New turf coming to Mountaineer Field

Mountaineer Field has been around for nearly 40 years and this season a new feature will be unveiled.

The WVU football team will have the luxury of a new playing surface for the 2016 season. Currently, construction crews are inside the stadium tearing up the old turf.

New, state-of-the-art turf will soon be installed. Recently, WVUsports.com showed the new turf design. To the naked eye, there is not much difference.

However, once 60,000 fans pack the place the new turf will be ascetically pleasing.

The Flying WV logo at midfield will be much brighter and enlarged, while the Big 12 logos on both 25-yard lines will be reduced in size. The field, itself, will be brighter; without a worn-down look.

This renovation project is one of a few currently going on in and around the football stadium. The goal for the football program is to help the fan experience. That’s especially important at this time as attendance declined last season at Mountaineer Field.

Six months ago, the university committed more than $100 million to facility upgrades across the Morgantown campus. For Mountaineer Field, $45 million has been committed to expanding the concourses at the stadium.

It may not seem like much, but this will drastically improve the fan experience at Mountaineer Field. This should alleviate long lines at the bathrooms and concession stands.

It’s a small step to compete with other programs and stadiums across the country, according to WVU assistant athletic director in charge of facilities and operations.

"“We are not alone with the construction project going on at the stadium,” she pointed out. “This is happening at a number of stadiums across the country and we stress fans need to be patient as we make these necessary improvements.”"

The 2015 caused some problems for fans going to games at Mountaineer Field as one side of the stadium was an active work zone. It caused back ups entering the gates before games because of limited space in the immediate area outside the stadium.

It’s a small sacrifice that will pay off down the road. At least, once inside the stadium, fans and players will be treated to a fresh field.

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