The Sports Xchange

The San Francisco 49ers moved a practice scheduled at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday because of concerns about the playing conditions on the grass field.

The practice that was open to the public now will be held at the team’s regular practice facility, which is next door to the stadium, the team announced Thursday night. However, fans cannot attend and another open session for the fans will not be rescheduled.

Grass problems have been an issue since the $1.3 billion stadium opened last year.

“We extend our sincere apologies to those fans who were scheduled to attend Sunday’s practice,” Jim Mercurio, vice president of stadium operations and general manager of Levi’s Stadium, said in a statement. “After a thorough inspection earlier today, our grounds crew determined that the field would not be ready by Sunday. Therefore, the recommendation was made to relocate practice. We remain confident that our turf management program will provide a playing surface that meets the team’s standards, as we enter the 2015 NFL season.”

New 49ers coach Jim Tomsula initially planned to hold the first eight training camp practices at Levi’s Stadium, but the team was forced to move operations to the practice facility after two just practices as the sod gave way throughout the field.

The team last practiced at Levi’s on Wednesday night but similar problems occurred. Rookie running back Mike Davis went down awkwardly when he tried to plant a foot on the loose surface and limped off the field before returning to practice.

The grass was replaced at least three times last year. Super Bowl 50 will be held on a new field at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 7.