It wasn't exactly unexpected, but the Seattle Sounders had put to rest any fears that they won't have new turf in time for the 2016 season. Sounders Chief Operating Officer Bart Wiley made the announcement at Thursday's Alliance Meeting.
Bart Wiley says Sounders are getting new turf next year. Crowd explodes.
— Ari Liljenwall (@AriLiljenwall) November 13, 2015
There was no immediate word on what kind of turf would be installed, but the current FieldTurf was four years old and badly in need of replacement. The Sounders' new lease guarantees that new turf will be installed at least every four years.
The Sounders will play their first competitive match of the 2016 season in late February when they host Club America in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. It was also announced that the match will be part of the season-ticket package.
UPDATE: Adrian Hanauer later confirmed that a FieldTurf product would likely be used.