Tropicana Field is getting new turf this season, as Shaw Sports will "replace the surface installed last spring in a mutual decision with the Rays that it did not look as good -- from the stands or on TV," according Marc Topkin of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. The change will be "covered cost-wise primarily by Shaw." The Rays spent about $1M on it last year. When the Rays chose Shaw over three other companies last year, both sides said that they "expected the new surface to feel, play and look better, specifically on TV." And while there were "no major complaints from players or obvious issues with how it played ... there was disappointment in how it looked." The new turf will be the "sixth playing surface under the tilted roof in 21 seasons." Installation is "expected to start after a gymnastics event at the Trop this weekend and be finished by the third week of March" ( TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/21 ).
Tropicana Field Replacing Turf For Second Straight Season
