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Texans/NRG field being changed to artificial surface for remainder of 2015

List of current NFL stadiums: playing surface/capacity/roof type


640px-New_Meadowlands_Stadium_Mezz_Corner.jpg
 
From the pallet to Mallet!!!!! Need them receivers to get every ounce of speed for them deep balls!!!! Hell yeah!
 
eriadoc said:
I'm sure some people have, but not me. I have concerns about the seams. Yes, artificial turf is tougher on players, especially their legs. But you are arguing friction coefficient on things like sharp cuts vs. a freak accident where a player steps into a hole on the field. There's not one little doubt in my mind that Clowney's accident was of the latter sort. That doesn't necessarily mean artificial turf should be the answer, but they have to do something besides that tray system that leaves seams and unevenness. And any question that there are seams is answered now with the Texans admitting it. If they can't do grass correctly, an even field is more important than it being grass.
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Yep.

The studies are fine and all, but it's like having a tack sticking up out of your carpet.

You may walk around on the carpet for years but that one time you step on that one tack all those years of not stepping on it won't matter.
 
Now every injury will be because of that ***** artificial surface. Why can't we have a natural grass turf?

It just isn't a Football Board unless there is griping.
 
eriadoc said:
I'm sure some people have, but not me. I have concerns about the seams. Yes, artificial turf is tougher on players, especially their legs. But you are arguing friction coefficient on things like sharp cuts vs. a freak accident where a player steps into a hole on the field. There's not one little doubt in my mind that Clowney's accident was of the latter sort. That doesn't necessarily mean artificial turf should be the answer, but they have to do something besides that tray system that leaves seams and unevenness. And any question that there are seams is answered now with the Texans admitting it. If they can't do grass correctly, an even field is more important than it being grass.

Maybe they should build a stadium that's oriented east-west and lets sunlight in to grow grass. Seems like something that would be involved in the proper planning a football field. Idiots.
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I don't think the orientation or ability to grow grass is the problem with NRG. It's removing the field for the other uses as a multi-use stadium including the Livestock Show and Rodeo who participated in the expense of building the stadium.

If they could finally break down and use the Astrodome for events requiring a surface other than grass, perhaps we could maintain a seem free grass field. But the politics and financing make that unlikely.
 
OzzO said:
Someone forward the FO the system that uses grass and the fake light to grow it (mentioned in that other turf thread)
Click to expand...
If it's a cannabis field, there's plenty of expertise right on this board for artificial growing lights.
 
FYI. The AstroTurf presently used is laid down in 15 foot widths (running across the field) in something like 60 segments that are rolled up in a matter of ~7-8 hours then stored outside of the stadium. The upgrade they are probably speaking of is more the way the same turf (AstroTurf "GameDay Grass 3D60 Extreme") is constructed. It will likely be AstroTurf's "Magic Carpet II" ( the upgrade from the original AstroTurf "Magic Carpet") one-piece field that will be electro-mechanically rolled up endzone-to-endzone, thus avoiding seams altogether. To roll up this unit will only take ~1 hour, allowing multiple events on a single date without worrying about the field being ready to go.
 
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Actually, on the AstroTurf website they state that the Texans will be using the GameDay Grass 3D60 Extreme field that is currently used for college and high school football events. They say they're sending out a crew of field specialists to "make sure it is in top-notch shape and performs as required" but that just says (to me) that they're going to work with the crews that normally will be doing this to make sure they do it right. It doesn't sound to me like they're going to buy anything new at all.

Here's the link I was looking at.

My guess is that once they give up on the grass trays they'll then try to get the county to spring for the better "Magic Carpet II" one-piece version.

I am definitely getting a "Be careful what you wish for...." feeling about this.
 
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Hervoyel said:
Actually, on the AstroTurf website they state that the Texans will be using the GameDay Grass 3D60 Extreme field that is currently used for college and high school football events. They say they're sending out a crew of field specialists to "make sure it is in top-notch shape and performs as required" but that just says (to me) that they're going to work with the crews that normally will be doing this to make sure they do it right. It doesn't sound to me like they're going to buy anything new at all.

Here's the link I was looking at.

My guess is that once they give up on the grass trays they'll then try to get the county to spring for the better "Magic Carpet II" one-piece version.

I am definitely getting a "Be careful what you wish for...." feeling about this.
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Thanks for the link. Looks like you're correct in that they will not be going to the one-piece turf at this time. I would feel much more secure about safety if the Texans were to use the one-piece version. The Rams are the only NFL stadium that use the system............and it's the one-piece version.
 
Hervoyel said:
Actually, on the AstroTurf website they state that the Texans will be using the GameDay Grass 3D60 Extreme field that is currently used for college and high school football events. They say they're sending out a crew of field specialists to "make sure it is in top-notch shape and performs as required" but that just says (to me) that they're going to work with the crews that normally will be doing this to make sure they do it right. It doesn't sound to me like they're going to buy anything new at all.

Here's the link I was looking at.

My guess is that once they give up on the grass trays they'll then try to get the county to spring for the better "Magic Carpet II" one-piece version.

I am definitely getting a "Be careful what you wish for...." feeling about this.
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I think I asked this before, but has there been any negative feedback from the participants of those high school and college football events?

If there isn't any, then I'm leaning away from "be careful what you wish for" and more to "the sky is falling". I'll be glad when they get rid of the rodeo so that field can finally become a non-issue. ;)
 
Marcus said:
I think I asked this before, but has there been any negative feedback from the participants of those high school and college football events?

If there isn't any, then I'm leaning away from "be careful what you wish for" and more to "the sky is falling". I'll be glad when they get rid of the rodeo so that field can finally become a non-issue. ;)
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The rodeo isn't going anywhere. They do more for the kids/economy than the Texans ever will.

# wishful thinking.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Thanks for the link. Looks like you're correct in that they will not be going to the one-piece turf at this time. I would feel much more secure about safety if the Texans were to use the one-piece version. The Rams are the only NFL stadium that use the system............and it's the one-piece version.
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They wouldn't have time to install a magic carpet system. you have to build a pit for storage and install the air rollout system. IF they decided to AstroTurf permanently, then they could do that.
 
The Fact Sheet: The Houston Texans To Install AstroTurf at NRG Stadium
PATRICK STARR|SOTT

The Houston Texans will be turning to AstroTurf to supply the playing surface at NRG Stadium.

The Houston Texans will be turning to ASTROTURF® out of Dalton, Georgia to supply the new playing surface that will be unvield on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers.

With over 40 years of experience and over 160,000,000 square feet of turf in use worldwide, it will be a positive start for the Texans who dealt with a poor field during week one of the seaosn.

Here are Facts about the New Playing Surface
  • In 2012, the Texans switched to a convertible AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60 field. By making this change it allowed the Texans to be able to switch from grass to a synthetic surface within 7 hours.
  • The AstroTurf is laid down my a machine called the AstroHopper that lays (59) 15 feet wide panels on the ground.
  • Converison started Monday morning on the 21st.
  • Testing by NFL officlas test the field on Thursday September 24th to make sure it complies with NFL standards.
  • First game on Septmeber 27th vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Field Size -- 94,830 square feet

Field System -- AstroHopper Coversion Process, 59 AstroTurf Field Panels

Field Type Astro -- Turf GameDay Grass 3D60

Field Backing -- BioCel, a soybean-derived backing

Primary Fiber -- Blend of monofilament, polyethylene Horseshoe fibers and polyethylene slit film, AstroTurf fibers for removable systems are 1 7/8” tall

Secondary Fiber -- Texturized nylon RootZone®, which not only holds the rubber infill in place during conversions and play, but protects players from excessive torque transmitted to knees and ankles

Infill -- 200,000 lbs. of high-performance ambient rubber

Field Weight -- 351,000 lbs

Seams -- Hook and Fastners​
​
 
And then there is this:

Artificial turf gets a closer look after report raises safety concerns

For many athletes who play on artificial turf, the tiny granules of rubber that pad the field are familiar and ubiquitous. The black specks often get trapped in folds of clothing, carried home in shoes or embedded in scrapes and under fingernails.

Crumb rubber infill — the most common material used in artificial turf fields across the country — is intended to improve safety and create a more accessible, easily maintained playing field. But after recent public concerns about possible health risks from exposure to crumb rubber, several local jurisdictions are searching for clearer answers about its potential dangers and considering alternatives.

Full Article
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The exact turf they picked is the exaxt turf I didn't want. If you want to know what it's gonna look like, go look at the Rams field - it's the same turf. In my opinion it looks like complete ass. Low-budget arena field here we come!
 
Vance87 said:
The exact turf they picked is the exaxt turf I didn't want. If you want to know what it's gonna look like, go look at the Rams field - it's the same turf. In my opinion it looks like complete ass. Low-budget arena field here we come!
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WTF? It's field turf. Almost all field turf looks the same, however, different version perform different. It is a slightly different version that what is the Ram's dome.

They have had this turf since 2012 for college and high school games. It is one of the better types of field turf because u have less of that kick up of rubber infill.

Some people are never happy. Low budget.........$1.2 million cost for that field is on the high end for Field Turf. Stop talking out of your ASS!
 
Vance87 said:
The exact turf they picked is the exaxt turf I didn't want. If you want to know what it's gonna look like, go look at the Rams field - it's the same turf. In my opinion it looks like complete ass. Low-budget arena field here we come!
Click to expand...

The team wants to go back to grass in 2016 anyhow, just a short term solution.
 
Mr.Scarface said:
WTF? It's field turf. Almost all field turf looks the same, however, different version perform different. It is a slightly different version that what is the Ram's dome.

They have had this turf since 2012 for college and high school games. It is one of the better types of field turf because u have less of that kick up of rubber infill.

Some people are never happy. Low budget.........$1.2 million cost for that field is on the high end for Field Turf. Stop talking out of your ASS!
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All artificial turf does NOT look the same, but whatever.

cee2f695-084b-4d9d-a39c-679a09db7167_800.jpg


That looks good to you?
 
Vance87 said:
All artificial turf does NOT look the same, but whatever.

cee2f695-084b-4d9d-a39c-679a09db7167_800.jpg


That looks good to you?
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Lighting.........it reflects of the turf. Depending on camera angles, it will look different. Also, different field turf reflects light differently. Sometimes its darker......sometimes it is lighter.

Um...it's not about about appearance...it is about how it performs. I've been to games at Reliant with that turf. Looks just fine in the stadium.
 
Do you want the best performing Artificial Turf or the best looking on TV ? The Gameday 3D grass is one the best performing turf because of the lack of the rubber infill kicking up during play.
 
Mr.Scarface said:
Do you want the best performing Artificial Turf or the best looking on TV ? The Gameday 3D grass is one the best performing turf because of the lack of the rubber infill kicking up during play.
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Gameday Grass 3D60
INFILL: 200,000 lbs. of high-performance ambient rubber, the equivalent of nearly 20,000 car tires which would otherwise be dumped in landfills

You made me Google the difference.

Fieldturf: http://www.fieldturf.com/en/fieldturf-difference/patented-infill-system
Over 720,000 pounds of infill is layered into a typical sports field.

520,000 pounds of difference?

Then I kept reading:

Silica Sand
Stabilizes and supports the system.
Similar size to cryogenic rubber granules in order to eliminate segregation and compaction.
Accounts for 70% of total infill weight.

Cryogenic Rubber
Recycled rubber tires are cryogenically frozen and turned into smooth, clean-cut granules.
Rounded granules resist floating or displacement in high-use areas.
Environmentally beneficial.
Accounts for 30% of total infill weight.

What's 30% of 720,000? - 216,000

At a whopping 8% differential, I'm just not seeing the "lack" of rubber.
 
disaacks3 said:
Gameday Grass 3D60
INFILL: 200,000 lbs. of high-performance ambient rubber, the equivalent of nearly 20,000 car tires which would otherwise be dumped in landfills

You made me Google the difference.

Fieldturf: http://www.fieldturf.com/en/fieldturf-difference/patented-infill-system
Over 720,000 pounds of infill is layered into a typical sports field.

520,000 pounds of difference?

Then I kept reading:

Silica Sand
Stabilizes and supports the system.
Similar size to cryogenic rubber granules in order to eliminate segregation and compaction.
Accounts for 70% of total infill weight.

Cryogenic Rubber
Recycled rubber tires are cryogenically frozen and turned into smooth, clean-cut granules.
Rounded granules resist floating or displacement in high-use areas.
Environmentally beneficial.
Accounts for 30% of total infill weight.

What's 30% of 720,000? - 216,000

At a whopping 8% differential, I'm just not seeing the "lack" of rubber.
Click to expand...


You misunderstood what I mean by "lack of rubber infill kicking up". If you watch games are many artificial turfs, you see the rubber pellets kick up like dust. If you ever played on it, you would really understand. The Game Day 3d grass has a mesh layer that limits that kicking up of that "dust", so the rubber stays in more and doesn't migrate towards the middle of the field. Makes the field last longer and less uneven spots.
 
Mr.Scarface said:
You misunderstood what I mean by "lack of rubber infill kicking up". If you watch games are many artificial turfs, you see the rubber pellets kick up like dust. If you ever played on it, you would really understand. The Game Day 3d grass has a mesh layer that limits that kicking up of that "dust", so the rubber stays in more and doesn't migrate towards the middle of the field. Makes the field last longer and less uneven spots.
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I've seen the rubber kick up an every type of modern "turf" field. I watched it kick up during A&M vs. ASU. I'll take your word that it kicks up "less".

I only played on ancient turf (sans pebbles) including the old Astrodome seams-from-hell turf. :eek:
 
disaacks3 said:
I've seen the rubber kick up an every type of modern "turf" field. I watched it kick up during A&M vs. ASU. I'll take your word that it kicks up "less".

I only played on ancient turf (sans pebbles) including the old Astrodome seams-from-hell turf. :eek:
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My condolences on your experience on the old Astrodome turf. After one of the Oilers games, I simply fell to my knees to try to take a picture...........I'm lucky I didn't crack my patella.

On the question of the rubber flying, it's not the composition of the rubber fill or sand. The design of the nylon "grass" blades is the difference. The AstroTurf blades are designed to contain the rubber fragments tighter. There will always be some rubber fly......just less with the AstroTurf design.
 
Nitrofish said:
DESSO GrassMaster® hybrid grass

This is the system I want to see them choose for next season. It's the same system used in Denver and Oklahoma State.

fid-661-denverbroncos01.jpg
fid-673-osu02.jpg


http://www.dessosports.com/hybrid-grass
http://www.dessosports.com/hybrid-grass/maintenance
http://www.dessosports.com/hybrid-grass/costs
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I love the DESSO field. I had a chance to see it up close one time when I visited Lambeau field a few years ago, and it was the most perfect field I've ever seen (in November in Green Bay). This would be awesome except that everything at NRG depends on the fact that it's a multi purpose facility, and the surface has to be replaceable for non-football events, particularly the Rodeo.

As was discussed in other threads, the best solution the collective "experts" at TT came up with was to keep the tray system in from at some point after the Rodeo and until after the football season allowing the roots to strengthen across the seams. Artificial mobile lighting can be used to complement the natural light from the open roof.

I'm not 100 sure, but I think DESSO is a permanent installation. If it can be semi permanent, i.e. installed every year, it could work just as well as the solution above.

Neither of these solves the problem of having HS and College games on Friday and Saturday and then expecting an acceptable field for the Texans on Sunday.

It would also require that no non-Texan events are booked during the season unless the event can be held over the grass or DESSO.

I really don't think there is an easy solution here.
 
  • Screw the Rodeo. Leave the grass in place. This European modular overflooring can be used over the grass field. http://www.signaturesystemseurope.co.uk/portable-stadium-flooring-and-pitch-covers.php#S2

  • armourdeck1.jpg

    ARMORDECK™ Our top of the range stadium flooring system has set a new standard for temporary flooring. The natural grass version features aeration holes that encourage the health of your turf during on-field events and is also available with a translucent composition that allows sunlight to reach live grass. The self-aligning nesting connection system speeds installation once the first row is squared and locked together. These overlapping 1.14m² panels incorporate a liquid capture channel to keep spills and excessive rain from reaching the pitch while proprietary plastic cam locks form a secure connection at each side and corner to ensure a rigid contiguous surface. ArmorDeck can handle heavier weights than any other pedestrian surface and connects perfectly with ArmorDeck3, our vehicular version. A full range of accessories are available, including edge ramps, cable management panels and expansion joints.

    MORE INFO|SPECIFICATIONS|Hire|PHOTOS

Click on the PHOTOS.
 
paycheck71 said:
I love the DESSO field. I had a chance to see it up close one time when I visited Lambeau field a few years ago, and it was the most perfect field I've ever seen (in November in Green Bay). This would be awesome except that everything at NRG depends on the fact that it's a multi purpose facility, and the surface has to be replaceable for non-football events, particularly the Rodeo.

As was discussed in other threads, the best solution the collective "experts" at TT came up with was to keep the tray system in from at some point after the Rodeo and until after the football season allowing the roots to strengthen across the seams. Artificial mobile lighting can be used to complement the natural light from the open roof.

I'm not 100 sure, but I think DESSO is a permanent installation. If it can be semi permanent, i.e. installed every year, it could work just as well as the solution above.

Neither of these solves the problem of having HS and College games on Friday and Saturday and then expecting an acceptable field for the Texans on Sunday.

It would also require that no non-Texan events are booked during the season unless the event can be held over the grass or DESSO.

I really don't think there is an easy solution here.
Click to expand...

This solution can handle all kinds of events. I am pretty sure it could handle anything they could throw at it. Visit the links and read. Here is a snippet from the site about other events and a photo of a concert in Denver. Hell Green Bay even uses it at their practice facility.



A field that can handle all kinds of events
Ross Kurcab has over 20 years of experience as turf manager at the Broncos and has won many awards for his work in Denver. "I am constantly astounded by the way our Desso GrassMaster-field performs. And already for many years. Winning these two prestigious awards only confirms what I already knew. This field is perfectly able to handle the incredibly busy schedule of 2 to 3 sports clubs, concerts and all kinds of events. In addition it also performs fantastically at the end of the year for NFL football. It is truly a grass miracle!"

The Desso GrassMaster-field is used for American football but also for soccer, baseball, lacrosse, conventions and concerts.
Click to expand...

http://www.dessosports.com/sites/de...ver-broncos-usa/fid-663-denver-broncos-03.jpg
 
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Nitrofish said:
This solution can handle all kinds of events. I am pretty sure it could handle anything they could throw at it. Visit the links and read. Here is a snippet from the site about other events and a photo of a concert in Denver. Hell Green Bay even uses it at their practice facility.





http://www.dessosports.com/sites/de...ver-broncos-usa/fid-663-denver-broncos-03.jpg
Click to expand...

They are referring to applying a solid overfloor to cover the grass field, such as the example I posted above.
 
Let's not act as if the field in some stadiums doesn't look like it has cancer, dandruff or some other blotchy disease.

New Orleans, Minnesota come to mind first. Disgusting, discolored garbage. An eyesore and an embarrassment.

I'm watching on TV. It matters what it looks like.
 
Part of the reason our field may not look very "finished" is that, opposed to permanent applications, all or most of the markings probably have to be re-applied each game.
 
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