Jose Romero of the Seattle Times is reporting that the MLS Cup Final will be played on the existing Fieldturf of Qwest Field. Ugh! I wonder if this has anything to do with the decision?
...I received an e-mail from the league with this information.
- MLS worked very closely with the Qwest Field and Sounders FC staff to analyze all of the options to bring in temporary natural grass for MLS Cup at Qwest Field.
- One of the top priorities for this year's championship match is to provide the safest and best playing surface possible for both teams, and after extensive research (MLS) collectively believes it will be artificial surface.
- Qwest Field has relationships with three local sod suppliers (in Eastern Washington, Oregon and Idaho) who have met very high expectations in the past and proven they can deliver the quality and amount of sod that is required in a timely manner. Each local sod supplier said that in Seattle's northern climate their fields will go dormant in October and they can't guarantee the sod will stay viable during the transfer. Thus, the quality of the sod for MLS Cup would likely be in poor condition.
- California sod was considered due to the warmer climate, but Qwest Field used California sod for a game several years ago and it was the most disappointing temporary grass field to date. The time it took to transport was a major factor and most of the grass was starting to die when it arrived. Sod grown in the warmer climate is also a different type of grass that does not fare well in Washington.
The amount of rainfall typical for this month was also a concern. There wouldn't have been good drainage under the temporary sod, and even if the field were covered, heavy rain on match day would have made the field a mess and be unsafe for players.
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WOW, that is the most I've read about grass. Can you maybe put a picture up of Heather Mitts in between paragraphs. This will keep my interest.
ReplyDeleteIf they just put in a permanent grass field this wouldn't be a problem.
ReplyDeleteI've heard Adrian Hannauer speak on permanent grass, and the way Qwest is built with the roof would have similar issues to Wembley as far as it's own climate. Causing issues with growing grass. That's what I'm told...but I'll blame the Seahawks. The voters approved it as a grass field. All MLS has to do is mandate that their fields have to be grass and it willl change.
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