Big changes for 2013 at Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League): a new irrigation system and playing field, with Maine- and New England-based companies completing the work.
The playing surface at Hadlock Field will be completely replaced, including both the infield and outfield. The field will be re-grated and laser-leveled along with new sod. The work is being done by Sports Turf Specialties based in Wrentham, Mass.; the same company that works on Fenway Park. The new sod will be 100 percent Kentucky Blue Blend and will be supplied by Tuckahoe Turf in Berwick, Maine. The infield will be comprised of the same mixture as Fenway Park’s infield. Work on the playing surface got underway on today and is estimated to take 8-10 days to complete the process.
The playing surface at Hadlock Field was last replaced in 2005.
The new irrigation was installed the week of September 17-21 by Thirsty Turf based in Portland, Maine. The new irrigation system will be more efficient using less water, yet covering a greater area. This will aid in the organization’s green initiatives and literally help keep Hadlock Field green. The previous irrigation system was installed in 1985.
“The new irrigation system is much more high tech and will significantly improve our ability to care for the field,” said Rick Anderson, the Sea Dogs’ Head Groundskeeper “We consulted with the folks at the Red Sox regarding what products and companies would give us the best field playability and what type of surface their players like to play on before moving forward with this project.”
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