Smokies Park gets a 'top flight' upgrade

When it comes to baseball in East Tennessee Smokies Park is the place to go. While the team won't be back until April next year that doesn't mean the field is empty.You might be use to seeing the field at Smokies Park covered in green grass and now it looks more like a giant sand lot.

Doug Kirchhofer, Smokies President said "After 14 seasons our existing playing surface is worn out and there's an opportunity for us here to upgrade using new technology under the surface and on top of the surface." The new upgrades include a new irrigation and drainage system capped off with brand new sod. The home place area is in the shape of home plate and there's trap drains that immediately drain water from the field after a heavy rain. "The grass is called Latitude 36 Bermuda and it's used at LP Field and Arrowhead Stadium. It's a special hybrid Bermuda that was developed for our climate." said Kirchhofer

However, the grass isn't the only new addition; the warning track that outlines the field will now be made out of brick dust instead of gravel. Jason Holt from Carolina Green Corp. said "The brick dust will really make the field look sharp. It's something major league teams are doing too."

The project will be complete by the end of November.

You'll be able to see all the new addition on Opening Day, April 9th 2014.

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