FieldTurf Project at Andy Coakley Field Completed
2/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
NEW YORK -- The resurfacing of Andy Coakley Field with a state-of-the-art artificial surface has been completed, allowing the baseball team to practice at its home venue earlier in the year.
Pictures of the renovated Andy Coakley Field are available.
The installation of the FieldTurf? infill system began on September 4. It is the same surface used at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., and Columbia Soccer Stadium. The renovation of the field was completed in November, which allowed the field to set during the winter months.
The surface is a hybrid fiber, rubber and sand infill blend designed to have a more consistent feel. It now covers both the infield and outfield, with the only dirt covering the mound and home plate. The FieldTurf? surface is more resilient than a grass field, and allows the team more practice opportunities.
The resurfacing of the playing surface at Andy Coakley Field has been made possible through a combination of charitable gifts from interested donors, friends and alumni.
These improvements came just months after Andy Coakley Field received major upgrades that included the installation of 250 chair back seats, a press box, an extended major league-style backdrop behind home plate and an improved sound system.
A modern batting cage was installed in left field, bullpens were reconfigured, and a strengthened retaining wall was put in place along the right field line.
"With the installation of the FieldTurf?, Andy Coakley Field is now one of the best baseball facilities in the league,” head coach Brett Boretti said. “We are excited and looking forward to practicing and playing on the field this upcoming season."
The three FieldTurf facilities at Baker Field Athletics Complex ? Columbia Soccer Stadium and Lawrence A. Wien Stadium are the other two ? plus the Desso Sportilux SV 37 “water-based” polypropylene turf for field hockey, makes the entire complex versatile and durable for year-round and multiple-team use.
Columbia Baseball opens its 2008 schedule on the road at Duke on March 1, and will host Brown on March 29 in the Lions' home opener.
