Aloha Stadium's new carpet
Advertiser Staff
Replacing Aloha Stadium's AstroTurf field surface was a key issue in keeping the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawai'i.
The NFL prefers natural grass or FieldTurf because its players have complained about injuries suffered on AstroTurf.
The replacement turf was part of a contract in 2000 between the Hawai'i Tourism Authority and the Pro Bowl to keep the annual all-star game here.
University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones has also advocated for the new playing surface, which mimics natural grass.
Total cost of the project: $1.3 million, with an eight-year warranty. Total cost of installing AstroTurf in 1999: $2.3 million.
Installation is expected to begin next week and to be completed by the end of May.
COMPARING SURFACES: Natural grass preferred, but not always practical
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Natural grass
Players prefer the feel of natural grass. Injuries because of the surface usually occur after the turf has suffered damage from overuse and natural wear.
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FIELDTURF
Many football players say that FieldTurf is the next best thing to grass. The rubber infill provides better shock absorption and it does not deteriorate with use. Unlike AstroTurf, players can wear cleats.
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ASTROTURF
A favorite for its low maintenance. However, players complain about the nylon surface's abrasiveness and the injuries, such as turf burns, that come with the less forgiving surface.
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