Turf War

By: Mike Janela

Posted: 4/6/05

Damien Rhodes loves snapping off breakaway runs on the Carrier Dome turf. Nothing quite like that fast surface when you get into the open field, he says.

But Rhodes hates the toll the Dome's carpet has taken on his body. He has the wounds to back his case.

"I've scored some touchdowns on it," the Syracuse football team's starting running back said. "We've had some big wins on it. But I've had a couple burns that I would like to take back, some scars on my arms and knees that I wish weren't there."

Rhodes and the rest of the SU football team won't have to worry about scars and burns much more if the Carrier Dome replaces its current surface with a new, synthetic grass system this summer, an option that Dome managing director Pat Campbell says his staff is investigating.

The most famous of these synthetic grass companies is FieldTurf, which holds 11 patents regarding the production, composition and installation of such a surface.

FieldTurf's product attempts to replicate the feeling of natural grass by using Polyethylene fibers - which feel like soft blades of grass - and silica sand and cryogenic rubber to create an artificial earth.

According to its Web site, FieldTurf's product feels "like new blades of grass in a spring meadow" and is brazenly dubbed "The Greatest Turf on Earth."

But Campbell says not so fast. While the Dome is investigating a switch from its abrasive Astro Turf surface, no specific replacement product has been chosen. He said SU must still look into the histories, playability, injury experience and acceptance of NFL and NCAA teams of numerous turf suppliers such as A-Turf, Evergrass and FieldTurf.

"FieldTurf is sort of like Kleenex," Campbell said. "You just ask for a Kleenex but you don't know what you're getting. It's become just the common name for turf. There's several out there that we have to look at."

If players' and coaches' testimonials are any indication, Campbell ought to have a very quick look and replace the Dome's surface as soon as he can.

While the 1-and-1/4-inch thick Astro Turf was replaced in 1994, it is designed to last no more than one or two more years before its lifespan cycles out.

"This is not a forgiving surface, I'll tell you that," Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said after RU visited the Dome earlier this year. "It's really borderline bad. It's 11 years old. It's borderline dangerous."

Syracuse players agree, citing nicks, cuts, scars, bruises and worn-down bones and joints as reasons to replace the Astro Turf with a technologically advanced, more natural surface.

Sophomore safety Dowayne Davis has just one year's experience on the turf, but has already fallen prey to its cruelty.

"Basically, if you don't pick up your feet when you're running, you are going down," Davis said. "We call it the Turf Monster. You can catch a real good case of the Turf Monster."

Goblin comparisons aside, the Carrier Dome must take factors into consideration that many other venues need not worry about. Whereas many stadiums need only to contemplate football games, SU must purchase a surface conducive to the Dome's hosting of three different sports and a number of non-athletic events.

While prices were not revealed, Campbell said the Dome must also take financing into consideration before selecting a new turf provider. Once a supplier is chosen, the company will produce the swatches of field at their own production mills before delivering them to SU. Carrier Dome staff would then spend no more than a month, Campbell said, stitching the surface together and placing it on the arena floor.

While rumors persist that SU might switch turfs this summer, no timetable has been set on a replacement.

"I can't say it'll happen this summer," Campbell said. "There's a good chance that something can happen this summer, but there's a lot of factors that need to fall into place. It would be irresponsible of me to say it's going to happen this summer."

But if Rhodes and his teammates have any say, they hope this summer is the one that sees a softer, plusher surface installed under their cleats for the fall.

Glancing at his scars and examining his taped knees after practice on Monday, Rhodes broke out a sly smile for the possibility of FieldTurf on the Carrier Dome floor come September.

"Chicks dig scars, right?" Rhodes said. "No, but I'd love to see a FieldTurf out there to save our legs. That (Dome turf) does take a toll on your body. Playing on that stuff, it just takes all the energy out of your legs and your joints and your bones.

"It would be good for our health issues. Hopefully that ease in the knees will lead me to more breakaways the rest of my career."