The WVU football team will have many new faces this season, personnel-wise. Another new look will come from the field the Mountaineers play on.
As part of a grand renovation to Milan Puskar Stadium, new field turf is currently being installed. It is just one way the 36-year old facility is improving itself, now, and in the coming years.
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The biggest part of the stadium upgrades has to do with the concourses. On any gameday, whether there are 40,000 people there or it’s a sellout, problems seem to arise in the walkways near the concession stands and restrooms. Long lines cause backups that disrupt the flow of pedestrian traffic as people attempt to get to and from their seats.
One side of the stadium has been worked on for the past year and results are finally starting to be seen as more space is created between the bleachers and concession/restroom areas.
Fans should notice that right away when the season begins.
Once fans navigate their way through the fresh concourse and take their seats, they will notice another necessary upgrade on the field.
The new turf field is coming along nicely at Milan Puskar Stadium! pic.twitter.com/WYjz9MQH0I
— WVU Sport News (@WVU_sportnews) April 14, 2016
The new turf, which looks like it is 80-percent completed as of Thursday, appears darker and bolder than the previous surface.
Obviously ones a little more sunny day...but comparison pic.twitter.com/1biYqclOba
— WVU Sports Guy (@WVUSPORTSGUY) April 14, 2016
Compared to the past field, the turf stands out more. Players, like Rushel Shell, running down the field will look more vibrant against the bolder surface. The Flying WV logo at the 50-yard line is much larger than it was in the past. Also, the Big 12 logos look smaller. Plus, all the logos should blend together better. In 2011, WVU had to remove the Big East logos and the newly-minted Big 12 logos never looked right against the older surface.
What would have made this new field even more awesome was if the Mountaineers were able to get in a throwback. A silhouette of the state of West Virginia should encompass the Flying WV logo at midfield. Other than that, the field looks the way it should.
West Virginia does not need to get gimmicky like Boise State or the potential field at University of Texas San Antonio.
The WVU football brand is strong as it is. With this upgraded field, the Mountaineers only become bolder.