Tuesday, December 11, 2007
From the what!? file: I'm sure glad Congress is taking care of this issue. Unfortunately, I think my wife will be angry.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Real v. Fake: The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a whole heap of criticism and trouble after last Monday's victory over the Dolphins. The grounds crew replaced the turf after Thanksgiving weekend, when several high school games were played on the field and it had taken a severe beating. New turn was laid over the existing grass to have it ready in time for the upcoming Steeler game.
A severe downpour ensued Monday and the field became a swamp, literally. Players had trouble standing, their shoes sunk down into the grass and mud. It was the lowest-scoring Monday night game in history. The Steelers won 3-0, kicking a field goal in the final two minutes.
It may be time for Pittsburgh to return to artificial turf. Three Rivers Stadium used only astro turf, but Heinz Field has only contained natural grass. The Steelers may have to install the new field turf just so the playing surface is usable late in the season. With the Steelers playing eight regular season games plus playoff games there, the University of Pittsburgh playing its home games there, and high school games being played there, it is too much abuse. By the time, November and December roll around, the grass is so crewed up, it barely can be called grass. And this doesn't even take into account the weather, which also causes the grass to fall apart.
It may not be the best option for football purists, but with a multi-use stadium, it is the best option. Is field turf the best option for the NFL? Dome teams already use it, along with some outdoor teams. The questions is whether natural grass is a viable option for pro football. Should all teams have field turf installed?
A severe downpour ensued Monday and the field became a swamp, literally. Players had trouble standing, their shoes sunk down into the grass and mud. It was the lowest-scoring Monday night game in history. The Steelers won 3-0, kicking a field goal in the final two minutes.
It may be time for Pittsburgh to return to artificial turf. Three Rivers Stadium used only astro turf, but Heinz Field has only contained natural grass. The Steelers may have to install the new field turf just so the playing surface is usable late in the season. With the Steelers playing eight regular season games plus playoff games there, the University of Pittsburgh playing its home games there, and high school games being played there, it is too much abuse. By the time, November and December roll around, the grass is so crewed up, it barely can be called grass. And this doesn't even take into account the weather, which also causes the grass to fall apart.
It may not be the best option for football purists, but with a multi-use stadium, it is the best option. Is field turf the best option for the NFL? Dome teams already use it, along with some outdoor teams. The questions is whether natural grass is a viable option for pro football. Should all teams have field turf installed?
