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Playing Field por: Staff Aztec Stadium playing field is one of the most important in the world Cancha- Playing Field The Aztec Stadium playing field is one of the most important in the world because of its history and the great number of stars and personalities who have appeared there, such as Rey Pele, Maradona, Beckenbauer, Hugo Sanchez, and others. It has also welcomed stars of the artistic world… Mickel Jackson, Elton John, Gloria Estephan, Menudo, Juan Gabriel, Maná, Jaguares, etc. And even Pope Juan Pablo II in January of 1999. That same year, a record number of events were held in Aztec Stadium… one event every two days… soccer games, concerts, the filming of TV commercials, videos and movies, as well as religious and private events. How can this field take 20, 000 people walking, running and dancing on it and then be transformed into a perfect soccer field on the following day? Cutting edge technology is the basis of these achievements. For example, for the Teleton in December 1999, a high-impact polypropyline surface named Portapath was bought from a British manufacturer. It consists of 200,000 pieces that are assembled over a 12 hour period. This material allows the production people to work for up to a whole week before an event setting up the stage and scenery without damaging the lawn., Likewise, during the event, the public can dance and carry out other activities without doing any harm to the grass surface. The 99 Telethón ended at 3:30 Sunday morning and 12 hours later, the field was ready for the ¼ finals game between America and Guadalajara. This would have been impossible without the special surface because the field conditions would have been deplorable. During the rainy season the field is covered with a canvas that was bought from Canada to stop rain from soaking the field. The canvas is put down in the afternoon and removed the next day at 8 A.M Fifteen men are needed to remove the 5 canvases that measure 68 meters by 20 meters (200 ft. by 60 ft.) Fertilization is a basic element and it all depends on the time of the year, the type of grass and the event being held. For example, fertilization changes radically for an American football game because it requires grass with strong blades and roots, to give good support to the traction of the players .For soccer, a longer grass is needed, more tolerant to the sliding of the players so that they wont harm the grass. A balanced formula is ideal, plus the addition of energizers to make better use of nutrients throughout the entire year. The Aztec Stadium field has grass known as KIKUYO. In Mexico, 80% of the playing fields use this type of grass because it is very wear-resistant, has an interesting color and is flexible to work with. Because of its sensitivity, when the temperature drops in December, it goes into dormancy. When it feels temperatures lower tan 17°c, it does not grow or regenerate and it turns yellowish. It the temperature drops very low, the plant can die. Fortunately, there are mechanical and natural techniques to keep the grass from dying and to maintain a healthy green field all year long. Many people ask “why not put a roof over the whole stadium?” The answer is simple. If the field does not receive 8 hours of sunlight every day, the grass dies. The KIKUYO, like other plants, requires sunlight for photosynthesis to develop the chlorophyll needed for the grass to be green and healthy all the time. Proper fertilization and maintenance processes such as aeration, topdressing, scalping, etc. allow the field to be used for up to 3 games a week, plus concerts, dances, etc. without causing great harm to the turf. In fertilization, it is vitally important to supply the pant with major elements such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, along with minor elements like manganese, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, sulphur, etc. The foliage and soil must be fumigated every year to avoid parasitic insects such as the larvae of June Beetles that feed on the roots of the grass, sometimes killing it. Lady bugs also cause damage. Other enemies of the grass are noxious mushrooms that proliferate quickly and are very destructive, so great care has to be taken in the application of fungicides according to the time of the year and the type of grass. Sprinkling is fundamental so it’s necessary to maintain excellent control over the humidity since it’s not good to apply more water then needed. A key point is to not sprinkle on the same day as the game because serious damage could occur. Sprinkling should be done 48 hours before a game. Is it true that the Aztec Stadium is a difficult place for foreign players? Yes, because Mexico City is 2200 mts. (6 600 ft.) above sea level, so foreign players are affected by the lack of oxygen. Also, the grass has a very special cut because it is mowed to ½ inch high, making the field very fast, so foreign players are at a disadvantage because as the minutes pass they get tired more quickly. Did you know that….To mow the Aztec Stadium field, the operator has to walk behind the mowing machine for 10 kms? Has the Aztec Stadium always had the same type of grass? No… in the 1986 World Cup, the FIFA wanted a different quality of grass so seven types of seed were brought in, of which English grass was predominant. It was more slender and aesthetic than the KIKUYO, but once the world cup was over, the KIKUYO was brought back in because, when it’s well cared for, it acquires the same qualities as the English grass but since KIKUYO is uncultivated, it resists diseases, insects, wear and tear, and is just as aesthetic as the English grass which is adversely affected by the city smog. Did you know that the measurements of the field are: Drainage of the field consists of a layer of compacted materials…30 centimeters of gravel and 30 centimeters. of humus. Above the layer are 45° concrete tubes that drain toward the trench along the perimeter, taking the water to the rainwater runoff cistern. The surface has a slope of 1.5 centimeters beginning at the center and forming a divide or parting of the water. Did you know that…the field is 9 meters below street level? How are the different tones on the field achieved? Sometimes lengthwise, sometimes circles or squares. This is due to the mowing machine that is used, which has a roller that combs the grass to one side or the other. Remember, a blade of grass has two faces and one is greener than the other. If we comb it to one side it looks very green but if we pass the mower in the opposite direction, it will look less green. Let us know how you like the field best; in squares or in circles, or create a new design and send it to the following Email address along with your comments and suggestions. hbarrios@televisa.com.mx or to cvega@televisa.com.mx . | ||||
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