Landscape Architect Articles

2007 January LSMP Irrigation: Drainage in Two Days Saves Soccer Matches01-04-07 | News

Drainage in Two Days Saves Soccer Matches

The sod is unrolled over a geotextile filter fabric and the drainage layer (Draincore2).

Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas has state-of the-art artificial turf, which underwent renovation before the 2003 NFL season. Then the stadium scheduled a series of international soccer matches, which can only be played on natural grass. Reliant Stadium needed a suitable replacement and fast?EUR??,,????'??+it had to be done within six days!

The stadium called Turfgrass America, Inc. to discuss installation of temporary turf. Turfgrass America contacted Airfield Systems, LLC. ?EUR??,,????'??Reliant Stadium needed something that would live up to FIFA (the international soccer association) standards, but could be installed in a flash,?EUR??,,????'?? explained Mike Courter of Airfield.

The concrete floor and drainage lines of Reliant Stadium were covered with 86,000 square feet of Draincore2, made with 100 percent recycled high density polyethythene plastic, injection molded into a system of one inch hollow rings connected by a grid.

The installation of the natural turf was made possible by a highly efficient drainage layer, Draincore2, by Invisible Structures, Inc. The drainage layer is made from 100 percent recycled high density polyethythene plastic, injection molded into a system of one inch hollow rings connected by a grid, which provides the drainage and oxygen necessary for natural grass.

At Reliant, the installation of the drainage layer began July 2, 2003. The concrete floor and drainage lines were covered with 86,000 square feet of Draincore2, which was installed by July 4. The final preparation was completed the next day: a permeable geotextile fabric layer was put down and topped with professional sod. The sod seams were filled with sand, the sod was washed, and the field was ready for match play. The drainage layer was installed in two days, and the field was ready for match play in six.

The drainage layer, manufactured in large rolls, is easy to install. ?EUR??,,????'??There is nothing else like it,?EUR??,,????'?? said Mike Courter, attesting to its drainage and oxygen efficiency, and the savings in labor costs.

The drainage layer was installed in two days, and the field was ready for professional soccer match play in six.

The temporary natural grass field was host to an international double header on July 8, featuring the Major League Soccer?EUR??,,????'???s Kansas City Wizards vs. Santo Laguna, Mexico?EUR??,,????'???s First Division team, and the Guatemala and El Salvador national teams facing off in exhibition play.

?EUR??,,????'??The field held up tremendously throughout both games,?EUR??,,????'?? Mr. Courter reported.

Draincore2 has been tested by Colorado State University hydrology lab, revealing it carries 58 gallons per minute of water per foot width. In comparison, a pipe and gravel drainage system, or french drain, can carry 18-24 gpm per foot width.

?EUR??,,????'??The performance and savings on installation is unmatched in the industry,?EUR??,,????'?? asserted Kevin Wright, president of Invisible Structures, Inc. ?EUR??,,????'??The potential for installations of temporary playing fields on parking lots and other hard, formerly unusable surfaces, is unparalleled.?EUR??,,????'??

The drainage layer is rolled up for future use. However, it has been permanently installed at some fields.

The entire system was taken down as easily as it went up. On July 9, the drainage layer was rolled up and stored for future use, and the Reliant Stadium?EUR??,,????'???s concrete floor was cleared.

Draincore2 is part of a permanent installation at the Texas A & M Women?EUR??,,????'???s Soccer Field, home of the Big 12 Champion Aggies. The drainage system is also slated for installation in 2004 for several professional and amateur fields, including football, baseball, softball and soccer fields.