Rays to install new turf at Tropicana Field for 2017

Tropicana Field is going to look a touch different in 2017.

The Tampa Bay Rays are planning to install new artificial turf that will not only be more aesthetically pleasing, but also feel and play better, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Bay Times.

Tampa's new surface - which will cost the team nearly $1 million - will be an improved version of the AstroTurf currently used at the stadium.

The improved turf will feature a hard foam pad between the field and concrete floor underneath it - which should lessen the strain on players - and will be a "touch darker" according to Rays president Brian Auld, which should make it look more appealing, especially on television.

"Unsurprisingly, turf technology has evolved in the last five years, and we think the new turf will be better for our players' bodies and play a little truer, and aesthetically will be an improvement on TV and in person," Auld said.

The new surface is expected to be ready for players to test during the final week of spring training.