New playing turf for Slugger Field

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Slugger Field hopes a new playing turf will be a big hit for the Bats. Crews were laying $100,000 square feet of NorthBridge Bermuda-grass onto Slugger Field Thursday morning.

It's been six seasons since Slugger Field got a new surface and Bats officials say the old turf got a lot of wear and tear. The new grass grows faster and is easier to repair and maintain during the summer.

It's also designed for climates like ours here in the Ohio Valley. Greg Galiette, Louisville Bats Vice President, said, "Now we really have a stronger, more vibrant grass that can really put up with those hot, humid days in June, July, and August."

The field's old playing surface was grinded and given to Metro Parks to be used as top dressing. The new one should be ready to go later this fall, well before the start of the 2014 season.