Specifications: Capacity, location-specific climate, and event formats can influence the decision toward grass or turf.
• Maintenance Costs: If resources are a concern – like in Soldier Field during its renovation – artificial surfaces can be a more rational choice.
• Authenticity: Fans drawn to the nostalgia and timeless feel of natural grass could support the use of soil for their favorite teams instead of artificial turf.
Takeaway: Soldier Field officially uses natural grass, in the form of Kentucky Bluegrass, for its baseball games.
