University of Minnesota Athletics
Field Preparations in Full Swing at TCF Bank Stadium
12/17/2010 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
With the seating areas of TCF Bank Stadium nearly cleared of snow, University of Minnesota officials are continuing their efforts on field preparation for the Monday Night Football contest between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears.
As of 11 a.m. (CST) Friday morning, 90 percent of the playing surface had been cleared. Efforts to prepare the field were under way as well.
Associate Athletics Director Scott Ellison said after removal of the snow, he was impressed with the initial condition of the field.
“Because the field has been under a blanket of snow and at a constant temperature since last week’s storm, the playing surface is in great shape,” Ellison said. “In fact, because we have not had that constant freezing and thawing that we had prior to the Iowa game (November 27), the field is actually in better shape today than it was for the Gophers’ season finale against the Hawkeyes.”
According to Ellison, once the snow is completely cleared, a tarp will be placed over the playing surface with heaters underneath to maintain the current good conditions.
“We appreciate the cooperation we have received from the University of Minnesota, the Vikings and the Bears in preparing the field for Monday night,” said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Anderson. “We are looking forward to an outstanding game on a quality field.”
University officials will continue to work with NFL staff on the ground in Minneapolis, along with Vikings and Bears personnel, throughout the weekend to ensure optimum field conditions for the Monday night game.
As of 11 a.m. (CST) Friday morning, 90 percent of the playing surface had been cleared. Efforts to prepare the field were under way as well.
Associate Athletics Director Scott Ellison said after removal of the snow, he was impressed with the initial condition of the field.
“Because the field has been under a blanket of snow and at a constant temperature since last week’s storm, the playing surface is in great shape,” Ellison said. “In fact, because we have not had that constant freezing and thawing that we had prior to the Iowa game (November 27), the field is actually in better shape today than it was for the Gophers’ season finale against the Hawkeyes.”
According to Ellison, once the snow is completely cleared, a tarp will be placed over the playing surface with heaters underneath to maintain the current good conditions.
“We appreciate the cooperation we have received from the University of Minnesota, the Vikings and the Bears in preparing the field for Monday night,” said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Anderson. “We are looking forward to an outstanding game on a quality field.”
University officials will continue to work with NFL staff on the ground in Minneapolis, along with Vikings and Bears personnel, throughout the weekend to ensure optimum field conditions for the Monday night game.
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