William Byrd should get field turf for this fall

[mikesalem]

according to WDBJ 7. I like grass fields, but this has been desperately needed for many years. The board still has to vote, so it's not a done deal yet. Lights would be added to the practice field and the track would be upgraded to rubber to host events.

http://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/L...e-track-upgrade-in-near-future-414677033.html

 

[SpartanOfYore]

according to WDBJ 7. I like grass fields, but this has been desperately needed for many years. Kudos to Roanoke Co.

After the Mud Bowl Byrd staged with Staunton River at the end of September, the potential condition of the field at Bob Patterson Stadium was one of the things that most concerned me about the playoff rematch. Fortunately, November's mostly-dry weather turned the playing surface into a non-factor. Still, I agree this is a good move for Byrd, as that field tends to get real rough with any prolonged precipitation. I don't know for certain, but I would imagine that if a school is faced with totally rebuilding their field one way or another, a Field Turf surface probably makes more sense in field performance (maintenance, durability) and cost efficiency over the long run. Will Northside follow suit any time in the near future?

Let me add that I also probably prefer natural grass fields, but not when it gets to the point that the condition of the playing surface is a major factor in the outcome of the game.

 

[mikesalem]

After the Mud Bowl Byrd staged with Staunton River at the end of September, the potential condition of the field at Bob Patterson Stadium was one of the things that most concerned me about the playoff rematch. Fortunately, November's mostly-dry weather turned the playing surface into a non-factor. Still, I agree this is a good move for Byrd, as that field tends to get real rough with any prolonged precipitation. Will Northside follow suit any time in the near future?

Northside may follow suit, but I don't think their field has ever looked as bad as WB's. The Terrier's field has a pronounced crown in the middle and drainage was always an issue because of it. Water would settle a few yards from midline and it took time for the ground to absorb it. Heavy rain in a short amount of time and heavy field usage was a big injury just waiting to happen. Basham's stats will probably increase with home games on turf.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

After the Mud Bowl Byrd staged with Staunton River at the end of September, the potential condition of the field at Bob Patterson Stadium was one of the things that most concerned me about the playoff rematch. Fortunately, November's mostly-dry weather turned the playing surface into a non-factor. Still, I agree this is a good move for Byrd, as that field tends to get real rough with any prolonged precipitation. I don't know for certain, but I would imagine that if a school is faced with totally rebuilding their field one way or another, a Field Turf surface probably makes more sense in field performance (maintenance, durability) and cost efficiency over the long run. Will Northside follow suit any time in the near future?

Let me add that I also probably prefer natural grass fields, but not when it gets to the point that the condition of the playing surface is a major factor in the outcome of the game.

Just for educational purposes, please let us know what the price tag is. And if it includes the necessary grooming machine. Thanks.

 

[1MoreHokie]

You know how you see that cliche in cartoons where a character sweeps up a bunch of dust and debris and throws it under a rug where there's this comical bump underneath? That's Byrd's place with field turf on it if they don't grade the damn field.

That crown is so bad you can walk behind the endzone and hide the football from sight if you place it properly.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

Just for educational purposes, please let us know what the price tag is. And if it includes the necessary grooming machine. Thanks.

The "Cost Analysis" page at fieldturf.com has a comparison between the installation and maintenance costs of natural grass and fieldturf. According to the numbers shown on that page, base preparation and material costs combined for fieldturf are $700,000. The chart doesn't specifically state that labor costs are included in that, but let's imagine that they are. They show maintenance costs for fieldturf as $5,000 per year over the ten year life of the field. So, it looks like the grand total price tag for installation and maintenance over the average lifespan of a fieldturf surface is $750,000.

It should be stressed that fieldturf states that prices will vary per region, and with the amount of field usage. It looks like the big advantage of fieldturf is in average cost per hour of use, over a ten-year period. According to fieldturf's site, that cost is $91 for natural grass, versus $25 for fieldturf.
http://www.fieldturf.com/en/fieldturf-difference/cost-analysis

Oh - and my guess would be, "Grooming machine not included."

 

[jbci04]

The "Cost Analysis" page at fieldturf.com has a comparison between the installation and maintenance costs of natural grass and fieldturf. According to the numbers shown on that page, base preparation and material costs combined for fieldturf are $700,000. The chart doesn't specifically state that labor costs are included in that, but let's imagine that they are. They show maintenance costs for fieldturf as $5,000 per year over the ten year life of the field. So, it looks like the grand total price tag for installation and maintenance over the average lifespan of a fieldturf surface is $750,000.

It should be stressed that fieldturf states that prices will vary per region, and with the amount of field usage. It looks like the big advantage of fieldturf is in average cost per hour of use, over a ten-year period. According to fieldturf's site, that cost is $91 for natural grass, versus $25 for fieldturf.
http://www.fieldturf.com/en/fieldturf-difference/cost-analysis

Oh - and my guess would be, "Grooming machine not included."

700K is a little on the low side.... Really depends on how much ground work needs to be done. They will test the ground after excavation and determine the ground compaction and if necessary dig deeper and add more stone.

Also depends how much carpet is needed. The 700K range would be just the minimal playing surface, not other areas such as beyond the end zone area. Covering all areas inside the track could easily add another 150K.

The grooming machine isn't very expensive. They are tow behind and since they are required they are normally included in the price.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

What's the update on Jefferson Forrest? Weren't they in the process of building a new weight room? And, I was thinking that they were addressing their football field seating? Maybe the restrooms also?

 

[DinwiddieProud]

700K is a little on the low side.... Really depends on how much ground work needs to be done. They will test the ground after excavation and determine the ground compaction and if necessary dig deeper and add more stone.

Also depends how much carpet is needed. The 700K range would be just the minimal playing surface, not other areas such as beyond the end zone area. Covering all areas inside the track could easily add another 150K.

The grooming machine isn't very expensive. They are tow behind and since they are required they are normally included in the price.

I've heard that the biggest mistake that grounds keepers make with a turf field is not performing the grooming/conditioning as prescribed. Also, don't you have to vacuum out the "beads" once every few years and replace them? I know they have to be routinely replenished.

I'm with you jcb. I think you can kiss the better part of $1mil goodbye on the typical field. But, I just base that on ongoing discussions over the years, no hard facts. Hopefully the old adage I tell friends when they are thinking about a major remodel project doesn't hold true. Figure on twice as much, and twice as long, and you will be close!

 

[jbci04]

What's the update on Jefferson Forrest? Weren't they in the process of building a new weight room? And, I was thinking that they were addressing their football field seating? Maybe the restrooms also?

Weight room has been done for a few years now and they even made some additions. Turf is done. Field house stage 1 is nearing completion. Well over a million in improvements over the last few years, all private funding.

New Track construction will be in May last I heard.

Still raising money for bleachers, concessions and bathrooms and press box When they have it they will be done.

 

[jbci04]

I've heard that the biggest mistake that grounds keepers make with a turf field is not performing the grooming/conditioning as prescribed. Also, don't you have to vacuum out the "beads" once every few years and replace them? I know they have to be routinely replenished.

I'm with you jcb. I think you can kiss the better part of $1mil goodbye on the typical field. But, I just base that on ongoing discussions over the years, no hard facts. Hopefully the old adage I tell friends when they are thinking about a major remodel project doesn't hold true. Figure on twice as much, and twice as long, and you will be close!

Very little maintenance on the modern turf fields. Groom about monthly. Base material never needs to be replaced,add some once and a while.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

I've heard that the biggest mistake that grounds keepers make with a turf field is not performing the grooming/conditioning as prescribed. Also, don't you have to vacuum out the "beads" once every few years and replace them? I know they have to be routinely replenished.

I'm with you jcb. I think you can kiss the better part of $1mil goodbye on the typical field. But, I just base that on ongoing discussions over the years, no hard facts. Hopefully the old adage I tell friends when they are thinking about a major remodel project doesn't hold true. Figure on twice as much, and twice as long, and you will be close!

I walk right by the lacrosse/soccer/field hockey stadium at Roanoke College at least three times a week. Last summer, the college replaced the fieldturf surface. It was really interesting to see the process. They first vacuumed up all the pellets to reuse them; there were big mounds of those pellets all around the perimeter of the field. Then they took up the old surface in strips, and brought in rolls of the new surface material. That was laid out, with the sections somehow being attached to one another. Finally, the pellets were collected and spread back out.

Quite the complex at RC now, BTW. With the newly-opened Cregger Center and Kerr-Cregger Indoor Track (site of this weekend's VHSL state indoor meets in 1A through 4A), Roanoke's facilities can probably be considered among the best in the country in Division III. The stadium and field of which I wrote are shown in the photo in this article:
http://m.roanoke.com/sports/college...edc-ae10-52f4-add5-30885809a1ec.html?mode=jqm

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Weight room has been done for a few years now and they even made some additions. Turf is done. Field house stage 1 is nearing completion. Well over a million in improvements over the last few years, all private funding.

New Track construction will be in May last I heard.

Still raising money for bleachers, concessions and bathrooms and press box When they have it they will be done.

It was the field house I was thinking about. I remembered that something was underway. Thanks

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I walk right by the lacrosse/soccer/field hockey stadium at Roanoke College at least three times a week. Last summer, the college replaced the fieldturf surface. It was really interesting to see the process. They first vacuumed up all the pellets to reuse them; there were big mounds of those pellets all around the perimeter of the field. Then they took up the old surface in strips, and brought in rolls of the new surface material. That was laid out, with the sections somehow being attached to one another. Finally, the pellets were collected and spread back out.

Quite the complex at RC now, BTW. With the newly-opened Cregger Center and Kerr-Cregger Indoor Track (site of this weekend's VHSL state indoor meets in 1A through 4A), Roanoke's facilities can probably be considered among the best in the country in Division III. The stadium and field of which I wrote are shown in the photo in this article:
http://m.roanoke.com/sports/college...edc-ae10-52f4-add5-30885809a1ec.html?mode=jqm

Wow, that is a nice looking place. Thanks.