Key Highlights
- Soldier Field uses a heating system with over 20 miles of tubing to keep the field playable during winter games.
- The heating tubes are three-quarters of an inch pex plastic and contain about 4,500 gallons of glycol.
- Crews face challenges when there are large and quick temperature drops below freezing.
- NFL equity rules ensure both teams receive the same heating equipment on the sidelines.
The Battle Against Winter at Soldier Field
As Chicago prepares for a playoff clash between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams, the city’s famous football stadium is not just battling the cold but also the relentless snow and ice that come with it. Grounds crews at Soldier Field are equipped with advanced technology to keep the turf in playable condition, thanks to a heating system that has been in use for years.
Heating the Turf
Soldier Field Assistant Grounds Keeper Kurt Hoffmann explains how the stadium’s heating system works. “There is miles of heating tubes underneath here that are three-quarters of an inch pex plastic,” he says, pointing to a network of tubing buried under the turf. “There are about 4,500 gallons of glycol that run through here. We heat up the glycol and there’s four zones, and we push the glycol and it keeps circulating underneath here.” This system is designed to keep the field warm enough to melt away ice and snow before game time.
Challenges in Extreme Weather
However, Hoffmann notes that the heating system has its limitations. “Large and quick temperature drops to well below freezing can leave us with an icy crust to remove,” he says. Despite these challenges, there is still a softer, more playable field underneath the ice. “It helps them so they can at least get their cleats into the ground. If it was completely frozen, you wouldn’t be able to get your shoes into the ground. You know, it would just be a skating rink out here,” he adds.
Equity on the Sidelines
The NFL’s equity rules ensure that both teams receive equal treatment from the stadium’s amenities. “There is NFL equity rules. Both teams get the same thing. The heated benches, any of the portable heaters we have on the sidelines.
Whatever one team gets, the other team gets the same,” says Soldier Field General Manager Tim Lefevour. This means that both the Bears and their opponents are provided with similar heating equipment to keep players warm during breaks in play.
For fans attending the game, however, there is no official heating or warming areas provided by the stadium. “Fans are on their own for warmth,” says Lefevour. While this may seem a bit harsh, it maintains the integrity of the playing conditions and ensures that both teams have equal access to any available resources.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bears’ upcoming playoff game at Soldier Field is not just about the players on the field but also the unsung heroes who keep the turf in prime condition. From the heating tubes hidden beneath the surface to the portable heaters provided for players, every detail is meticulously planned to ensure a fair and playable environment. As the city braces for cold temperatures, one thing is certain: Soldier Field’s grounds crew will be ready to face whatever nature throws their way.
The battle against winter at Soldier Field is an ongoing challenge, but with the right tools and teamwork, even the harshest conditions can’t keep the game from playing on.
