Grass is always greener

Michigan State players find turf switch appealing

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The installation of natural grass at Spartan Stadium is on schedule and expected to be ready for the Michigan State football team to practice on in August.

As of Wednesday afternoon, about half of the 4,800 grass modules that will make up the playing surface had been placed into the floor of the stadium, The State News reported.

Associate athletic director Greg Ianni said the timing was right to pull up Spartan Stadium's eight-season-old artificial turf. He said it probably could have lasted a few more years, but was fairly worn out.

The major benefits of a modular field include rapid drainage, air exchange and forced heating capabilities. If a section of the field gets damaged, the individual modules can be replaced in a few hours, The Detroit News reported.

When each of the sections are locked in place, Michigan State will have its first grass football playing surface since 1968, according to the Lansing State Journal. About 1,200 replacement modules will be ready at all times. The grass has been growing in 45-inch square trays for 13 months.

The system is similar to the one developed by Michigan State turf grass scientists for the 1994 World Cup that allowed grass to be installed at the Pontiac Silverdome.

Michigan State coach Bobby Williams said a natural surface helps recruiting efforts, and the new field is something his coaches were using two recruiting classes ago.

"This is awesome," Williams told the Detroit Free Press. "Just standing on it, it's a significant difference. It brings the stadium to life."

Williams said a natural surface is more appealing because it cuts down on injuries.

 

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