Posted on: Thursday, June 6, 2002
NFL weary of Aloha Stadium delays
By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer
The NFL remains willing to help pay for the installation of a new playing surface at Aloha Stadium, but cautions that "anything is possible," if the Stadium Authority keeps putting off a decision.
Jim Steeg, NFL senior vice president of special events, also said yesterday that if the state does not live up to its "best efforts" to replace the AstroTurf — as outlined in a contract negotiated by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority three years ago — it could affect future negotiations for the annual Pro Bowl game.
The stadium authority said last Thursday that a lack of information on FieldTurf — the surface approved by the HTA and preferred by the NFL — prevented it from making a final decision. It tabled the matter until a June 13 meeting, requesting HTA answer questions about installation, drainage and the actual cost of FieldTurf.
Steeg yesterday said that he received an "apology letter" from stadium manager Eddie Hayashi regarding the delay. Steeg said the letter indicated the state wants to keep the Pro Bowl, which has been played at Aloha Stadium every year since 1980 and brings immeasurable marketing value to the state.
"This is not a complicated issue," Steeg said. "It's made a lot worse than it really is. If they aggressively try to get this done, the answers are all there.
"Next Thursday is D-Day."
One question the Stadium Authority had was whether FieldTurf — a synthetic, grass-like turf that uses a rubber and sand infill for cushioning — could sustain 30- to 50-ton cranes that are used to install equipment for concerts. (Concerts generate the most revenue for the stadium.)
"You can do anything you want on FieldTurf," said Darren Gill, marketing coordinator for Montreal-based company. "But you have to treat it like grass."
Gill said large concerts have been staged on FieldTurf, and the surface also should be able to handle dirt events, such as motocross.
"When certain events happen, we make sure it happens properly," Gill said. "It's not like once the field is in, we're gone. We make sure when an event goes on, if assistance is needed, we'll make sure it happens."
FieldTurf has estimated the cost of installing and maintaining its product at $877,000. The HTA has guaranteed to pay up to $500,000, with the NFL agreeing to pick up the balance.
Steeg said the estimated price could drop once the state starts negotiating with FieldTurf.
"I'm an optimist, even through all this," Steeg said. "I think it's going to get done. All speculations will become moot."
Steeg put to rest claims that the NFL is advocating FieldTurf because the NFL Quarterback Club is a minor investor in the company.
"That's the Quarterback Club, not the National Football League," he said. "It's a separate organization ... our advantage is that we can negotiate (with them) for a better price."
