Ross artificial turf field delayed, but set to open for upcoming sports seasons

The first artificial turf sports field in Ross Schools’ history is almost completely installed after some delays, say officials of the Butler County school system. The new field, pictured here from a aerial drone, will be ready for girls and boys sports teams by Aug. 21, when students return to classes for the new school year. (Provided photo)

The first artificial turf sports field in Ross Schools’ history is almost completely installed after some delays, say officials of the Butler County school system. The new field, pictured here from a aerial drone, will be ready for girls and boys sports teams by Aug. 21, when students return to classes for the new school year. (Provided photo)

The first artificial turf field in Ross Schools’ history is behind schedule but will still be ready in time for school sports teams later this month.

That’s the latest update from officials of the Butler County school system, which is the most recent in the area to upgrade from a natural grass football and soccer field to a state-of-the-art plastic grass surface.

And when the Ross Rams football team plays its first home game of the season on Sept. 6 against Monroe, the two teams will play the first football game on the new turf.

But it’s the Rams girls soccer team who will christen the new sports field with their game on Aug. 22 against defending state soccer champs from Indian Hill High School.

“During the construction process, we experienced a five-day delay that was well beyond anyone’s control,” said Jake Richards, athletic director for Ross Schools, of the field that was scheduled to be completed by Aug. 9.

“The Motz Group (field provider) has worked tirelessly to get us on our new surface as fast as humanly possible. Honestly, the fact that we’re only looking at a seven to 10-day delay over a two month timeline feels fortunate. I’ve heard of these projects being delayed elsewhere for weeks and months.”

“The slightly delayed turf opening will not impact any of our sports teams, marching band, physical education classes in any significant way. The only official contests we’ve had to move are our youth football games scheduled on the turf … and Ross Youth Football has been very understanding about that.”

Ross Schools open classes on Wednesday.

“For our runners who use the track and everybody else who is just excited to get on the field, I know these weeks have been long, but we believe that the end result will be well worth the wait,” said Richards.

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