HARRISON, NJ- The first pieces of sod were laid in place today at Red Bull Arena. The Kentucky Bluegrass field will be rolled out over the next week in preparation for the Red Bulls opening match of the 2010 MLS season on March 27, 2010, against the Chicago Fire.
The field installation is being handled by Landtek Group of Amityville, Long Island, leaders in athletic field construction for more than 20 years. Landtek will oversee installation of the pitch and have already overseen the installation of the cutting-edge underground field drainage and turf heating system.
The underground system, known as a SubAir System, will enable Red Bull Arena to fully control the field's moisture content and enable growth and temperature management for what will be a natural Kentucky bluegrass playing surface even during cold-weather months.
The SubAir System applies vacuum pressure to accelerate the speed at which moisture moves from the playing surface through the soil system. At the same time, the system can apply pressure through the subsoil pipes to stimulate moisture movement through the soil during particularly dry periods, as well as regulate the core temperature of the soil throughout the year to help stimulate grass growth.
Fans can watch the pitch installation via the web cam at www.redbullarena.us.
Other construction notes:
The installation of the final pieces of the dynamic form roof begin this week. Only the 13 panels over the West Building remain. The roof panels extend 120 feet from the facade over the seating bowl with the final 60 feet composed of translucent panels. These translucent panels will allow natural light to pass through into the bowl. In total, there will be 94 panels used to complete the Red Bull Arena roof. When completely installed, the roof will extend over the entire seating bowl and curve down to the concourse.
Red Bull Arena is set to be ready for the 2010 Major League Soccer season. The new soccer-specific stadium will have 25,000 seats, including 30 suites and 1,000 club seats. The stadium design incorporates a unique roof top, which will extend from the last seat to just over the touchlines, with 60 feet of the roof will be translucent in order to allow natural light to enter.
