Neutral Fields for second rounds

[Manfred]

They got the since-denied NFL request in just under the deadline, and still made the final cuts. They plan to enter again, with more time devoted to apply it might happen. With the expected spinoffs in the local economy from the new ERA complex, lets hope other spinoffs can occur, like a new motel or 2, a couple extra convenience / gas places, a new restaurant or 2, or ?? I hope for the revival in Windber to continue.

[PortagePride]

Thanks for the info Manfred on the NFL grant and such. I'd be hardpressed to think that Motel's and Restaurant chains would move into Windber with Richland right up the road but maybe I'm wrong.... Do you know if they're currently working on the stadium or school for that matter, or is the 2015 completion date just a myth ?!?!? I'd love to see another great football facility in the WestPac.

[Big Ike]

Lol, Beaver Stadium, I like it!...But I get it, But as much as D7 gets clowned for the Heinz experience for a lot of people in D-7 its Still it is a thrill to play in the big house....

As for the second round being at your home if your the higher seed I see it as a reward to play at your home because you deserve it...But...the saying goes both have to play on the field...I get that but while I am ok with underdogs not so much in football especially in bad conditions.

If my U Dogs are going to pull the upset I don't want it because we traveled to their house in a mud pit...I want to see the "best" players and athletes on the best setting possible, And if my team wins its that much more of an accomplishment. And really I am ONLY talking starting this at the SECOND ROUND. More than likely even on a cruddy field 1 vs. 8 should be won by the home team. But as you get to that second round I want to see the athletes with a good track under them. I also like that it may give both fan bases a little more chance to get there. I think one year you had Mt. Union travel all the way to Blairsville. It does not have to be the championship location of Altoona but it seems it could have been beneficial to be at a better field more centrally located so both fanbases have a better chance at making the game. In the second round the "home field" should be done with. That next round the cream should be at the top. lets give them the best conditions possible.

[Manfred]

I agree with this post. There now are half the LHAC schools that have turf surfaces. With concession sales, they should be begging to host a playoff game. Too often things like liability, paying for extra security, having their regular help do "overtime", they may not want to do that. Kudo's to Richland for doing all this. The local college venues, IUP and St. Francis, could be possibilities, but schedules would have to be worked around. SFU is hosting a college game this Sat., so that site wouldn't work for a day game, but in the eve.? Just asking.

[Crimson's Ghost]

I think we will see more and more high schools get artificial surfaces, I believe Forest Hills will be getting turf soon as a part of the new school process, could be here for next season, but it may be put off for the 2016 season.

[Manfred]

I don't know if the turf at FH cleared the last re-bids or construction budget cuts. TBA later.

[jbitz22]

You can not count on good weather/field conditions even on turf fields in November in Western Pa. Look at last year's D-6 A championship game between Homer-Center and BG. Snow and Ice covered the field during the entire game. Just saying and bringing up this point.

[Crimson's Ghost]

Well obviously, snow is snow, it's just snow and turf is a better combination than snow and mud.