URGENT UPDATE: Bay FC has shattered the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) attendance record with an astonishing crowd of 40,091 at Oracle Park this past August 23, 2023. The record-setting match against the Washington Spirit not only showcased the growing popularity of women’s soccer but also demonstrated the impressive transformation of a baseball stadium into a vibrant soccer pitch.
Just days later, Oracle Park quickly returned to its original form as the San Francisco Giants faced off against the Chicago Cubs, kicking off a six-game home stand. The rapid changeover was made possible by the expertise of the Giants’ grounds crew alongside four specialized contractors: West Coast Turf, Frontier Golf, Delta Bluegrass, and Planned Environments.
The head groundskeeper, Greg Elliot, praised the collaboration, stating, “It’s a testament to my stuff and to my contractors. We’ve identified who we feel are the best in the business to work with.” This partnership allowed for the seamless transition from baseball diamond to soccer pitch and back in a matter of days, highlighting the growing demand for multi-use sporting facilities.
Before the transformation began, Elliot and his team consulted with Bay FC and the NWSL to set guidelines for the field’s preparation. A critical decision was made to use sod on plastic, a more costly but superior option that enhances playability and aesthetics. Elliot explained, “What you get is a more fibrous root mass, and that improves playability and lessens slippage.”
Following a dominant 7-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on August 17, the Giants’ crew commenced work on the field. The first step involved removing the pitcher’s mound, followed by the extraction of grass patches within the infield. To ensure a flat playing surface, approximately 100 tons of sand were added, graded meticulously for optimal conditions.
With the groundwork laid, West Coast Turf installed the sod on plastic, and the Giants’ crew undertook further enhancements, including mowing patterns, color correction for brown spots, fertilization, and hand watering—three times daily.
On August 23, the transformation culminated in the record-breaking match, where Bay FC eclipsed the previous NWSL attendance record of 35,038, set at Wrigley Field last year. Elliot noted the match’s success, saying, “Both teams were comfortable. They were confident playing on it, turning on it.”
After the match concluded, the sod was rolled up and transported away, while Frontier Golf removed roughly 75 tons of sand to restore the field to its baseball-ready state. The following morning, Delta Bluegrass laid fresh sod from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., ensuring the Giants would have a quality field for their next game against the Cubs.
On August 26, Oracle Park resumed its role as a baseball venue, with only minor remnants of the soccer match visible, such as the center circle in shallow left-center field. The game proceeded smoothly as Justin Verlander secured his second win, demonstrating the efficiency of the grounds crew and the versatility of the venue.
This rapid transformation not only highlights the capabilities of the Giants’ grounds crew but also marks a significant moment for women’s sports in the region. As attendance records continue to fall, the excitement surrounding events like these underscores the growing recognition and support for women’s soccer.
As the sporting community looks ahead, fans can expect more thrilling events and record-breaking moments at Oracle Park, solidifying its status as a premier multi-purpose venue.
