The Long Island Ducks have finished a project to upgrade their playing field, the team said Friday.
Bethpage Ballpark, the Central Islip stadium where the team has played for 17 years, received a new natural grass surface for the first time since 2008, according to the team.
The new sod -- 100,000-square feet of Kentucky Bluegrass -- also came from a local business. It was installed over four weeks by DeLea Sod Farms of Long Island. Officials say the new grass is of higher quality and has an improved ability to drain water during rainy weather.
The renovation also included grass outside the ballpark. The team's president and general manager, Michael Pfaff, says the Ducks are looking to enhance their product in the years to come.
Fans can see the new look on opening night, April 28, 2017 against the New Britain Bees. It will mark the 18th season of Ducks baseball on Long Island. The team is part of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.