Target Field Sod: Kentucky Bluegrass

by Jesse on Aug 25, 2009 3:19 PM EDT in News

"I think the grass is important because we have concrete, steel and glass here already in the structure, but the grass is alive. And it kind of makes the ballpark come alive." Jerry Bell, President of Twins Sports Inc

20090716_twins_short_cut_sod_33_medium
via images.publicradio.org

This is the grass that is being transported to Target Field, from Graff's Turf Farms in Colorado. After the jump, learn a little more about the grass and its installation.

Graff's Farm's website. Check it out.
The turf being laid in Target Field is labelled GTF Kentucky Bluegrass Blend
KBB (as we'll call it) is known for fast recovery from wear and tear, excellent winter hardiness and summer performance, and early greening in the spring
Sandy soil used will help the field drain quickly during and after rains
Twins fans have made the trek to Graff's Farms to see the sod, growing in an old riverbed
Graff's has provided services for a number of fields throughout the sports world, including Coors Field, Busch Stadium, Kauffman Field, Wrigley Field, Dick's Sporting Goods Park (soccer), Notre Dame Stadium (football) and Infinity Park (Rugby), just to name a few
The sod must be installed in Target Field within 24 hours of being harvested
Each section of turf is 400 square feet, weighing 1.25 tons
Four trucks made the haul from Graff's Farms to Target Field on Monday night; six will arrive tonight, six will arrive Wednesday night, and four more will arrive Thursday night to complete the turf move
10 inches below the playing surface, a heating system can be activated to thaw the ground in early spring or late fall
A drainage system will allow up to 20 inches of water per hour to pour from the field
I CAN'T WAIT FOR OUTDOOR BASEBALL IN 2010!

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Comments

This makes me really happy.

by dctwin on Aug 25, 2009 3:29 PM EDT reply actions

One third Kentucky bluegrass, One third bent and one third California sensamillan

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Aug 25, 2009 4:32 PM EDT reply actions

I heart this movie.

by Jesse on Aug 25, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Cursed turf?

As pointed out above, this is the same grass that is on Wrigley Field. The Cubs haven’t won a WS since 1908. Of course, there could be other reasons beside the turf, I suppose.

"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett

by less cowbell, more 'neau on Aug 25, 2009 5:15 PM EDT reply actions

But St. Louis won

at Busch on the turf. Cancels out Wrigley…

by Adam Peterson on Aug 25, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Kentucky BlueGrass is just grass...

Most athletic fields outside the sunbelt probably use it or something quite similar.

by DavidRF on Aug 25, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Typical KB is quite common.

Especially if you square out the area of the States from Virginia to Colorado, and north of those States. At least that’s what I’ve found while reading.

As far as the “blend” goes that the Twins are using, I’m not sure if that’s what makes it more hearty or what, but I’m sure it’s something more than “just grass”. For all the use that it gets for six months a year, it had better be.

by Jesse on Aug 25, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Sure... top of the line stuff...

Golf-course quality (though I know fairways and greens use different blends so they can be cut shorter). I do appreciate the detail, too. Interesting and fun stuff. Just commenting that I don’t think its specific enough to carry a curse.

I was a bit too blunt posting from work… could have worded my post better.

by DavidRF on Aug 25, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions