Indiana's Turf Troubles

You know it was some really bad weather in Indiana when a artificial turf surface is ruined. Indiana University's Memorial Stadium switched to AstroPlay turf in 2003. You know, to save money and allow the field to be used for more activities.

Well after the state of Indiana was buffeted last week by strong wind and heavy rains, there was flooding everywhere. Including Memorial Stadium.

[Indiana Athletic Director Rick] Greenspan said high winds this week drove a "phenomenal amount of rain under the carpet" and created a 10-inch deep sinkhole from the middle of the field inside the south end zone to the fence separating the field from fans.

"When it got down to (the south end), part of the turf just collapsed like one of those landslides you see in California where the foundation just goes out from under it," he said.

IU football coach Bill Lynch said there was a lot of water on the field when the staff arrived Thursday morning. When it drained, there were sinkholes and lumpy sections of carpet.

This picture (sorry, we don't have the rights to show it) shows the turf looking like a funhouse floor. Indiana is still trying to determine whether they can repair or have to replace the whole thing. The costs are expected to be $750,000 to $1 million.

The biggest issue, though, is time. It will take about 4 weeks to replace the turf. Then they have find a company capable of doing the work on short notice. The season opener is August 30, the absolute date it must be repaired or replaced. In the meantime, practices and football camps scheduled to take place on the field have been moved or canceled. Where the football team conducts summer training camp in August is now in question