NCCU's O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium gets artificial turf

[Mountaineer]

ARTIFICIAL TURF INSTALLATION UNDERWAY AT NCCU'S O'KELLY-RIDDICK STADIUM



July 30, 2009

DURHAM, N.C. (http://www.NCCUEaglePride.com) - In an effort to maximize the use of its athletic fields and reduce financial and human resources, the North Carolina Central University Department of Athletics has initiated the process of installing artificial turf inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

On July 13, Medallion Athletic Products, Inc., the company contracted to perform the artificial turf installation, broke ground on the Eagles home football field. The new Mondoturf playing surface is projected to be ready for use on Aug. 24, pending agreeable weather and any installation issues.

NCCU's football home-opener is on Sept. 19 against Morehead State.

"We are extremely excited about the new upgrade to our football stadium field," said Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree, NCCU Director of Athletics. "The addition of the artificial turf will provide our student-athletes with an attractive and safe playing surface to improve their performance and showcase their talents."

NCCU looked into the possibility of artificial turf because of the amount of use its lone practice field (located inside the track) receives throughout the year by athletics, the band, campus recreation programs and community groups.

"We are land-locked," Wicker-McCree said. "Therefore, these two fields (practice and game fields) are the only true open spaces on campus. We now have the opportunity to offer more time on the fields by these groups and others by having lower maintenance time and costs to the department and University."

The total cost of the project is expected to be $816,000, which will be paid by the Athletics Department in eight annual payments of $102,000.

More at: http://nccueaglepride.cstv.com/sports/a ... 09aac.html

[T-Dog]

Sounds like a smart move, but artificial turf can heat up, especially in a climate like downtown Durham where the temps can get to 90 easily.

[BlackFalkin]

Very nice. I cant wait for Eastern to get their new turf. they REALLY need it in the last 1/3 of the season

[Col Hogan]

Very nice. I cant wait for Eastern to get their new turf. they REALLY need it in the last 1/3 of the season

When is that scheduled to happen???

[BlackFalkin]

its a part of the "EWU Athletics Strategic Plan" lasting from 08-12' with upgrades to the athletic facilities in almost everyway. When I left they were just starting on the locker rooms, coaches offices and basketball court & MAN did it look good. its an alright read.

http://goeags.com/administration/StrategicPlan.pdf

[BlackFalkin]

my guess is after the 2009 or 2010 season.