U2

 

 

I watched 8th ranked Cincinnati at 21st ranked USF on ESPN Thursday. It was a good game. We play Cincinnati next season.

The announcers kept talking about how bad the field was (Tampa Bay Buc’s Stadium). Seems there was a U2 concert last weekend – and the damage was pretty bad – and it wasn’t repaired in time (or properly) for the game. The Panther’s play the Bucs there this coming Sunday.

When U2 played at NC State our turf was removed before the concert. Then temporary turf was laid down for the remainder of the season. And that will be replaced by the correct turf at the end of the season.

Here come’s the science (and boring details) –

Our ‘brand new this season’ flat fast draining field is basically a sand bed with a ¾ inch golf course putting green on top. It was installed early this year and had a full growing season for the roots to attach to the underlying sand bed.

With the stage, structures, equipment and plywood, etc. required to stage the U2 show – that would have pretty much killed the grass and dented the sod, etc. So – that’s why it was removed before the show – basically taken back down to the sand bedding / foundation.

The ‘temporary’ replacement sod is much thicker. AND – has a clay base. The idea is that since there’s no growing time – it was made to be heavy enough that it won’t move during football play. And the thickness withstands the pounding and cleats.

But – clay doesn’t drain well (negating the fast drain system) and the turf isn’t the fine quality of the initial field. Thus – after the season – we rip it out – replace it with the nice (and thinner) putting green sod – and it’ll have a year to grow and attach.

How much you ask? Around a quarter million dollars.

We, and by we I mean the Athletics Department and Cameron Smith (head engineer for NCSU) know what they’re doing and made sure that the U2 show wouldn’t negatively impact the football program.

U2

Spectacular show. Very well done. The political commentary was kept to an acceptable level. The play list could have been a little stronger but overall a great show.

My friend Chip had an interesting observation. He said that good talent and music should be able to stand on its own – without the need for special effects.

He’s right.