New field at PNC Park

Photo credit: Bree Main, Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates announced today that they are replacing the entire playing surface at PNC Park, including the infield and outfield grass, the infield dirt and warning track.

The playing surface was last replaced before th 2006 season in time for the All-Star Game. But Pirates president Frank Coonelly said it was time for another upgrade to ensure that the team has the best playing surface possible.

"While the lifespan of a Major League Baseball playing surface is typically four to eight years, it is important that PNC Park remains the best ballpark in America in every respect," Coonelly said in a statement. "We are committed to giving our fans the best in terms of ballpark amenities, customer service and atmosphere for watching a ballgame and giving our players the finest working conditions in baseball. Our three-year old field was still among the better playing surfaces in baseball, but our commitment to our fans and to our players is excellence - and our new field will meet that high standard."

The new grass surface will be comprised of a Tuckahoe Bluegrass sod, which is a mix of four different kinds of Kentucky Bluegrass -- 40 percent P105 Kentucky Bluegrass, 20 percent Midnight Star Kentucky Bluegrass, 20 percent Brilliant Kentucky Bluegrass and 20 percent overseeded Moonlight Kentucky Bluegrass -- and was chosen because of its high quality pedigree that is ideal for Northern climates.

The new dirt is a mix called Dura-Edge All-Star Infield Mix and was desinged exclusively for PNC Park.

The old playing surface will be recycled and used at different fields throughout the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.