WEST LONG BRANCH – The playing surface on Kessler Field at Monmouth Stadium, home to the Hawks’ football, men’s and women’s lacrosse teams, will get fitted with new turf.
Installation began Monday, June 9, on the project.
“After nine years, the playing surface on Kessler Field needed to be replaced due to normal wear and tear,” said Monmouth Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Marilyn McNeil. “We were very pleased with the original product FieldTurf delivered in 2005, so it was an easy choice to partner with them again for this project and we are excited about the new technology present in the Revolution product.”
As it first did in 2005 when Kessler Field was converted from grass, Monmouth University chose FieldTurf as the company to provide the turf. LandTek will hand the anticipated 21-day installation of the FieldTurf Revolution.
According to FieldTurf, the Revolution fiber is the result of innovative science, engineering and technology that will provide Monmouth athletics with a soft, strong monofilament fiber with extraordinary durability and longevity.
“The resurfacing of the football field is just one of many facility improvements that will lead us into the Big South,” Monmouth head football coach Kevin Callahan said. “It is a sign of the university’s commitment to football and to providing the best possible facilities for our athletes. Great things are happening at Monmouth as we accelerate into the Big South Conference.”
LandTek was to begin Monday the three-day process of removing the existing turf while reclaiming the old rubber from the field. That rubber will be recycled and used again with new sand and rubber. Once the removal is complete, the new FieldTurf Revolution will be installed which is anticipated to take 21 days.
“I could not be more excited about the direction our athletics department is heading with the plans for Monmouth Stadium,” head lacrosse coach Brian Fisher said. “The commitment that we are making to improve the facilities as well as quality of life for our athletes will no doubt enhance the student athlete experience and provide first class facilities for our fans.”
Fans can follow @MonmouthStadium on Twitter for daily updates and visit MonmouthHawks.com for photos and video of the field replacement.
The athletics department is in the midst of fundraising for a new $15 million facility, with the anticipated start date of just after the completion of the 2014 football season.
In December, Monmouth announced that the Great Lawn, home to both soccer programs, would be replacing its grass-playing surface with FieldTurf, thanks to a private donation made by Marianne Hesse.
