June 2008 -- A Few Small Repairs

After the Good Luck Beijing Open competition, the field required some minor repairs to get it back in shape. We did this after the field was moved back to the nursery site. We used cup cutters (tools used to make putting green holes) to replace the spots that were damaged by the shot-put, javelin and hammer-throw. We also had to use a number of cultural practices to get the field back into tip-top shape for the Olympics. We sliced the turf to disrupt the thatch layer and improve drainage, and topdressed and rolled it to smooth the playing surface. We also regularly fertilize, irrigate and mow the turf to keep the grass looking good.

-- Alec Kowalewski

May 2008 -- Modular Field Moves

On May 13, the modular field was moved into the National Stadium (aka the Bird's Nest) for about 10 days so it could be used for a trial event, the Good Luck Beijing Open. It took the construction company, as well as the Chinese Army and Navy, which provided trucks and drivers for the moving process, only 24 hours to move the entire field.

In the photo above, taken by Heidi Kowalewski, Alec stands in front of the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest because of its unique exterior.

One army truck can hold 10 modules. It took more than 500 trips from the nursery, which is about 5 miles from the stadium, to move the entire field. The move wasn't only a practice run for the module movers and field crew, but also gave local Chinese, who may not be able to afford tickets to the Olympics, a chance to check out the National Stadium.

At the Good Luck Beijing Open, athletes from around the world competed in track and field events in the stadium. During the competition, field work, mowing, irrigation and divot repair had to be done at night. We started at 11 p.m. and worked until the job was done, sometimes until 4 a.m.

After the competition was over, the field was moved back to the site where it was constructed. It will stay there until after the opening ceremony. The move back also was completed within 24 hours.

-- Alec Kowalewski