No one knows what it will be yet to my knowledge. My guess would be "Field Turf," or "Sportexe," but that is just a guess based on my feelings of the two best choices out there. For frame of reference, The New England Pats and the NY Giants play on "Field Turf." The New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens play on "Sportexe." There are a number of differences, none of which are probably inportant to this discussion. As far as no one being able to tell the difference, I'd guess 95% of everyone involved will. As far as the drainage system is concerned, it will need to be reworked. These fields are typically laid on a 4-8 inch bed of very fine gravel sometimes called screenings. No soil is involved and it allows for a rapid transfer of water from the field surface to the drain lines below. In fact, concrete curbing is usually poured around the field to hold everything in and to run the main drain beneath.
Irrigation will probably need to be modified as well. Infill turf fields are usually irrigated by large cannons in the corners and possibly at midfield. These are located off of the field of play. The piping and such run around the field and not through it as is the case with most modern grass fields. The purpose for the irrigation is not to wet the field but to cool it. Air and surface temps. on an infill field can reach amazing numbers, I've read verification of 180 degrees plus!! Therefore to cool the surface and the microclimate above it you have to use some water. This is not overly effective but it does work for a short time.
As far as being the same as anything else tOSU has. The closest I know of would be the indoor practice field. I believe it is "Astroplay" which was developed by the orig. astroturf company in Texas that has since gone out of business. It is still being manufactured by another co. I think with a new name.
The city of Columbus sewage treatment taskforce must come in after those pieces of shit visit here. Glad its only once every two years.
