Bay FC Sets NWSL Attendance Record at Oracle Park, Giants React
BREAKING: Bay FC has shattered the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) attendance record with a stunning 40,091 fans at Oracle Park, San Francisco, during their match against the Washington Spirit on August 23, 2023. This remarkable event marks a significant milestone for women’s soccer, surpassing the previous record of 35,038 set at Wrigley Field last year.
Just three days later, the Giants quickly transformed the same field back into a baseball diamond for their game against the Chicago Cubs, showcasing a remarkable turnaround orchestrated by the team’s dedicated grounds crew. Head groundskeeper Greg Elliot and four contractors worked tirelessly to ensure both events could occur seamlessly, demonstrating unparalleled expertise in field management.
The transformation process began immediately following the Giants’ 7-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on August 17. Elliot stated, “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.” The crew initiated the conversion by removing the pitcher’s mound and sections of grass, followed by adding 100 tons of sand to level the field.
In a strategic move, Bay FC opted for sod on plastic, a more expensive but superior playing surface. “What you get is a more fibrous root mass, and that improves playability and lessens slippage,” Elliot explained. This decision proved crucial for the players’ comfort and performance during the record-setting match.
Once the sod was laid down, the Giants’ grounds crew meticulously prepared the field, establishing mowing patterns and ensuring optimal play conditions. By the time the game commenced, both teams reported a high level of satisfaction with the field quality, with no significant slippage observed.
After the match, the rapid turnaround continued as West Coast Turf rolled up the sod, and contractors promptly began restoring the field to its baseball state. With the return of 75 tons of sand and fresh sod laid down on August 26, Oracle Park was ready for the Giants’ game against the Cubs, where Justin Verlander secured his second win.
Despite minor remnants of the soccer match, such as the visible center circle, the game proceeded without issues, further demonstrating the efficiency and skill of the Giants’ grounds crew. The successful collaboration highlights a growing recognition of women’s sports and the infrastructure supporting them.
As sports fans celebrate this groundbreaking achievement in women’s soccer, the Giants’ swift response underscores their commitment to excellence in both baseball and the broader athletic community. Stay tuned for more updates on how these events continue to shape the landscape of sports in San Francisco and beyond.
