Sure sign of spring: Outfield growth blanket removed from playing field at Miller Park

Ryan Woodley

MILWAUKEE --  It's a sure sign of spring in Milwaukee. With nearly three weeks until Opening Day, the outfield growth blanket came off the playing field at Miller Park on Wednesday, March 4.

"It looks great," said Ryan Woodley, Director of Grounds.

The outfield at Miller Park was revealed in preparation for a new season.

"We'll be out here every day, pretty much up until the exhibition games," said Woodley.

Outfield growth blanket removed from playing field at Miller Park

It looks like a giant tarp -- but what is being removed is called a growth blanket.

"A tarp doesn't allow sunlight or moisture or anything through. These are just tightly woven growth blankets that allow moisture and anything through," said Woodley.

It's Ryan Woodley's first year as the director of grounds for the stadium.

"The atmosphere is awesome around here, so it's a good baseball town," said Woodley.

Outfield growth blanket removed from playing field at Miller Park

Outfield growth blanket removed from playing field at Miller Park

Woodley says the roof at Miller Park poses some different challenges than when he worked for the Mets -- but says the crew is already ahead of schedule.

"Luckily it was a warmer winter than normal. We never really got a frost on the field, so we were able to kickstart the infield and sidelines earlier than they had in the past. That's kind of putting us ahead of the curve. The field is in great shape right now," said Woodley.

Now the work begins to make sure what was underneath the blanket is ready for major league play.

Outfield growth blanket removed from playing field at Miller Park

Outfield growth blanket removed from playing field at Miller Park

Mark your calendar because Opening Day at Miller Park is Thursday, March 26. It features the Milwaukee Brewers hosting the Chicago Cubs. The first pitch is set for 1:10 p.m.