Salem will have a new artificial surface -- FieldTurf -- installed by the end of next week. That was essential to the city's being awarded the two Dec. 8 championship games, Salem director of civic facilities Carey Harveycutter said Wednesday.

"We couldn't bid on it until we got the FieldTurf," Harveycutter said. "We're excited about it. We think we'll be an outstanding venue for Single-A football."

That's a great complex up there with the baseball stadium and civic center all there together. It'll be a great place to watch some football, especially with a MUCH shorter drive.