Walkup Skydome (NAU) Gets New Football Surface

[dbackjon]

For the fourth time since it was built, the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome will receive a new football playing surface.
Installation of a removable REALGRASS™ Matrix system began on April 7 and will be completed by April 25 for the annual NAU Spring Football Game scheduled for April 26. It is the first removable REALGRASS™ system to be installed in the United States.

“I am pleased to see that we are making progress on our task force’s recommendations for improving the athletics facilities on campus,” said NAU President John Haeger. “This is a major step in the right direction for addressing health and safety issues in the dome.”

Getting new turf installed in the Skydome was one of the priorities in a report released in January by the President’s Task Force on Athletics Facilities. Plans also call for two recreational surfaces to be installed on campus.

The installation of the turf began April 7 by the Hellas Construction firm of Austin, Texas. The carpet, the Matrix version of the brand REALGRASSS™ will cost close to $1 million, according to Skydome Director Dave Brown. The REALGRASS™ Matrix system is comprised of a monofilament spinneret yarn in two different sizes and colors.

“The REALGRASS™ Matrix is the most advanced and exclusive turf available and we are exhilarated that it is being installed in the Skydome,” said Head Coach Jerome Souers. “I am confident this facility supports a safer and more rewarding experience for those who compete on it. We are looking forward to trying it out on April 26 for our spring scrimmage.”

http://nau.newtier.com/index.php?module ... 8&sid=2235

[dbackjon]

Good to see - and I am sure the players will appreciate it!

[AZGrizFan]

That's a sorely needed upgrade. The Montana players say it's like playing on concrete....