

Steelers to install new grass-turf blend at Heinz Field PITTSBURGH (AP)  The Pittsburgh Steelers hope a hybrid turf of grass supported by synthetic fibers will solve the problems that have plagued Heinz Field since it opened two years ago. The DD GrassMaster system, already used by the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field, is expected to cost the Steelers about $700,000 and will be installed later this spring. Heinz Field's grass was replaced three times last season as players struggled to keep their footing. Small chunks of turf repeatedly flew up during games, and Browns kicker Phil Dawson called it the worst field in the league. Former Steelers kicker Kris Brown so struggled at Heinz in 2001, missing 10 field goal attempts there, that he later signed with the expansion Houston Texans. His replacement, Todd Peterson, had a league-high seven misses before being replaced by Jeff Reed in November. The new Heinz turf, purchased from Desso DLW Sports Systems of The Netherlands, also is sand-based but uses polypropylene fibers sewn into the sod every three-quarters of an inch as anchors. The Kentucky bluegrass used in the field develops roots that become entwined with the fibers, which in turn hold the grass in place. The surface also is expected to be installed in the Eagles' new stadium, Lincoln Financial Field. "Given the challenges of maintaining the traditional grass surfaces in the Northeast and the amount of activity on the field, we felt this new hybrid surface would be the best route," Steelers president Dan Rooney said. Workers are expected to begin taking up the current turf at Heinz Field as early as next week. Despite the ongoing turf problems, Heinz Field was rated in the middle of the pack among NFL stadiums in field quality in the annual survey of NFL players last season. Developed in the late 1980s, the DD GrassMaster system has been installed in playing surfaces since 1992 and has been used in more than 160 fields worldwide. Denver coach Mike Shanahan said the Broncos' surface is the best in the NFL, other than those in Phoenix and Tampa, where there are no problems with the climate. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.