Ohio University recently finalized a contract for its third artificial surface this year, all from AstroTurf. The company will provide a field for the new Multipurpose Center to be completed in December, which follows the re-surfacing of Pruitt Field, which is currently underway. Those two projects come on the heels of the new AstroTurf playing surface that was installed at Peden Stadium earlier this summer.
The new AstroTurf field installation at Ohio University’s Peden Stadium was completed June 1.
This fall, the Bobcats football team will play its home games on GameDay Grass 3DX, a natural-looking synthetic turf prevalent throughout America’s gridiron landscape, from NFL stadiums to Division I training facilities to high school championship venues. This signature surface for AstroTurf features polyethylene slit film fibers that give the surface its grass-like appearance and sand and rubber infill. AstroTurf’s GameDay Grass 3D product includes the patented RootZone system, a thatched layer of textured nylon that stabilizes the infill, limiting splash, particle migration and compaction for a clean, consistent surface, according to the company.
“This new playing surface provided by AstroTurf is a welcome addition to Peden Stadium,” said Ohio University football head coach Frank Solich. “The new surface will provide our football program with one of the finest fields in the country for years to come. We’ve had nothing but positive responses from our players.”
The new AstroTurf field installation at Peden Stadium was completed June 1. Design firm MSA Architects of Cincinnati collaborated on the project, consulting with the university on drainage testing, civil engineering due diligence, and graphic design/logo coordination in conjunction with the new turf install.
Pruitt Field, home to Ohio Field Hockey and Bobcat Lacrosse, is in the midst of a comprehensive makeover. The facility was closed in July and won’t open until sometime in August while both the turf and Goldsberry Track, which surrounds the field, undergo renovations. The new artificial surface will be the AstroTurf 90 product, which combines the traditional knitted nylon top cloth with a 3/8th inch Armacell pad.
Pruitt Field opened in 1999 as a venue for field hockey, lacrosse and track and field. Subsequent phases of development included adding a red brick grandstand in 2000 and lighting in 2006. The original AstroTurf playing surface, installed in 1999, lasted 14 years. Ohio University’s decision to replace it with another AstroTurf field demonstrates the school’s and the sport’s loyalty to the product.
“The new playing surface provided by AstroTurf gives the Ohio Field Hockey program a significantly upgraded field,” said Ohio field hockey head coach Neil MacMillan. “We couldn’t be happier with our new surface and we look forward to playing on it for a long time.”
Ohio University recently broke ground on a $12.5 million indoor training facility. The 74,000 square foot building, referred to as the Multipurpose Center, will be used for a variety of activities, from intramurals and club sports to marching band and special events. But its primary function will be as a football practice facility, and the full length field set for installation in the fall, like its counterpart at Peden Stadium, will be an AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3DX synthetic turf system.
“The addition of three new turfs demonstrates commitment to our sports programs and student-athletes,” said Ohio athletics director Jim Schaus. “Maintaining quality facilities impacts performance and recruiting. We are proud to be working with AstroTurf with each of these projects. They are a leader in the industry and have been excellent for our staff to work with so far. The new turf at Peden Stadium has been met with rave reviews from our student-athletes and coaches.”