Work has begun on a major field renovation at Smokies Park. The project will be completed this fall and the field will be ready for the start of the Tennessee Smokies 2014 season.

 

"The new field will enhance the natural beauty of Smokies Park for our fans and provide an outstanding playing surface for the Cubs' top prospects," stated Smokies General Manager Brian Cox. "The goal is to create a playing surface to rival any in professional baseball."

 

The centerpiece of the renovation will be the new grass in the outfield and the infield. The Smokies are switching this year to Latitude 36 Bermuda grass. Latitude 36 Bermuda was developed by Oklahoma State University for use on sports fields in Southern and Transition Zone climates. It is already in use at LP Field in Nashville, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, and several collegiate baseball and football fields in the region.

 

The construction of the new field is being undertaken by Carolina Green Solutions of Durham, North Carolina and overseen by Brickman Sports Turf Services, in charge of insuring that the field meets all Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball specifications.

 

Brickman Sports has been behind five Field of the Year awards over the last 3 seasons in affiliated and independent minor league baseball. They have also provided construction management and maintenance for the last three Olympiads featuring baseball and softball as well as acting as consultants for Major League Baseball for MLB's Australian Baseball League and during the World Baseball Classic.

 

"The field renovation is just the start of what should be an exciting offseason at Smokies Park." Said Smokies Vice President Chris Allen. "Make sure you stay tuned for what's coming next"

 

Anyone interested in following the progress of the renovations can check out a live webcam posted on the Smokies' website www.smokiesbaseball.com.

 

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the minor league Class AA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the 10-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America's national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.