[adam42381]

What's your poison?

[PAmedic]

earlier in the month, @LibertyRadioPxP also tweeted a bunch of good pics which I meant to post:

















THIS ONE FROM TODAY:

[jinxy]

Those pics really give you a sense of how big the complex will actually be. I think they can actually get it done on time now. It was very important to get to this point before the really cold weather sets in and freezes the ground. Are we still going artificial surface?

[sporter]

yes

[PAmedic]

lots of programs using Field Turf for baseball- at least a lot more than I thought: http://www.fieldturf.com/baseball-turf/

Air Force Academy
Appalachian State University
Bucknell University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Creighton University
Dartmouth College
DePaul University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
George Mason University
Indiana State University
James Madison University
Kent State University
Naval Academy
Oregon State University
Rutgers University
Santa Clara University
Seton Hall University
Stony Brook University
Texas Tech University
Tokyo Giants
Tulane University
University of Central Florida
University of Cincinnati
University of Illinois
University of Louisville
University of Maine
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Nevada
University of North Dakota
University of Oregon
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island
University of Texas
University of Washington
Washington State University
Yale University
Yokohama Bay Stars

[PAmedic]

John Smoltz/Shaw Sports Turf makes a Tru-hop turf system but not seeing many D-I programs using it, at least non listed that I can find

http://www.shawsportsturf.com/truhop/#

[adam42381]

lots of programs using Field Turf for baseball- at least a lot more than I thought: http://www.fieldturf.com/baseball-turf/

Air Force Academy
Appalachian State University
Bucknell University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Creighton University
Dartmouth College
DePaul University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
George Mason University
Indiana State University
James Madison University
Kent State University
Naval Academy
Oregon State University
Rutgers University
Santa Clara University
Seton Hall University
Stony Brook University
Texas Tech University
Tokyo Giants
Tulane University
University of Central Florida
University of Cincinnati
University of Illinois
University of Louisville
University of Maine
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Nevada
University of North Dakota
University of Oregon
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island
University of Texas
University of Washington
Washington State University
Yale University
Yokohama Bay Stars

Unfortunately, I don't see a lot of big time programs on that list. There may be a reason for that.

[Sly Fox]

I guess we have a difference of opinion on what constitutes a big "big time program". Four of the last 11 national championship teams are on that list.

[sitemdown77]

Involving college baseball - here is the reality of Field Turf. Unless you have a lot of money to invest in a field crew to keep things top notch. Field turf is an absolute tremendous assett. Also, from a mid major standpoint that is trying to have a shot at an at-large bid (in a possible location that is prone to rain/snow at times), every single game that can be played is absolutely critical! Especially with the new rules of road games being weighted more. If we want to have a chance to bring in bigger name schools from the north early in the year, when everyone is traveling, we need to give them the best opportunity and peace of mind that the games are going to be played, and artificial surface can help provide that.

Also, in reply to Adam's post, you have to remember that baseball is a different animal than other sports. Some smaller name schools can be powerhouses and you dont even realize it. From that list, here are some of the best programs in the country: Kent State, Oregon State, Central Florida, Louisville, Oregon, Texas. These next teams are pretty much top 50/75 in the country and most have cracked top 25 in the past 3/4 years or been close: App State, George Mason, Indiana State, JMU, Stony Brook, Tulane, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Pitt, Rhode Island, Washington, Washington State, Texas Tech.

Also, along with Field Turf, many teams use another company called Astroturf (very similar product). These teams include: * - big time programs
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
Ohio State
Kansas State*
Va Tech - on rise
Long Island
St Josephs
Wichita State*
Kansas
Wake Forest
Duke
Southern Illinois - solid program

[Sly Fox]

AstroTurf/AstroPlay is based in Austin and I used to cover their business back in the day. As evidenced by the product that John Smoltz (who incidentally is now a Liberty Dad) is endorsing there is a growing market for artificial surfaces. But as sitemdown77 stated, a primary motivation is to have a reliable field that can manage rain well. Obviously, the richest athletic department on the planet could afford a natural surface and yet they chose to stay synthetic when they upgraded Disch-Falk a few years ago. So it is not always an economics discussion.

[adam42381]

I guess we have a difference of opinion on what constitutes a big "big time program". Four of the last 11 national championship teams are on that list.

I said I didn't see a LOT of teams on the list. I saw Texas and Oregon State.

[PAmedic]

2 more from @LUADjeff

[PAmedic]

gonna really be nice when it's done. Big too

[thepostman]

This is a lot bigger then I expected

[bigsmooth]

2500 chairbacks. its gonna be sweet!

[sporter]

Can't wait to see the finished product - remember seeing the drawing a few years ago and wondering how long it would take to see it built. Many places around the country are almost bare for mid week games but I really hope we are able to draw some crowds on weekends to fill up a few of the seats and create a nice atmosphere.

[jinxy]

I think attendance will be good this year. We're coming off a good season, a revamped schedule, a brand new facility and we should have a pretty good team. I'd like to say if we could get off to a big start to build the excitment it would help, but that will be really tough given our first opponent. I'd be thrilled to get 1 down there, though they replace quite a bit of talent.

Many of our crowds in the past depended on weather. Hopefully we can draw some more "baseball" fans from the town with bigger name programs coming in plus a legit facility to take in a game. I really do believe this well help us get even more talent down the road.

[Six Pounders]

Very excited and it'll be awesome. Don't underestimate the importance of the 4,000 sq ft weight room which will solely belong to baseball. Will make 4 or 5day per week workouts much more efficient vs now. I can speak from personal experience in telling you that this stadium will play an important role in recruiting and already has. I follow the progress on the LU website weekly and can't wait for 1st roadie to South Carolina in a little over 80 days and for the home opener vs PSU in this new stadium in a little less than 90 days.

[BJWilliams]

Theyve really been trucking along with the construction the last few months. when I drove by to go to work it really didnt look like much, but to see the pictures now, I am thoroughly impressed. I know the folks at LBN and FSN are looking forward to setting up for the first TV game there

[logic]

The location alone will help tremendously with attendance. Parking at Worthington was a bear and it wasn't easy to walk to either. The new spot is easily accessible from Green Hall and 460, with ample parking in the LaHaye lots.

Now the question is, will the opener be played at the new or old Worthington?

[BJWilliams]

As of now it won't be called Worthington Stadium logic...unless somebody with a sizable wallet says so

[PAmedic]

I have been remiss in my duties:

from @LUADjeff and @libertyflames

[BJWilliams]

They better get crackin if they want it ready for the first home weekend against Penn State.

[jinxy]

I hate the fact that our team isn't going to get any practice time on the new field before the season starts. This could be huge for defensive purposes. Our infield will have no idea how the ball rolls and our pitchers won't know exactly how to pitch and where the ball carries. Seems like it's lined up similar to Worthington, wonder if the right field jet stream will carry over.

[Cider Jim]

Oh, I do like the look of the BRICK on the stadium!

BJ, will the old field (new softball field) keep the name Worthington Stadium?