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Crew Gets Soldier Field Turf Ready For Seattle Game

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- The Soldier Field grounds crew says they're ready for the Bears' playoff game on Sunday against the Seahawks.

Friday afternoon, workers were painting the field and going over the grass to make sure it lays properly.

Head groundskeeper John Nolan says they'll cover the field with tarps tonight to keep off predicted snowfall.


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The crew will use heaters to keep ice from building up on the tarp.

Nolan says the ground is thawed, thanks to heaters below the surface.

"The weather hasn't been a factor this week," Soldier Field General Manager Tim LeFevour said. "It's in the best possible condition for a January field."

As one of four northern cities that still has natural grass in the NFL, the Soldier Field staff says that's what the players want.

Still there have been complaints about the turf, from both players and fans. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler last month called the turf among the worst in the National Football League.

That doesn't bother Nolan.

"It comes with the job," Nolan said. "So, we deal with it."

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