Players try out blue Olympic field hockey pitch

LONDON (AP) - The British women's field hockey team tried out the blue and pink field built for the London Olympics, the first time the sport will not be played on a traditional green pitch.

Organizers also revealed a yellow ball will be used in Olympic competition for the first time.

The hockey center, a temporary stadium for 16,000 spectators in the Olympic Park in east London, was opened Thursday. It has a blue playing field, surrounded by a bright pink area outside the lines.

Leandro Negre, president of the International Hockey Federation, said the blue pitch means "spectators both in the stands and on television will get a fantastic visual experience.''

The complex will host all 76 men's and women's matches over 14 days of competition.