Overview of Houston Astros Stadium
The Houston Astros, based in Houston, Texas, are a professional Major League Baseball (MLB) team in the American League West division. The team plays its home games at Minute Maid Park, located in downtown Houston. Minute Maid Park is a retractable roof ballpark with a natural grass playing surface. The Astros organization has chosen to install a special type of grass at the ballpark, made specifically for the Houston climate.
History of the Houston Astros
The Houston Astros have a long history, beginning as the Colt .45s in 1962. The team then became the Astros in 1965, when they moved to the Astrodome. The team moved to Minute Maid Park in 2000, where they have remained since. The Astros have won seven division titles, four pennants, and the 2017 World Series.
Types of Grass
There are many different types of grass that can be used for sports fields, including natural grass and artificial turf. Natural grass is the preferred choice for many stadiums and arenas, as it provides a better playing surface for athletes. Natural grass requires more maintenance than artificial turf, however, and it can be difficult to keep up with in Houston due to the heat and humidity.
What Kind of Grass Does the Houston Astros Use?
The Houston Astros have chosen to use TifSport Bermuda grass for their playing field. TifSport is a hybrid Bermuda grass that is specifically designed for the Houston climate. This type of grass is more heat and drought tolerant than other types of Bermuda grass, and it is also more resistant to disease.
Advantages of TifSport Bermuda Grass
TifSport Bermuda grass has several advantages over other types of grass. It is much better at withstanding the heat and humidity of Houston, making it easier to maintain. It is also more resistant to disease and pests, which can be a problem in Houston due to the humid climate. In addition, TifSport Bermuda grass has a more uniform color and texture, making it more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Maintenance of TifSport Bermuda Grass
The Houston Astros take great care to maintain their playing field. They use a variety of techniques to keep the grass in top condition, including mowing, aeration, fertilization, and irrigation. The Astros also use ground covers to protect the grass from the sun and to keep the soil cool.
Grass in Other Ballparks
TifSport Bermuda grass is not used exclusively by the Houston Astros. It is also used in ballparks around the United States, including the Kansas City Royals’ Kauffman Stadium and the Cleveland Indians’ Progressive Field.
The Future of Grass in Ballparks
As the technology of artificial turf continues to improve, more and more stadiums are opting to install it instead of natural grass. Artificial turf is easier to maintain and can be used in any climate, making it a popular choice for many teams. However, many people still prefer the look and feel of natural grass, and as long as teams are willing to invest in the maintenance, natural grass will remain the preferred choice for many stadiums.
Conclusion
The Houston Astros have chosen TifSport Bermuda grass for their playing field at Minute Maid Park. This type of grass is specifically designed for the Houston climate, and it is more resistant to disease and pests. The Astros organization takes great care to maintain their playing field, using mowing, aeration, fertilization, and irrigation. TifSport Bermuda grass is also used in other ballparks around the United States, and it is likely that natural grass will remain the preferred choice for many stadiums in the future.