ERIE, Pa. - Out with the old and in with the new. Gannon University has begun the process of replacing the artificial turf at Gannon University Field this week. It marks the first time the multi-purpose facility has received a face-lift since it opened in 2000.
Vasco of Massillion, Ohio began removing the old AstroPlay turf earlier this week. The projected date to begin laying down the new turf is July 1, but the process could begin earlier due to an unexpected early start to removing the old turf.
FieldTurf will be responsible for installing the new turf. FieldTurf is the only system that uses sand and rubber in a layered design for quick cut and plant, speed and stability. FieldTurf is never spongy or soggy like all-rubber turf systems and provides a high rate of energy restitution. This exclusive infill provides superior safety, grass-like stability and better long-term resilience. FieldTurf does not require a separate shock pad to be “In the Safety Zone.” Its shock attenuation rating and G-max are similar to the best natural grass systems in use today.
The company has been responsible for turf installations at the Georgia Dome, Paul Brown Stadium, Ford Field, Lucas Oil Stadium, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Gillette Stadium, Giants Stadium, Qwest Field, the Edward Jones Dome, and numerous National Football League (NFL) practice facilities.
“The artificial turf at Gannon University Field has been a great benefit to our entire athletic department and university,” noted Associate Director of Athletics Don Sherman. “However, we knew the approximate longevity was 9-10 years with the amount of wear and tear due to six teams playing on it year round and other activities which take place there. It’s simply time to replace it and give our student-athletes the best facilities possible.”
The set-up at Gannon University Field will remain the same with two minor exceptions. The baseball and softball diamonds will be completely turfed and will no longer have dirt-filled cut-outs around the bases. In addition, Gannon’s new logo which was designed two years ago will replace the older version in the middle of the football, lacrosse, and soccer field.
The entire project is expected to be completed by late July and the new turf will be ready when Gannon’s fall athletic teams open pre-season camps in August. The Gannon football team will host the first event on the new turf Thursday, August 28 against Lake Erie at 7 p.m.
A complete photo gallery of the initial turf removal process can be found at
http://www.gannonsports.com/photo_gallery.aspx?gallery=8.