Soldier Field's Grass Surface To Get Makeover
CHICAGO (CBS) – Soldier Field will soon be re-sodded by a vendor picked by the Chicago Bears, officials announced Friday.
The announcement comes three weeks after the Bears had to cancel an Aug. 5 practice for fans, Family Fest, because the current grass sod had pulled apart at the seams and made the surface dangerous that night. Caretakers blamed prolonged, extreme summer heat. The last-minute cancelation, which disappointed fans who had gathered at the stadium, also revived long-standing arguments for artificial turf at Soldier Field, which some players feel would be preferable.
Thursday's announcement was about a grass-for-grass replacement – not a change in the surface material.
"Soldier Field has worked closely with the Bears to identify a preferred vendor, which will supply the natural grass field," the operators of Soldier Field said in a written statement. "Based on cooperative discussions and research with the Bears administration, this natural grass field will best suit the team and will ensure the players' comfort on the field."
The new field will be installed over Labor Day Weekend, before the Bears' home opener Sept. 11 against the Atlanta Falcons, the announcement said.
Soldier Field is owned by the Chicago Park District.
