Haymarket Park
Higher Education | Parks & Recreation
The Challenge
The selection of Kentucky bluegrass as the playing surface for Hawks Field presented a unique challenge. While prized for its durability and lush appearance, Kentucky bluegrass requires specific environmental conditions to thrive, particularly in Nebraska’s variable climate. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can compromise the turf’s health, impacting playability and aesthetics. The field also needed to remain healthy through two demanding seasons of play, beginning with Nebraska Baseball in late February and continuing through the summer with Saltdogs Baseball. Maintaining an optimal growth environment and consistent moisture levels year-round was essential to ensuring the field met the high standards expected for both collegiate and professional baseball.
Market
Higher Education | Parks & Recreation
Project Scope
Collegiate baseball field renovation
Earthwork
Grading
Aggregate
Subdrainage
SubAir heating and cooling system installation
Kentucky bluegrass installation
Key Facts
The SubAir heating and cooling system that was installed was the first of its kind at any collegiate venue.
Haymarket Park spearheaded Nemaha's interest in the sports construction industry.
Since its completion, the Nemaha team has completed hundreds of sports facility projects across the Midwest.
Challenge Met
Nemaha Sports Construction installed a cutting-edge SubAir heating and cooling system beneath the field—a first for any collegiate venue at the time. This advanced technology provided precise control over soil and root zone temperatures, keeping the Kentucky bluegrass in peak condition regardless of seasonal fluctuations. During cold months, the system delivers warmth to protect the turf from freezing, while in hot conditions, it cools the root zone to prevent heat stress. Additionally, by circulating air through the profile, the SubAir system helps maintain optimum moisture levels to promote healthy growth.
Originally developed and employed in Europe on premier soccer fields to meet new requirements for heated pitches, the SubAir system utilizes the existing drainage tile network to deliver heat and airflow to the grass surface, eliminating the need to rebuild the entire field structure. By implementing this innovative solution, Nemaha ensured consistent playability, enhanced turf longevity, and set a new benchmark for collegiate baseball field performance.
