Field systems are big investments - so it makes sense to have a good understanding of what goes into them, from excavation and sub base development to turf products, schedules and more.
Below you’ll find some answers to questions we hear regularly from customers, and we invite you to submit any questions you may have in the below text box. We’ll regularly post answers, so please re-visit this page regularly.
What should I consider in choosing a company to work with on my field project?
- First, determine what your needs are, considering:
- Budget
- Sports/activities the surface will support (now and in the future)
- Maintenance resources
- Space
- Parking, stands, concessions, locker room facilities, etc. that are integral to the success of your facility
- Weather considerations
- Use (year-round vs. seasonal, every day vs. periodic etc.)
- Indoor or outdoor venue
- Do your homework - visit with colleagues about their systems, the products and companies they chose. Check references, compare cost.
- Choose experts you feel you can trust - field systems are a big investment. You want to ensure yours will provide years of quality performance.
How long should my subbase last?
Properly constructed, a subbase can last 30 years or more -- long enough to host three or four synthetic turf installations. As the foundation for your facility the subbase must perform several key functions:
1. Provide a stable platform so game lines don't move and the field isn't lumpy.
2. Ensure proper drainage -- the subbase must drain at 10"/hour or more for life.
3. Support loads like vehicular traffic (snow plows, maintenance equipment, etc.) and static loads (stages).
The bottom line on subbases: There are only a handful of qualified subbase contractors in the U.S.; on-the-job training is not recommended for such a critical aspect of your field system.
How do I get a quote?
The best way to get a budget quote is to get a site survey and soil borings. With this information in hand we can give you a good, tight estimate for your site and scope of work. Without the soil borings and site survey, historical prices can be used.
Will I have to enlist different companies to handle different aspects of the job?
Not necessarily. Sports Construction Group, for example, frequently serves as a General Contractor on field system jobs, with responsibility for each facet of the project. We can also be retained to handle certain aspects of a job (subbase or installation, for example), depending on customer needs.
Can any local contractor do my site work:
Not really - subbases are unique and require special free draining stone, tight tolerance with regard to compaction and planarity. Special laser guided equipment and plenty of experience are needed to deliver a base that will last for several generations.
Who oversees my project to make sure it goes ok?
SCG uses a four pronged project management approach:
1. In-House Estimator: estimates and micromanages your project from bidding through installation. All of our seasoned estimators are responsible for materials, logistics and schedules.
2. Vice President of Operations: "Touches" each project in person or by phone on a daily basis.
3. On-Site Supervision: Each project has its own supervisor who has years of on-the-job experience.
4. Salesmen: Yep, you read that correctly. Unlike other companies, our salesmen are involved throughout every construction phase. The reason? To ensure you get exactly what we sold you during the sales process.
What does a turf project include?
A successful turf project has three parts, just like a successful football team's offense, defense and special teams:
For turf the parts are site-work, turf carpet and installation. SCG brings all three phases under one roof, and we so with a "construction first" mentality. After all, the largest part of your investment and the one that must last the longest is the subbase.
No matter how good the carpet is, it's up to the crews to install it properly. The turf carpet has to be durable enough to withstand up to eight to 10 years of use, weather and traffic.
We take pride in building only championship fields; to do so we control and monitor every facet of every turf job, including in-person inspections at the carpet factory.
