Published: July 09, 2009 12:12 pm      

12:15 p.m. Thursday- Cowboys installing first field at new stadium

By SCHUYLER DIXON

Associated Press Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Crews are installing the first artificial playing surface as preparations continue for the new Dallas Cowboys stadium’s sporting debut.

The weeklong installation of the first of three surfaces at the new $1.15 billion stadium is about halfway complete.

The RealGrass Matrix field going in Thursday will be a blank soccer field. It will precede two football gridirons, one for the NFL and one for college and high school play.

Stadium general manager Jack Hill said the separate fields accommodate distinctive field markings for the different types of play. He also said it would give more flexibility for different sponsorship markings.

Hill expects the soccer field installation to be finished by Sunday. Teams in the two CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal soccer matches July 19 will start practicing there Monday.