Field is rough
- Thread starter spierceisu
- Start date
I know Iowa's cheerleaders much prefer grass over turf...for grazing.
I don’t remember it being an issue for our first couple games. Since conference play began we’ve had all night games and rain for TT. It should probably be up to the coaches and players what they prefer for turf, or maybe something can be done to improve it. Could just be mostly a nighttime dew issue. Stadium is kind of in a low lying area not far from the river/creek so may be more dew prone.
Not sure the BYU comparison holds, its been wet snowing on and off for the past 24 hours here in northern Utah
Disproportionate to what? Aren't these fields built to have excellent drainage? We're talking about one football game every other Saturday night here. Doesn't seem crazy to think it should have more resilience than that.
Not an expert but drainage is gonna stop standing water, it is not going to magically turn grass into artificial turf when it comes to dryness. Like I said, take a look at the NFL grass fields tomorrow and see how they compare.
It might only be '1' game per week, but it most certainly takes a toll on grass. -taps the 'look at the NFL fields tomorrow sign.'
I don't care if it looks good if our players slip on it.
The problem is that the soil is giving way beneath the turf, as opposed to slippage between the turf and foot. This was readily apparent when Klotz slipped on his reception out to the right. His feet were firmly beneath his shoulders and the dirt beneath the grass just gave way on him.
That said, it seemed like some of the Cincy players were careless with their footing. When their RB slipped while cutting back on a run to the right in the first half, replay shows his foot was extended so much outside his frame that the side of his shoe is what what was making contact with the grass. In what world would you expected natural grass in November after a week of rain to hold that lateral force?
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Most of the time during all the rain we have had, they have the field tarped, little of that extra moisture actually touches the field.
Dew is not going to cause the issue. They arent slipping on the top, the footing doesnt seem to be stable, and turf appears to tear up under their feet, in chunks, not people slipping on top.
I dont know if the "hybrid stitching" we did last year hasnt worked out, but from last year to this year for whatever reason.
I am not saying I like turf more. But this has been a theme this year, and others for that matter. A couple years ago everyone blamed the old field needing reworked. Now that is not the issue.
Fact is the late season game are always going to be an issue with natural grass here. But for some reason this year it has been most of the season, not just late Nov games.
We cant compare ourselves to NFL stadiums, they have A LOT more money invested in their fields, to allow for them to hold up to the late season abuse. A LOT, we dont have that kind of budget.
Does that mean, we should switch it our, maybe, maybe not. IF we change to turf, we have to worry more about injuries, if we keep it natural, we will have these issues, especially late in the year. Both options come with problems, to go along with the benefits.
Overall, I agree, grass is better. I want to keep grass for a number of reasons. But Iowa may not be exactly conducive to have natural grass fields with the season getting longer year after year, at least without a substantial budget increase in field maintenance.
It's been a POS all year. People have been slipping all year.
I like the grass. The opposing teams seem to struggle with it more than us. Woody said at halftime that he prefers grass and that turf feels twice as bad on your body after a game.
I guess I am just the crazy one that doesn't see the slipping as a huge deal. It affects both teams in the same fashion.
And what I mean by NFL field comparisons, they have similar issues. Heck, look at Soldier field from a year or two ago. Despite the extra resources you and others mention. Its never going to be like field turf when it comes to traction and wear.
I'm old enough to remember the astro turf era at (then Cyclone Stadium) and there were mysterious turf monster tackles from that garbage too.
At least to me this stuff is just a part of having a grass field in this climate. Is there more slippage this year? Probably, but I don't think an inquisition is in order.
I don't buy the rain excuse here. They do a lot of work below the surface to handle the drainage needs. This isn't like your backyard. And if that isn't enough for a really rainy game week, then surely we can invest in a tarp.
I've had to listen to announcers bashing on our playing surface two or three times already this year despite it being a warmer than usual fall. And we still have another home game two weeks from now.
I've had to listen to announcers bashing on our playing surface two or three times already this year despite it being a warmer than usual fall. And we still have another home game two weeks from now.
I like the grass, if anything it is an advantage for us since most teams seem not to use the correct cleats.
I do think the night games, and dew/rain has a small effect on some of these games. At the end of the day I rather players slip on natural grass that has some give. Than have players slip on turf.
I do think the night games, and dew/rain has a small effect on some of these games. At the end of the day I rather players slip on natural grass that has some give. Than have players slip on turf.
