They are going to look long and hard at FieldTurf (they are scheduling a preseason game on it to help in the decision) largely due to traffic issues at the stadium. To make the business case work they need to host several not soccer events that natural grass may not hold up well under. Plus, artificial turf is cheaper to maintain. I think how things go in Seattle, Dallas, and with the MetroStars this year will help them decide which way to go as well.
They should look at how Foxboro somehow manages to maintain a great grass surface with the NFL, MLS and other events held there.
I know one way that Gillette Stadium has helped preserve their field is moving events like field band competitions to another venue. That may not be an option at PTP. At the end of the day it will likely be a business decision. And the business case for going with natural grass over FieldTurf is a very tough case to make. The business side argument that can be made in favor of natural grass is if MLS and/or US Soccer comes out and says that they won't play matches on FieldTurf. But don't think you'll see that happening anytime soon. I know the Rhinos feel confident that US Soccer would play matches on FieldTurf because the USWNT has played a match on it already. And MLS will have 2 teams playing on FieldTurf this season.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/sports/columns/0318story1_columns.shtml When the New York-New Jersey MetroStars were looking for a strong team to scrimmage prior to their Major League Soccer opener April 12 against Columbus, they contacted the A-League powerhouse Rochester Raging Rhinos. It was good timing, because the Rhinos are studying assorted playing surfaces for PaeTec Park and wanted to check out the new synthetic turf at Giants Stadium. So the Rhinos will scrimmage the MetroStars at Giants Stadium Sunday, April 6. To return the favor, the MLS team will visit Frontier Field for a friendly match Tuesday, Aug. 19. The scrimmage will cap the first week of practice for the Rhinos, who’ll open the A-League season Friday, May 2, at Frontier Field against the Atlanta Silverbacks. “It should be a great experience for our team, although I know our players won’t be in 100 percent game shape,” Rhinos general manager Chris Economides said. The scrimmage will be closed to the public. “Giants Stadium has a type of top-shelf synthetic turf that could be preferable to grass at PaeTec Park because we want to host as many events as possible, including Section V soccer, football and lacrosse playoffs,” said Economides. ----------------------------------------------------- That covers that topic quite well I would say.
PTP Updates as of 4/16/03 The bulldozers are supposed to start pushing dirt around in August and the contractor is claiming a 6/15/04 opening date. Democrat&Chronicle Article: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/0415story015953_news.shtml Quote from Frank DuRoss (Rhinos Owner): There has been much progress "behind the scenes" but nothing that would call for a press confrence. We are making great progress, plan on breaking ground and starting construction by this summer. MLS is aware of our progress and our 6/15/04 opening. http://www.rhinossoccer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=903
Construction Bids In Rhinos GM Steve Donner says the A-League Rhinos received two bids that came in under budget for the construction of PaeTec Park. Management hopes to decide within the next week between LeChase Construction or The Pike Company. http://www.rochesterdandc.com/sports/columns/0417story1_columns.shtml SoccerStar- the 6/15/04 Opening will be of Phase I
"They should look at how Foxboro somehow manages to maintain a great grass surface with the NFL, MLS and other events held there..." Well, Gillette Stadium also has the most advanced turf management system in the NFL... a lot of money went into it. The Magpie
Newest PTP News 4/25/03 More Delays? http://www.wroctv.com/news/story.asp?id=9720 Frank DuRoss Says No! http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/0423story10_news.shtml Also according to reliable sources Frank DuRoss while at a weekly brunch hosted by the President of Rochester Institute of Technology: Says that if we break ground by August, we should get a yes/no about entering MLS by October and that PTP meets all the MLS requirements.
MLS has indicated that it'll announce its decision on expansion in 2005 toward the end of this season. Should they announce that they'll be expanding, I'd imagine they'd name the two expansion cities at that time as well.
as long as this new stadium gets built, i don't think there is any chance Rochester won't get into MLS. But, if two other cities do step up for expansion in 2005 (OKC and Houston, maybe), i could see them telling the Rhinos they'll be in in 2007, and to keep selling tickets and expand the stadium to Phase 2.
Why do people consider OKC before Rochester? Rochester is larger, has more people to draw from (Buffalo/Syracuse within an hour) and has proven itself time and again (NASL and ALeague)as a soccer market! Anyways more words from Frank DuRoss: Digging to start in August!
exactly, rochester already has proven itself as city thats supports soccer. i think the support will be even bigger if the minor-league rhinos go 'major league'.
Re: PTP Updates as of 5/7/03 Even better. Beautiful stadium. If that really is open next summer, I'm taking a road trip.