damn, this stadium is more impressive than I thought it would be

http://www.freep.com/photos/lions2002/lions_082302/index.htm

 

here's better pictures

http://www.detroitlions.com/facility/index.cfm?cont_id=30089

 

what exactly is FieldTurf?

 

I believe its recycled plastic that is made to look like real grass . . . I know that Tampa Bay Devil Rays play on it as well as Nebraska & Washington have it at their football stadiums . . .

 

Is that the same stuff the Seahawks play on? It's injury friendly turf, so to speak.

 

It is synthetic (platic) grass. The grass is mounted into concrete. Then a mixture of sand and rubber pellets are placed over the sand and compacted to make the base.

you sometimes see pictures from games where the rubber pellets are thrown in the air...just like dirt would be.

I guess sometimes the sand the pellets will stick to your arms if they are sweaty...beats a turf burn.

Funny thing is, the company usually makes the pellets out of rubber they buy. The Lions are owned by the Fords...(the Ford Motor-company Fords). They had the millions of Firstone tires that were recalled used for the field...they were adimate about their use for the field.

 

Yeah, when the played at Husky stadium they loved the turf so they used it in their new stadium too. Didn't help Trent and his achilles...what kind of field was Vinny on when he tore his, it was grass wasn't it?

A lot of big colleges use it...it is a big plus for recruiting...Nebraska is one.

 

you can see the rubber flying just like dirt would in this pic...look at Desmond's foot.

 

The indoor soccer field at the SportsCenter off of Harris Blvd has field turf. I used to play flag football there. Field turf kicks ass.

 

Our intramural field at school has something similar. Little rubber beads almost, except very small. So much softer than landing on the old turf.

You really don't even need cleats to cut on those type fields.