Aloha Stadium upgrading turf, trying to lure Pro Bowl back

HONOLULU — Aloha Stadium is upgrading its turf as part of a $1.2 million overhaul that comes after criticism that the turf was unfit to play on.

The U.S. women’s soccer team abruptly canceled an exhibition game there last year after players complained, and the NFL announced in May it was moving the Pro Bowl to Orlando, Florida, for the next three seasons.

Stadium manager Scott Chan said the overhaul began May 23 and is scheduled to finish up by Aug. 5. He said the new turf system will feature a drainage layer and shock pad upgrade, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports.

The turf is to have an infill that is a mix of 30 percent sand and 70 percent rubber.

On its website Illinois-based UBU said the Speed Series S5-M is also being installed at U.S. Bank Stadium, the debuting 2016 home of the Minnesota Vikings and site of the 2018 Super Bowl.

The stadium’s old field still had two years remaining on its warranty, but officials said they could benefit from an upgrade and hoped the new field will bring the Pro Bowl back to the stadium.

The project is being funded by proceeds from the 2011 sale of naming rights to Hawaiian Airlines.