University to install

new field with NeXturf
University students will be the beneficiaries of the decision not to reinstall last year’s playing surface into Autzen Stadium when the majority of the facility’s renovation is completed this summer.
Instead, the NeXturf synthetic surface, installed in Autzen Stadium for the first time last summer, will be used by the University to aid in the addition of a second artificial surface field on campus for use by the Department of Physical Activity and Recreation Services.
The new turf field, originally planned as part of the construction of the Recreation Center two years ago, was deleted from the project to remain within budget. The field will serve to complement Oregon’s lone multi-purpose student recreation field, which is primarily used for the University’s intramural sports and recreational programs.
The second artificial surface, which will be located immediately south of the existing recreational field and to the west of Hayward Field, is expected to be completed in time for the beginning of the 2002 fall term.
The Athletic Department’s gift will not only include the turf, but the site excavation and preparation for installation as well, with all the costs, including the purchase and installation of the new turf at Autzen Stadium, estimated to be between $800,000 and $900,000.
When the synthetic surface was installed at Autzen Stadium last summer, the original intent was to have it removed following the Ducks’ final football game Dec. 1 in order to diminish possible damage that could have occurred during the current stadium expansion and renovation project. It was then to have been permanently reinstalled in time for the 2002 football home opener against Mississippi State on Aug. 31.
The Athletic Department has decided to replace the former surface with FieldTurf, which consists of polyethylene and polypropylene fibers designed to resist extreme temperature and weather conditions.
“Because of our extraordinary football season, we are in a position to offer our turf to the Department of Physical Activities and Recreation Services free of cost, thus enabling intercollegiate athletics to install an alternate product that will be more suitable to our needs,” Oregon Athletic Director Bill Moos said. “NeXturf will be ideal for PARS considering the demands on their facilities from intramurals, club sports and general student use.”

— from staff and wire reports