Verde Design played a pivotal role in the design and construction of the Avaya Stadium’s playing field for the San Jose Earthquakes, now referred to as PayPal Stadium. Spanning three acres, the field is meticulously leveled in both directions and features hybrid Bermuda grass, which is specifically chosen for its resilience to drought and shade. This grass is supported by a carefully engineered blended root zone and a variable depth of pea gravel, which enhances drainage capabilities.
In addition to the field’s surface, the Verde Design team was responsible for the innovative drainage and irrigation systems, which were tailored to accommodate the unique shade patterns that occur throughout the year. To optimize water management, a significant number of control valves were integrated into the design, allowing for enhanced flexibility in irrigation.
A notable challenge encountered during the project was the presence of existing groundwater monitoring wells, remnants from the site’s previous use as a military vehicle fabrication and testing facility. Seven of these wells were situated within the field area, and drainage systems were installed 10 inches below the field’s surface, encased in a cast iron frame and lid. To address this issue, our in-house engineers collaborated closely with a skilled team of subconsultants to devise effective solutions, ultimately fulfilling the project requirements set forth by the San Jose Earthquakes.
