However, it appears that is about to change at BMO Field. Here’s an update.
But as part of a wide ranging (and I think, very interesting) conversation I had recently with general manager Adrian Hanauer (which appears in our Wednesday paper) it appears grass is not in the immediate future for Qwest. And maybe not in the distant future either.
I’ve been told conflicting things about whether the Seahawks would like grass or not. But I’ve heard agreement on reports that the issue is moot for now because apparently those wonderful tight sightlines at Qwest and that convenient roof combine to keep the sun off enough of the field for long enough to make growing a good pitch very difficult. One official estimated that parts of the field would have to be re-planted three times a year.
Here’s what Hanauer had to say about the possibility of grass at Qwest:
“I don’t think so. Given the use. Given the way the stadium was built and some of the challenges relative to sunlight and keeping the field pristine. Also the fact that obviously there’s a pretty big NFL team that plays here and their preference on surface certainly carries a lot of weight. We’re happy with the surface. We think it’s a great FieldTurf field. At the margins, is grass perhaps a little desired? Sure. But I’d rather play on this field than a mediocre grass field.”
Regarding the lack of sunlight, I know of a few teams in England that use artificial lighting to promote the growth of grass. So, there is definitely a means to have a grass surface and get it to grow. I do think a big problem would be the wear and tear on the surface with all the different types of events that are played at Qwest.
I guess that just means we’ll need to build a SSS along the waterfront once the Alaskan Way Viaduct is torn down and routed under ground…or just build a SSS in the North lot behind Qwest, better than retail space!
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“At the margins, is grass perhaps a little desired? Sure. But I’d rather play on this field than a mediocre grass field.”
Maybe better than a BAD grass field, but I have a hard time believing the players would not prefer a “mediocre” grass field. Sounds rather like he’s just saying what he has to say to keep the Seahawks happy, which I can understand.
This question will come up more and more often when the field turf needs to be replaced. There will come a time quite soon when, by anyone’s standards, the condition of Qwest’s field turf is terrible for soccer, but it’s still “good enough” for the NFL and the Seahawks. Be sure to ask these questions again then.
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Disappointing not to have grass. It may be a marginal thing to Adrian, but a lot of us feel that as long as FIFA mandates grass for all major competitions then grass is the only true surface for world-class soccer.
And I say this being a passionate supporter of the Sounders.
I understand the practical issues and I don’t know how you get around the Seahawks/Sounders sharing issue.But when I voted for the stadium, I was promised grass. And world class football.
As it is now, the games I’ve seen where grass has been used, it’s been less than ideal because it hasn’t had time to set and grow over the seams. Slippery and dangerous. I can’t help but think that this will ultimately disqualify Qwest from participating in meaningful World Cup games
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I agree with CK, I remember specifically being promised grass if the turf didn’t work well for soccer. Let’s face it, it works, but it isn’t remotely ideal and this is supposed to be an organization that does everything right.
I think it’s fine to give them some time to sort it out, but I expect a solution to eventually come once everyone is settled in.
Alliance Members: remember this come vote time. Derek Young promises grass. Adrian has just brought home silverware. The choice is clear!
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Since when did FIFA mandate grass for all major events? FIFA has a rating system for turf and the highest rating (2 star) is allowed for FIFA final round competitions…
http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/developing/pitchequipment/footballturf/recommendedinstallations.html
That being said, I doubt anyone would bid a World Cup on turf.
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Yoshou,
I spent about 1/2 hour on that site. Very interesting information but frustratingly vague about certain things.
I agree that FIFA has approved field turf guidelines now and they use the extreme climate challenges in Africa as an example, but don’t tell me any World Cup games are going to be played on turf.
Confed cup, Euro Cup, World Cup, all these and many others require real grass. I recognize we can install grass at Qwest for these events, but so far the result hasn’t been of a standard that I think FIFA would demand for a World Cup game. Hopefully we’ll find a way to do better in the next decade.
But my sort of petulant point is that as long as grass is the required surface for all MAJOR competitions, then that’s what I want too. From what I can gather FIFA does not allow for a FieldTurf option at the highest levels of international competition. Please correct me if I’m wrong about that.
All that said, our turf is better than probably 1/3 of the real grass fields currently in the MLS so I have no immediate complaints
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