Soldier Field Installing New Grass Before Bears And Falcons Game

CHICAGO (AP) – Soldier Field officials say they’re working with the Chicago Bears to make sure a new field is installed in time for the team’s Sept. 11 home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Bears canceled a practice earlier this month because the field’s turf was deemed unsafe for players. On Thursday, officials with Soldier Field said they’re working with a vendor preferred by the team and an agronomist to install a new natural grass field.

The field will be installed over Labor Day weekend. Officials say it “will best suit the team and will ensure the players’ comfort.”

Soldier Field officials also asked the NFL’s Super Bowl groundskeeper to lend his expertise.

The field is owned and maintained by the Chicago Park District. The Bears have a lease to play there.