Field Turf

[bthart22]

I have head rumors that Massillon would be replacing their older (hard as concrete) Astro Turf with the more complete, player-friendly Field Turf. Does anybody know if there is a plan for replacement?

[obie7661]

Aren't all (or almost all) artificial surfaces 'hard as concrete?'

[bthart22]

Your point is well taken, but if you've ever been on both, you'd know there is a significant difference. I ask because many stadiums are going to Field Turf - probably even Ohio State - and it will be a major consideration in the OHSAA determining where the future championship games are played after 2006. If OSU moves away from a grass field, then PB Tiger Stadium could easily lose the state championships ... a big financial loss to a community that can't afford to see those games leave.

[austinsm11]

I think the field turf is much better. I did hate all those little rubber pieces flying up all the time though.

[obie7661]

Your point is well taken, but if you've ever been on both, you'd know there is a significant difference. I ask because many stadiums are going to Field Turf - probably even Ohio State - and it will be a major consideration in the OHSAA determining where the future championship games are played after 2006. If OSU moves away from a grass field, then PB Tiger Stadium could easily lose the state championships ... a big financial loss to a community that can't afford to see those games leave.

Jim Tressel has said he'd like to see the OHSAA games in the Horseshoe.

I hope it doesn't happen, but if he lobbies, along with the fact that a lot of schools in the southern part of the state would like the games more centralized ... then it might be tough to hang onto them.

That being said: Our area does one helluva job with running the games; and tons and tons of people enjoy coming here to play in, and see the games.

No better place for the Championship venues.

[bthart22]

All true ... but the field situation has been the single biggest reason that Columbus is not currently hosting the championships, regardless how deserving Tiger Stadium and the local committee has been to date.

[Obie Wan]

All true ... but the field situation has been the single biggest reason that Columbus is not currently hosting the championships, regardless how deserving Tiger Stadium and the local committee has been to date.
Well, that and the fact they've never come up with a credible second site. And the fact that hosting at the 'Shoe takes money away from OHSAA member schools. And the fact that there is widespread resistance to playing the finals in a 100,000+ seat stadium that will be almost empty. And the Columbus rush hour traffic that would snarl Friday games. Etc., etc., etc...

There are a lot of reasons Columbus doesn't have the games. Even if they had Field Turf last year, Stark County would still have won the bid.

[RRanger]

yes we are getting new turf

[tiger embalmer]

yes we are getting new turf

Will we be able to buy pieces of the old turf?

[Spize]

Will we be able to buy pieces of the old turf?

I hope so. I would love that. They should put some of it on Ebay too. They could sell every square yard, not only in Massillon, but target the players and schools that have won titles on that turf... that should sell it all. If you don't sell all the yards by the square, put some up for sale in larger pieces... I would LOVE to do the floor in front of the bar in my basement sports room with turf from PBTS. Could be a great fundraiser if they don't price them too high!

Or else we can donate it to Mansfield Arlin field... that would benefit us some years!

(BTW, I think having field turf will HELP us a lot as a team... We are too used ot our turf and our Defense is too used to our turf, field turf is much faster, so it should help us out against our opponents that are used to it(Iggy, Mck, Mentor, WGH))

[Banks]

There well be many changes.
I think we all well be very pleased.
So I am told.

[tig62]

There well be many changes.
I think we all well be very pleased.


AH is leaving for good? Bobby Boucher(Boo-shay) is transferring to Massillon? Mike will volunteer to assist with the WHS drum section? Big Time the next Booster pres?

[MTcheer18]

I think that the state championship games should stay in high school stadiums. I mean I understand that it is kind of an honor to play at other feilds such as the shoe but it's high school ball. Shouldn't it be played in High School stadiums? BUT I WILL admit I love traveling to The shoe any chance i get!

[Banks]

I think Jim Tressel could care less where the games are, I would say he was just saying what some wanted him to say, or we would have heard much more about it .

[TigerCoach]

I have head rumors that Massillon would be replacing their older (hard as concrete) Astro Turf with the more complete, player-friendly Field Turf.

From where do you derive this "hard as concrete" theory?

[RRanger]

There well be many changes.
I think we all well be very pleased.
So I am told.

there is going to be a lot of changes`` for the good

[obie7661]

there is going to be a lot of changes`` for the good

What will the changes be.

[MTown]

I think Jim Tressel could care less where the games are, I would say he was just saying what some wanted him to say, or we would have heard much more about it .

Tressel has said on a couple of occasions that he wants the title games in Ohio Stadium....specifically for recruiting purposes. And, given his status in the state, if he wants it, he is eventually going to get it.

[BigTime]

What will the changes be.

Stay tuned.

[Smitty]

... older (hard as concrete) Astro Turf with the more complete, player-friendly Field Turf....

I was at Ohio State back in the Woody Hayes era; THAT was "original" Astroturf at that time, and YES, it was hard. When dry, the footing was terrific; but when wet, it was slick. We'd go out in the (warm) spring rains to go "turf-surfing"... sprint 20 yards, then go into a baseball slide. Yeeee-Haaaa!!

I've played on some "grass" fields -- more like baked mud! -- and thought I was on a parking lot.

I have walked across the ol' "sand-turf" at PBTS; and it was similarly hard. I've NOT stepped onto the current PBTS playing surface. I've been on this new Field Turf (the practice field at Univ. of Idaho) and it's pretty impressive stuff. FWIW... the U. of Idaho Vandal games are played inside the Kibbie Dome... and the playing surface is green "carpet" like you'd find on grand-ma's back deck.

[Mass6]

The field turf will be nice, but my question is, will we have colored endzones or not??? I love the way the Bengals end zones look (as far as color retention) but ours always seem to fade really bad after about a year. Any suggestions on colors or designs???

[BigTime]

The field turf will be nice, but my question is, will we have colored endzones or not??? I love the way the Bengals end zones look (as far as color retention) but ours always seem to fade really bad after about a year. Any suggestions on colors or designs???

How about orange with black markings? A Massillon version of Boise State!

[gotigers1]

Boise State plays enough tricks with my eyes when I watch a game from there, but ORANGE??

The key is finding a way to keep the turf from fading, which I've been told that orange is the worst color to be prone to fading on turf.

[Al.]

How about orange with black markings? A Massillon version of Boise State!

http://www.nmnathletics.com.edgesuite.net/fls/9900/images/facilities/new_turf.jpg

[Spize]

build a cover for the field?

[CATS44]

1) OSU will have field turf next year.

2) We have the title games thru 2011. (The option years are a given)

3) Columbus' biggest drawback is a lack of a credible organization. Its second biggest drawback is a general lack of interest in HS football. They cant GIVE away tix to the All Star game.

[Al.]

build a cover for the field?

Mold & mildew

[MTown]

3) Columbus' biggest drawback is a lack of a credible organization. Its second biggest drawback is a general lack of interest in HS football. They cant GIVE away tix to the All Star game.

The only thing that concerns me is that Tressel wants the games in the 'Shoe. His opinion holds a TON of weight.

[GrowlingTiger87]

MTown, you are so right, and unfortunately so in this case. IMO, his ONLY real reason for wanting the games down there (by the way, the stadium will always look empty) is to get a better look at potential recruits. To me, if this is part of the reason, it's a poor one, because he obviously isn't having any trouble in the recruiting department.

I'd hate to see these games EVER leave here. They belong here.

[The Butler]

MTown, you are so right, and unfortunately so in this case. IMO, his ONLY real reason for wanting the games down there (by the way, the stadium will always look empty) is to get a better look at potential recruits. To me, if this is part of the reason, it's a poor one, because he obviously isn't having any trouble in the recruiting department.

I'd hate to see these games EVER leave here. They belong here.

Exactly. If they don't know what players they are going to target by Finals weekend, then they aren't doing their jobs. How much contact could anyone from OSU have with individual players? I doubt much. I would think being invited down during Michigan weekend would be a better recruiting tool.

[Mass6]

Can you imagine the media outcry if we installed Orange Turf with Black endzones and lines with white outlines. It would look nice for a year at least. Black would be too hot! We would have not need for lights!!:eyemouth:

[tiger embalmer]

Any chance the DHE could put on some possible field designs?

[MassFan3]

In my opinion, I'd like to see just a plain green turf (artificial field turf, of course). No Tiger stripes in the endzones, no extra hooplah - just white lines and maybe an Obie or Leaping Tiger in the middle. Heck, I'm debating with myself just to leave the middle blank! Maybe keep the "M"...leave the rest green - like Michigan.

Anything GREEN would be good. Right now, the turf color has faded to almost a turquoise color, and the orange isn't quite orange at all!

[MassFan3]

I'd venture to say that injuries to the legs and head (concussions) will decrease significantly after the turf gets replaced as well - that stuff right now is like concrete and it can wear and tear on the body.

[Banks]

In my opinion, I'd like to see just a plain green turf (artificial field turf, of course). No Tiger stripes in the endzones, no extra hooplah - just white lines and maybe an Obie or Leaping Tiger in the middle. Heck, I'm debating with myself just to leave the middle blank! Maybe keep the "M"...leave the rest green - like Michigan.

Anything GREEN would be good. Right now, the turf color has faded to almost a turquoise color, and the orange isn't quite orange at all!

You think we would have learned our lesson on the
last turf we had. The sun can do so much damage that the turf needs covered at last a few months before it is used.

As for the tiger in the center I am all for that!
But I don't see the leaping tiger we have used the last couple of years being there. That tiger was from a CFL team and we were allowed to use it for only 2 years.

[Spize]

In my opinion, I'd like to see just a plain green turf (artificial field turf, of course). No Tiger stripes in the endzones, no extra hooplah - just white lines and maybe an Obie or Leaping Tiger in the middle. Heck, I'm debating with myself just to leave the middle blank! Maybe keep the "M"...leave the rest green - like Michigan.

Anything GREEN would be good. Right now, the turf color has faded to almost a turquoise color, and the orange isn't quite orange at all!

Thanks for your opinion, but I hope the person designing it isn't you. No offense.

[Spize]

I think the current design is nice, it is fading, but not so bad as it could be. Field turf does not fade quite as bad from what I understand and, by the way it is put in, Able to be patched and partially replaced if needed without damaging the integrity of the field.

I just hope the next new thing in turf doesn't come out in 2 years like has happened the last 2 times we put in new turf.

[Al.]

I just hope the next new thing in turf doesn't come out in 2 years like has happened the last 2 times we put in new turf.

I agree. Unfortunately our luck with turf installation in the past has always been at the end of old technology and a year or two (at the most) ahead of the new stuff. :scratchchin:

[MTown]

Exactly. If they don't know what players they are going to target by Finals weekend, then they aren't doing their jobs. How much contact could anyone from OSU have with individual players? I doubt much. I would think being invited down during Michigan weekend would be a better recruiting tool.

Here's why Tressel wants to make the change. During the recruiting process Ohio State makes a point to invite as many kids as possible to come to the Michigan game when it is at home. BUT...that automatically eliminates teams that are in the Semi's that play on Saturday (although that was changed this year). So you have the best teams in the state, along with some of the best players, that miss out on that recruiting experience...and it is a BIG selling tool. So, Tressel wants to give those other kids a chance to experience Ohio Stadium in another way, which is by letting them play for their state championship in the Horseshoe.

Hopefully, the OHSAA will play all semifinal games on Friday from here on out so that it does not interfere with the Michigan game...especially if they keep the start at 3:30. If that happens, a lot more kids will be able to make it to the Michigan game and the need to let them have an "Ohio Stadium experience" wouldn't be as great.

I still think if Tressel wants the games in Columbus, he will eventually get it.

[BigTime]

I still think if Tressel wants the games in Columbus, he will eventually get it.

There is much more to consider other than keeping Coach Tressel happy. The revenue generated for the communities of Canton and Massillon by hosting these games is significant. Is yanking those dollars out of the Stark county economy really worth and extra blue chipper or two?

[tiger36]

I just hope whatever we do it is unique,I love the stripes in the endzone. And i'm sure everyone agrees that it's like a welcome to Paul Brown "Tiger "stadium.

[MTown]

"Is yanking those dollars out of the Stark county economy really worth and extra blue chipper or two?"



...depends on who you ask.

If you ask someone in Stark County....no, it's not worth it.

If you ask Columbus and the entire southern part of the state....yup, it's worth it.

[gotigers1]

I would like to see college hash marks on the new turf as well. This would help out when we have the HOF Drum Corp event and with us now having play clocks, we could even host a college game or 2.:scratchchin:

[TigerVic]

Yeah- Putting the college hash marks in might actually resolve the dilemma of us losing the playoff games to Tressel:

Put the title games in the Horseshoe and the OSU games at PBTS!

[Al.]

I would like to see college hash marks on the new turf as well. This would help out when we have the HOF Drum Corp event and with us now having play clocks, we could even host a college game or 2.:scratchchin:

IMHO the extra hash marks makes the field look way too busy. Look at Fawcett. Granted their field is also striped for NFL too.
If you are going to have an occasional college game, you can always use the old fashion way (lime or non permanant water-based paint). PBTS is a high-school field.

[Al.]

The Michigan game "experience" is only every two years at the Horseshoe. IMHO he is just trying to appease the local Columbus/Cinci media and "casual" fans who like to whine about travel to NE Ohio..

[longtimefirsttime]

The Michigan game "experience" is only every two years at the Horseshoe. IMHO he is just trying to appease the local Columbus/Cinci media and "casual" fans who like to whine about travel to NE Ohio..

True. He's trying to look like a "team player" in Columbus.

[MTown]

Think about the players Ohio State has gotten because of the Michigan game experience...

Hint...they are Sophomores this year (watched 2004 Michigan), and Seniors (watched 2002 Michigan)

Now look over Ohio State's roster and see what year the impact players on this team are.

Just a little taste from the '04 game...

Boone
Rehring
Lauranaitis
Jenkins
Anderson Russell
Hartline
Robiskie

Getting those kids to the Michigan game is HUGE.

[longtimefirsttime]

Think about the players Ohio State has gotten because of the Michigan game experience...

Hint...they are Sophomores this year (watched 2004 Michigan), and Seniors (watched 2002 Michigan)

Now look over Ohio State's roster and see what year the impact players on this team are.

Just a little taste from the '04 game...

Boone
Rehring
Lauranaitis
Jenkins
Anderson Russell
Hartline
Robiskie

Getting those kids to the Michigan game is HUGE.

It may not be THE factor, but it helps. Ask Magnacca about what he thought of the experience.

[MTown]

It is the ultimate trump card in recruiting. No one can provide a better football experience than Michigan/Ohio State in Ohio Stadium.

[gotigers1]

:offtopic:

[Kamd50]

:offtopic:

I agree! I love the Buckeyes but MASSILLON and Stark County 1st!

Tressel doesn't need any additional help in the recruiting field, but we do need to keep these games here!

[obie2000]

Where did Tressel say he wanted the games in Columbus? I have searched and cannot find anything anywhere. Upon asking 2 guys that are connected to Bucknuts.com they said that they never heard Tressel say that and continued to say that he was at a few games in the last couple years and all he said was he had a good time. What gives here? Someone trying to start something that isnt really there?

[Kamd50]

I don't remember where, but I also read the comments he made about wanting the games down there.

[Kamd50]

Here is one link for you 2000:thumbsup:
http://www.buckeyeplanet.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-28856.html

"Without question, we want those games here in our stadium," Tressel said.

"There is no stadium in this state, or maybe the country, like Ohio Stadium. It would be such a special experience in a special environment for the kids.".........

[gotigers1]

It was in the C-bus Dispatch a few months ago.

[TigerLily]

If Tressel does want the high school championships at OSU because of recruiting reasons that is just wrong. And if he is trying to appease people….too bad.

Maybe he should stop and think about what he is doing -- trying to take away the games from an area that exudes high school football. And, as far as support, there is just no place else where they are going to get the great attendance and community support.

This is the State “High School” Championship…these kids should be just concentrating on that. The Championship game should be one of the greatest experiences in their lives and be just about high school. Where better to play a “High School
Championship”? -- right here in the hot bed of high school football.

We’ve played some games at OSU and I really did not care for it. Way too impersonal with being so far away from the field and too large of a facility. It just didn’t seem like a high school game.

So let them get whatever turf they want. As long as we keep up our facilities…IMHO we need to keep the Championship Games right here.

[GrowlingTiger87]

It's just plain selfishness. As I previously stated, recruiting is NOT an issue for Tressel.

[MUCSteelers5xSuperChamp]

Keep the title games in Massillon! Massillon has the best assets that makes the city one of two to host the title games!

After all......I covered my first state title game in this pristine stadium!

And speaking of field turf...if it happens, the field for the most part will be all right, but keep the "MASSILLON" and the "TIGERS" in the end zone as the end zones being orange and the words in white...what it used to be when the stadium had sandturf before going to Astroturf. Remove the Tiger stripes.

[Smitty]

If Tressel does want the high school championships at OSU because of recruiting reasons that is just wrong....

... and SILLY. There are only 6 championship games - 12 teams - and you can't realistically think that ALL (or even most) of the "prime" OSU recruits are on those 12 teams.