I just quickly scanned his bio at the Timbers website. Thanks for the correction. Welcome to the board. A lot of people like him but I doubt he'll play much for the Timbers this year.
Jeld Wen is below street level. That part alone would make the proper maintenance, and drainage a nightmare on a modest MLS budget. But I think it also has to do with the Sun. In this Pic The Left side of the stadium is the east, and is blocked with the sunken grade, and partial roof. Right side roof also blocks the sun from that side for a good portion of the day. It would get some sun mid day though from the South, although the mac club blocks a portion of that too.
just for Comparison's sake The top of the wall on the left outfield wall(where the East Stands are now located) shows just how far below street level the pitch is.
although Merrit Paulson has said himself that grass is preferencial. Who knows how long it will be or if it will even happen though.
Hopefully they can figure out how to lay some down that'll get enough sun and be able to stay in good shape through Oct/Nov (I always forget that the MLS season goes that late into the year). I just haven't gotten used to seeing how the ball reacts to the turf. It rolls too fast and bounces too high. That said, playing at Grant, the turf field at Delta park (which I'm sure is nothing compared to what the Timbers play on) was like playing on a World Cup quality pitch.
