In Seattle, Jayda Evans notes the Sounders "installed a new FieldTurf Revolution 360 playing surface" at CenturyLink Field. The material "replaced the previous turf" installed in '16. The Sounders "signed a lease with CenturyLink Field" in '15 that "stipulated the turf be replaced every four years until the lease’s expiration" in '28. This installment is "ahead of schedule in that it could’ve occurred at the end of the MLS season." Three other MLS teams "play on FieldTurf" (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/28).
TRAIN'S A CALLIN': The Astros have "replaced the speaker systems on the miniature railroad engine perched atop the roof track at Minute Maid Park." They also have "reconfigured the vehicle to ensure that the train's whistle can be more readily heard by customers." The team said that among the "main complaints they field from customers is that they can't hear the train whistle." The team is "hoping that the refinements will satisfy fans of such heavy metal sounds" (HOUSTONCHRONICLE.com, 6/27).
NEW DIGS: St. Paul-based Ecolab said that it is "joining a group of investors backing a four-star hotel under construction on the Viking Lakes property, the home and training facility of the NFL team." The hotel is "scheduled to open" in October '20. The team will "stay there during summer training camp and fans can join them" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/28).
