The University of Oregon made an early mark on the widely celebrated holiday, April Fool’s Day. The University announced early Friday morning that it plans to create the first LED football field and that it would be ready for the Ducks’ home opener against UC Davis.
The post also said that construction had already begun, and that the existing turf as well as sixteen inches of concrete were removed in order to install the LED lighting hardware and clear acrylic turf.
The video shows off the different types of capabilities the field would have. And it likely got a lot of fans excited — until they checked their calendar at least.
“We saw the amount of attention the custom endzones have received and wanted to expand on that,” Jenny Davidson, Deputy Assistant to the Associate Chief Branding Officer told GoDucks.com.“This was completely fancentric as they wanted a new endzone design in Autzen, well now they are getting a whole new field design at the push of a button. One button on the pulse of our brand, creating a heartbeat and synergy not seen in sports since the invention of clapping.”
Notes from practice:
Don Pellum’s demotion and Brady Hoke’s arrival to Eugene this offseason certainly added a heavier load to the defensive players’ studies this past winter. Torrodney Prevot placed his hands a considerable distance apart to help visualize just how much he and other members of the defense had to learn when talking to the media Friday.
Since 2009, the Ducks ran a 3-4 defense. But, under Hoke, Oregon will pose a 4-3 base.
“It’s like your becoming a freshman again,” Prevot said. “All of us are starting where we were when we first got here, and having to relearn the entire the defense.”
But, Prevot appeared encouraged by what the new defensive look is shaping into. He also seemed especially excited about his new defensive coordinator, saying that he brings a “different swag” to practices.
“Last year we played a lot of coverage more,” Prevot said. “This year we’re going to bringing a lot more guys from different places. You’ll see a lot more sacks, a lot more [tackles for loss], a lot more physicality. It’s going to be fun.”
Hoke’s arrival didn’t just mean that guys like Prevot would have to study more, though. The junior made the move from outside linebacker to the defensive line and weighed in at 242 pounds Thursday, the heaviest he’s ever been. He added that his goal weight for the fall is 250.
Justin Hollins, Hunter Kampmoyer and Eddie Heard are individuals making the switch from outside linebacker to defensive line as well.
Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise
Oregon jokes it will install LED football field, Prevot says Hoke brings ‘different swag’ to practice
Justin Wise
March 31, 2016
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