Synthetic Soccer Field Installed at Cowboys Stadium
Cowboys installing first field at new stadium
Friday, Jul 10, 2009 | Updated 9:07 AM CST
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Cowboys Stadium is installing the synthetic soccer field, which will be used on July 19.
Crews are installing the first artificial playing surface as preparations continue for the new Dallas Cowboys stadium's sporting debut.
The weeklong installation of the first of three surfaces at the new $1.15 billion stadium is about halfway complete.
The RealGrass Matrix field going in Thursday will be a blank soccer field. It will precede two football gridirons, one for the NFL and one for college and high school play.
The removable "roll-up" turf system is the first in the nation to interchange three full fields in one stadium. It can be converted in under 24 hours, and when not in use, the panels will be stored below the stadium.
Stadium general manager Jack Hill said the separate fields accommodate distinctive field markings for the different types of play. He also said it would give more flexibility for different sponsorship markings.
Hill expects the soccer field installation to be finished by Sunday.
Teams in the two CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal soccer matches July 19 will start practicing there Monday.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
Posted Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 - 8:28 PM CST
