While most baseball fans will be focused on their favorite Mariners during Thursday’s opening night at Safeco Field, Jeff Van Lierop is more interested in what’s below their feet.
“We probably look at the grass and the field more than we watch the game,” said Van Lierop, owner of Country Green Turf Farm.
The Olympia company grew the new sod installed in Safeco Field last fall.
His grandfather started Country Green Turf Farm more than 50 years ago.
The company planted the first grass at Safeco when it opened in 1999.
Van Lierop and his employees replaced that original turf in October with approximately two acres of what he called an improved Kentucky Bluegrass.
He said the players and fans won't likely notice any difference.
“We’re glad we can contribute to that joy people get,” said Van Lierop, “That feeling they get when they see the stadium.”
The entire playing surface was replaced during the offseason for the first time ever. The Mariners say that, except for the replacement of the infield and foul territory grass before the 2012 season, the playing surface was mostly same as it was when the stadium opened 19 years ago.
