NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State University announced on Friday that contractor R.A.D. Sports will install a new top-of-the-line artificial turf field at William “Dick” Price Stadium for the 2018 season.
R.A.D. Sports recently broke ground on the project to replace the current grass field with a premium synthetic surface manufactured by Shaw Sports Turf. It will include updated designs for the end zones as well as the team areas between the 25-yard lines. The new turf will allow the Spartans to practice on their stadium field during the season and will enable the University to host more events year-round without damaging the field.
“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to replace the natural grass playing surface to an artificial turf surface in our football facility, William “Dick” Price Stadium,” said NSU Athletics Director Marty L. Miller. “This is a significant project that will improve recruiting, increase revenue opportunities, strengthen the football schedule and enhance the game-day experiences for our students and fans. The recent updates to the athletics facilities have been critical in positioning Norfolk State University as a major competitor in athletics for years to come.”
In addition to the new turf surface, a new drainage system for the stadium will be put in place during construction. Electrical and data conduits will also be placed underneath the field. Spike Zone Pro 1.75″ with Envirofill infill, a hybrid turf product from Shaw Sports Turf, will be installed during construction.
NSU has played on a natural grass surface since the stadium opened in 1997. The turf upgrade project, which costs $1.38 million, is scheduled to be completed before the Spartans open their 2018 season. NSU’s first two games of the year are at home, against Virginia State in the Labor Day Classic on Sept. 1 and then James Madison on Sept. 8.
Courtesy: NSU Athletics
It seems like FAMU and Delaware State also added turf for the upcoming season.