Fieldturf CEO
says they can
‘get the ball rolling’

The company will start taking bids
for preparing the stadium surface,
though coring results aren't final

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By Jason Kaneshiro
jkaneshiro@starbulletin.com

Fieldturf is getting ready to roll, but the window to install the artificial surface at Aloha Stadium is closing rapidly.

Although test results of coring samples taken from the stadium floor last month have yet to be finalized, Fieldturf is proceeding with the bidding process to find a contractor to perform the work of preparing the surface and installing the field.

"We have enough to enable us to go out and start requesting bids and timelines from general contractors," said John Gilman, CEO of Fieldturf. "We've gotten enough to get the ball rolling."

Gilman declined to comment on whether the turf could be installed by the Aug. 2 deadline set by the Stadium Authority, but said preliminary results of the soil tests were favorable.

"The stadium floor is in better shape than we anticipated, so it's an easier job than we first thought," Gilman said.

Tau Harrington of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which is working with Fieldturf, said several companies have expressed interest, but most have requested additional clarification of the job requirements.

"The window is closing, but I'm still optimistic," Harrington said.

While Fieldturf looks to speed along the bidding process, members of the Stadium Authority are still waiting to see the results of the coring samples and consult with stadium engineers on the plans.

"I think we're as anxious as anybody to see what can be done so we can figure out what kind of surface we're going to have in the stadium in August," said authority member Robin Campaniano.

The cost of preparing the surface, which would include shaving down the stadium's asphalt crown, has not been determined and is not part of the $877,500 quoted by Fieldturf as the price to install the field. HTA has pledged to cover $500,000 of the expense. Harrington said covering of the additional costs will have to be negotiated between Fieldturf and the NFL.

NFL officials consider Fieldturf a safer alternative to the Astroturf surface now on the stadium floor for players competing in the Pro Bowl and hope to have a new field in place for February's game.