The final truck load of sand was spread onto Movie Gallery Field Wednesday in preparation for the installation of the AstroPlay surface.

The sand, a very fine grade called 89-10, will be spread an inch above the 4,200 pounds of gravel resting on the field. Construction workers were spreading the sand with bulldozers Wednesday, and the installation of the AstroPlay surface will begin Monday.

"The sand goes on to give the surface a firm texture," said foreman Jason Hester. "If we didn't have sand, every time someone walked onto the field, they would sink into the field."

The subsurface of the AstroPlay turf will be put down Monday, Hester said. The rubber will be added Tuesday to the subsurface. The rubber and the subsurface will take a few days to bond correctly, but the stadium is well on the way to being playable.

"Before long, they'll come in here and put the surface down, draw the logos on the field and it will be ready to go," Hester said.