FieldTurf installed,
but not quite readyOfficials expect the details
to be addressed in time for
the turf's scheduled debut
Installation of Aloha Stadium's new FieldTurf playing surface is complete, but there are still a few details that need to be completed before the field is ready for its Aug. 23 debut.
Stadium engineer Kenneth Tong said there were 15 points that needed to be addressed before the field would be ready for play. He expects the remaining tasks to be completed in time for the first football games scheduled for the stadium, the Father Bray Classic on Aug. 23.
Tong said the sand and rubber infill needs to be leveled off properly before the lines can be drawn on the field and the goal posts still need to be installed.
He said crews and equipment from FieldTurf are scheduled to come in early next week to address the remaining items.
"It's still progressing and unless we hear otherwise we assume it's going to be completed as it was originally contracted for," Tong said.
The new playing field was installed at a total cost of $1.3 million, with the state paying $800,000 and the NFL contributing $500,000. Tong said the remaining items are part of the original contract.
"Everything is in good shape," said Rex Johnson of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which negotiated the deal with the NFL. "Everything is going to be done in time for the first football game of the season."
The NFL had pushed for a new surface to replace the AstroTurf field at Aloha Stadium, which annually hosts the Pro Bowl.
"As typical with any construction process, as it comes to conclusion there are punch list items, which exist right now," said Jim Steeg, NFL senior vice president of special events. "FieldTurf is coming back next week for maybe five days to do the finishing touches."
The installation of the field was supervised by NFL consultant and field expert George Toma, who has been in Hawaii since March. Toma said he turned down a request to work on the field at the Orange Bowl in Miami to see the Aloha Stadium project to its completion.
"I want this field to be better than any field FieldTurf has done, better than New York, better than Seattle," Toma said. "Give us a week and we'll give you a pool table."
Star-Bulletin reporter Richard Borreca contributed to this report.
