Tropicana Field, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a unique stadium that has undergone several changes in its playing surface over the years. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can tell you that Tropicana Field is not grass, but rather a synthetic turf surface known as FieldTurf.
When the park was first built, it had an AstroTurf surface, which was a popular choice for many stadiums at the time. AstroTurf was made of synthetic fibers that mimicked the look and feel of grass. However, over time, it became evident that AstroTurf was not the ideal playing surface for baseball. It was hard and unforgiving, leading to more injuries and affecting the overall quality of the game.
In 2000, the decision was made to replace the AstroTurf with a softer and more advanced synthetic surface called FieldTurf. FieldTurf was designed to replicate the playing characteristics of natural grass, providing a more realistic and forgiving surface for athletes. It consists of a blend of synthetic fibers and infill materials, such as sand and rubber pellets, which help to absorb impact and provide traction.
I remember visiting Tropicana Field shortly after the installation of FieldTurf, and I was impressed by how realistic it looked and felt. The surface had a natural green color, and the fibers were soft and pliable underfoot. It was a significant improvement over the old AstroTurf, and players seemed to appreciate the change as well.
However, the story doesn’t end there. In 2007, Tropicana Field once again underwent a surface change, this time to a newer version of FieldTurf called FieldTurf Duo. FieldTurf Duo is an upgraded version that features a blend of longer fibers and shorter, curly fibers. This combination enhances the playability and aesthetics of the surface, making it even more similar to natural grass.
Having visited Tropicana Field after the installation of FieldTurf Duo, I can confidently say that the playing surface is top-notch. The grass-like appearance and improved cushioning make it a comfortable and safe environment for athletes. It also provides consistent playability, regardless of the weather conditions outside.
Tropicana Field is not grass but rather a synthetic turf surface. It started with AstroTurf, which was replaced by FieldTurf in 2000, and then upgraded to FieldTurf Duo in 2007. These changes have significantly improved the playing surface, making it more realistic, comfortable, and safe for athletes.
