During last Saturday night’s game between Penn State and Pitt, the grass at Heinz Field looked rough. Not quite non-bouncing-punt rough. But rough.
The powers-that-be noticed, and they reacted.
Via Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten, the field received new sod in advance of Saturday’s Georgia Tech-Pitt game and, more importantly, Sunday’s regular-season home opener for the Steelers, against the Chiefs.
“The field will be monitored throughout the year, [and] management will adjust as needed for a new surface, similar to years past,” Lauten said.
Heinz Field hosts 10 Steelers home games (including preseason), all Pitt home games, and in late November a smattering of WPIAL high-school championship games. It would be easier to install synthetic turf and be done with it, but if you haven’t noticed the team that essentially runs the venue can be a little stubborn.