D-backs to install synthetic grass at Chase Field

Dback Jon

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https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/news/chase-field-will-have-synthetic-grass-in-2019/c-297686946

The roof and air conditioning make Chase Field a comfortable experience for D-backs fans during the brutally hot summer months in Arizona, but they also make growing grass a huge challenge.

The D-backs believe they've found a way to have the best of both worlds starting in 2019, as they will install state-of-the-art synthetic grass at Chase Field as part of a partnership with Shaw Sports Turf.

The high-performance B1K surface was designed specifically for baseball.

"Our baseball operations staff has completed extensive research, including site visits and player testing and we are all in agreement that this is the best decision for our franchise," D-backs president and CEO Derrick Hall said. "The challenges with growing natural grass in our climate and stadium have been well documented and we have considered alternate solutions for many years. We decided to make this change because the technology developed by Shaw is the best in existence and will provide a consistent playing surface and benefits to our players on the field while enhancing our fan experience throughout the ballpark."

The B1K Natural Turf is a dual fiber system comprised of Shaw's high-performance Strenexe XD slit firm and Shaw's Bolt mono filament. That combination makes it highly durable and prevents the infill from "splashing" so that it stays at the same level throughout the field.
 

devilalum

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Artificial turf has become safer that natural grass. The grass at Chase has looked horrible since opening day and big chunks coming loose when players dive and slide in the outfield can't be ideal.
 

Willie D

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^-- That's odd, because the grass always looked pretty good for the first 10 or so years. I though the plan was to farm special grass that worked in lower sunlight, and to use artificial light for the areas that didn't get any direct sunlight. But yes, the sod has looked pretty crappy for a few years now. What changed?
 

BC867

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It is a good move at this time and, evidently, they are working with a state-of-the-art company.

Not having to keep the roof open during the hot summer is the major reason. I remember hearing when I moved to Phoenix forty years ago, "It costs more to turn off the AC when you're not there, then cool it back down than to keep it on all the time." And, apparently, there are health reasons, too.
 

Folster

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The photos wouldn't open. Just pitch black on the screen within your post. I guess they were taken at midnight. :)

But it did open when I copied and pasted the URL (which shows on the quote) separately. 'Looks good!

Imgur is being weird. It works on mobile for me.
 

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