June 26, 2005
NEW YORK -- Ten years after Columbia installed an artificial surface field in Lawrence A. Wien Stadium, the Athletics Department has taken another major step by replacing the surface with Field Turf, the recognized industry leader voted "the best artificial playing surface" by the NFL Players Association.
"We're very excited about Field Turf," said head football coach Bob Shoop. "It demonstrates a tremendous commitment from the University and the administration. Field Turf is the best of all surfaces. It represents the best qualities of both grass and traditional artificial surfaces. It's something which our student-athletes will benefit from greatly."
Kerri Whitaker, the head coach of women's lacrosse, which also will utilize the Field Turf surface, was equally enthused.
"Wien Stadium is a beautiful place to play, and with Field Turf, it will be even better," she said. "It's softer and more forgiving. It creates a strong impression whether you step onto the field or observe it from the stands."
In order to accommodate field hockey, which is better suited to an AstroTurf-like surface, the team's home games will be contested at Riverbank State Park, just 10 minutes from the campus on West 145th Street and Riverside Drive.
"Riverbank State Park is an excellent facility," head field hockey coach Katie Beach said, "and park management has been very cooperative in working out hours for us to use it. We plan to practice and play our games there. There are always people using the park, so we will have new fan support. It will be great to have a new home and a new home crowd."
Columbia got a full 10 years of service from its AstroTurf XL field, but during those 10 years, the technology of artificial surfaces changed markedly. "Infill" systems such as Field Turf are considered the safest and highest quality surfaces.
Where AstroTurf was a carpet with a cushion under it, an infill system consists of grass-like fibers, from one to 2.5 inches in height, over a unique, patented triple-layered sand and rubber infill mix. When the field is installed, the infill mix comes within one-quarter to one-half inch of the fiber pile height. Over several months, the sand migrates to the bottom and the rubber pellet base becomes a cushion.
Since the surface is non-abrasive, it eliminates turf burns, and since it doesn't grip a runner's cleats, there's no "footlock", which used to cause injuries. As on grass, you can plant and cut. In fact, an infill surface has been described as "perfect grass."
Although several companies manufacture infill systems, Columbia chose Field Turf because it invented the sand and rubber system, sews the seams of the field for permanent stability, rather than use glued seams, and is the only company to offer an eight-year manufacturer's warranty.
Preliminary work included removal of the AstroTurf field. The entire installation process should be completed in July. The new Wien Stadium surface will give Columbia two infill systems at its Baker Field Athletic Complex; the other is a practice field.
