Florida State is not satisfied with the condition of Doak Campbell's playing surface and has begun the process of replacing in time for the 2026 season opener against New Mexico State on August 29 at 7 p.m.

"The playing surface is being replaced," a Florida State spokesman confirmed with the Osceola. "The grounds department is very confident with the process and that maintenance will have the surface in excellent shape well ahead of the season opener."

Grounds described the current field condition as “very healthy and continuously improving daily” but the shear strength of the roots is lower than what's required and desired so FSU is replacing it.

Florida State will install Northbridge Sod, which like the "lay and play" surfaces used in NFL can be installed days before games.

According to the grower, "NorthBridge® Bermudagrass is a premium turfgrass variety renowned for its fine texture, improved cold tolerance, early spring green-up, and exceptional sod strength. Developed to thrive in the southern two-thirds of the United States, Northbridge Bermudagrass excels in a variety of demanding applications including golf courses, sports fields, and commercial landscapes."

The sod for these surfaces is grown on plastic sheets, which forces very dense roots (approximately 2 inches thick), rather than growing into the soil. According to one grower, the sod weighs 15-16 pounds per square foot. Sod on Plastic (S.O.P as it is called in the industry) is the industry standard for a lay and play scenario.

"It provides automatic better shear results when it comes to football play due to its mere thickness and weight," our source said, adding: "The timeline that we’re on is comparable to Super Bowls in some years, and overnight resodding in some NFL settings following a concert, for example, when teams will play on the surface just two or three days later. Having three weeks not only allows us to ensure proper agronomic practices going into the season but will enable the best aesthetics for television and our fans."

Florida State replaced the playing surface on Bobby Bowden Field on Aug. 17 or 18 last year, less than two weeks prior to the successful season opener against Alabama on Aug. 30.

"The grounds department has successfully managed similar situations before, including a similar process in a much-tighter timeline before our home opener last year when the field held up very well," the spokesman said. "The surface currently being installed is designed for immediate use. Maintenance and preparation for this began last week to enable proper and complete assessment and to manage the field to its utmost capability well ahead of the opener."

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