DanM

No one is getting that the sod is not going to have to root. It is stadium "thick-cut." Meaning, it weighs ALOT per sq. ft, so it is not moving--anywhere. No matter what. There is no time to root. This technique is an "overlay." This was done by the same company for the '07 BCS Champ. Game after the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale. The Rose Bowl watched that one closely, and planned on doing this for years. They also did a "dry run" at the Rose Bowl in October after the U2 concert. They replicated the timing, etc. and made sure they could accomplish what they wanted to with field conditions. THEN, they replaced the whole field (when timing allowed) in Dec. in preparation for the Rose Bowl Game. New sod went right on top of field Friday night into Saturday afternoon. It will be perfect. Rose Bowl groundscrew are the best....and they brought in other grounds guys from other pro teams around the country. The field will be flawless. They know EXACTLY what they are doing. They wanted a "fresh field" that had not been painted, played on, or had bands marching across it. It will look and play better than ever. And yes, you can buy a freeze dried piece of it after the game!!

The Orlando field didn't have to be that bad. They could have brought in thick cut sod and even played on it the next day. It has been done before. But it looks like they didn't want to spend the $$ to get it done. The west coast company that did the Rose Bowl has done 7 Super Bowls--including 2 in Miami, and 1 in Jacksonville. Orlando could have gotten that sod as well--or could have tried to find a company closer that could do it.

The new sod was put right down on top of the Rose Bowl game field. It is 1 1/2" thick--so heavy it will not move. West Coast Turf has been doing pro sports fields for almost 20 years.....obvioulsy based on the West Coast, LSU called upon the same company to grass Tiger Stadium and Alex Box Field. So no worries--the field will be perfect!