15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams will play on new surface in 2006

The St. Louis Rams plan on playing on a new surface next year at their home stadium. The Edward Jones Dome will have FieldTurf installed in 2005 and a new long-term convertible system in place by 2006. This newer surface can be picked up in parts and moved easily to accommodate non-football events.The New Orleans Saints jersey
Rams have played on an artificial grass carpet laid over concrete since 1995. Players on the team have groused about the lack of cushion on the playing surface. However, FieldTurf has been likened to playing on natural grass.The St. Louis County and Convention and Visitors Commission leases the stadium to the Rams. The commission previously had concerns about the dome's ability to hold conventions and trade shows with the newer surface. (0) The St. Louis Rams signed cornerback Michael Hawthorne to a 1 year deal. The free agent is coming off his best statistical season.The 6'3", 204 lbs. Hawthorne played in 16 games for the first time in his career during 2004. He recorded 49 tackles, 7 deflected passes, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries for the Green Bay Packers. The former Purdue Boilermaker joined the NFL in 2000 with the New Orleans Saints. In 2003, he became a Packer. Hawthorne has totaled 150 tackles, 3 interceptions, 13 deflected passes, and 3 fumble recoveries in 58 career games. (0) The St. Louis Rams came to terms on a 1 year contract with cornerback Terry Fair. Because of injuries, Fair has not seen action on the football field since 2002.He last appeared with the Carolina Panthers in 2002. Fair participated in 3 contests that season. He then missed the entire 2003 campaign for the Panthers. After joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004, Fair was cut in the summer and again did not play in any games. The 5'9", 184 lbs. Fair is a product of the University of Tennessee. He has played for the Detroit Lions (1998-2001), the Panthers (2002-2003), and the Steelers (2004). In 55 career games, he has accumulated 212 tackles, 7 interceptions (including 2 returned for touchdowns), and 30 pass deflections.In other team news, the Rams acquired veteran CB Corey Ivy. (0) The St. Louis Rams New York Giants jersey
have decided to train at their home facility, breaking the teams tradition of practicing Western Illinois University.After moving to St. Louis, the Rams staged their initial training camp in 1995 at Maryville University in their hometown. The past 9 years, they've held workouts at Macomb, Illinois. Many teams have chosen recently to remain near home to train. Last season 12 of the 32 teams trained at their own facility, while several others practice at sites close to their home base. (0)