Tuesday, April 30, 2013

A Night at Parkview FIeld

I spent last night at Parkview Field, home of the Ft Wayne Tin Caps.  Simply stated, this facility which opened in 2009 is the nicest in minor league baseball.

The bluegrass surface was re-sodded this past fall with sod from Graff's Sod Farm.  The infield mix is Dura Edge Custom Pro from the Natural Sand Company.  The infield mix is conditioned with Diamond Pro Professional Infield Conditioner.

Here are a few photos:

Two entrances to the ballpark:



View from LF Grounds Shop:


A number of photos from the concourse.  Notice the many drink rails and areas for seating:






The trash and recycling bins:


A couple photos of Harrison Square:



A view of the concourse:


A sneak peak of the new 400 Club (under construction) in the CF batters eye.  The first in minor league baseball:


There is a reason Stadium Journey named Parkview Field the #1 experience in Minor League Baseball for 2 years in a row.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Sunday, April 28, 2013

A New Backstop for Greensburg High School

J&D Turf worked with Greensburg High School to complete the design, engineering and installation process for their new backstop wall, net, and padding.

The goals were the following:

  • Improved slight lines.
  • Improved protection for fans by increasing the net height between the dugout to 25 ft.
  • Overall, a better look for the field.

Here are a few photos:

The backstop before:




The backstop before the wall padding was added.  Notice the bottom of the net was stretched and laced to fit using coated twine:





The finished product:




The Pirates now have a netting system that will last, and improved slight lines and safety for all spectators.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Friday, April 26, 2013

A Night at Great American Ballpark

I spent an evening last week at Great American Ballpark (GABP).  The Cincinnati Reds took on the Philadelphia Phillies.

GABP opened in 2003 in downtown Cincinnati, OH.  As you can see, the stabilized 100% ryegrass surface is in great shape.

Here are a few photos:

View from behind homeplate:


View from the right field power alley:


View from the left center field power alley: (notice the drink rails around the ballpark)


The highlight zone along the concourse:


View from the concourse along 3rd base:


If you are in Cincinnati this year, stop by GABP.  It is a great facility and the team is pretty good this year too!

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

St. Luke Catholic Church - Bermudagrass - April 2013

The football/soccer field at St. Luke was converted to bermudgrass in May 2012.  In early Sept 2012, the field was overseeded with Barenbrug Turf Star Elite Rye at a rate of 20 lbs/1,000 sq ft.  The field is maintained at a 3/4 inch cutting height.   Here are a couple of photos of the field for spring soccer season 

Early April:




Mid April: (Notice the green tissue on the stolon)




The field is in great shape and completely smooth.  As stated earlier, if considering a bermudagrass conversion, keep in mind that an educational process will have to take place with the user groups and the stakeholders.  The goal with a bermuda field is fast and smooth play year around that takes wear extremely well at the start of fall sports.

Look for additional posts from St. Luke in 2013.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Monday, April 22, 2013

Progressive Field - Cleveland Indians

While in town for business, I made a site visit to Progressive Field for a scheduled Cleveland Indians vs New York Yankees contest a couple weeks ago.  Below is a recap of the visit.

Progressive Field open in 1994 as Jacobs Field.  "The Jake" as it was known sold out every game from June 12, 1995 to April 1, 2001 - a record 455 straight games.  The field has 122 suites, a capacity of  43,545 and a Kentucky bluegrass playing surface.

The exterior:



The seating bowl:






The bullpen:


Looking towards the 122 suites:



The Indians Hall of Fame in center field: (The former picnic area)






From the left field bleachers:



The scoreboard:



Click HERE to learn more about Progressive Field.

The game was rained out at 9 PM.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer