It’s FieldTurf Once Again For Legendary Michigan Stadium

The classic college football fight song “Hail to the Victors Valiant” will continue to be played by the University of Michigan band as they march across the FieldTurf at legendary Michigan Stadium, one of the true athletic landmarks in the sport.  Once again, the Wolverines have elected to install the latest-and-greatest version of FieldTurf, the undisputed world leader in artificial turf, in their venerable stadium.  The new FieldTurf will make its official debut on September 4 when UM opens the 2010 season by hosting the Connecticut Huskies.

FieldTurf was first installed at Michigan Stadium in 2003.  The university and its football program have been very happy with their FieldTurf, and the Wolverines recently decided that they now wanted to upgrade to one of the latest technologies that FieldTurf has to offer. 

The new installation at Michigan Stadium further strengthens FieldTurf’s ties with The Big Ten, as the world leader in artificial turf now has a strong presence at 10 of the 11 universities in the conference.  Michigan, Ohio State, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin have FieldTurf installed at their respective football stadiums.  Northwestern, Penn State and Purdue have full-sized FieldTurf football fields at their athletic complex/practice facility.

“There is absolutely no question that there are very few, if any, college athletic facilities in the nation that compare to the history, tradition and success of Michigan Stadium,” said FieldTurf President Eric Daliere.  “For FieldTurf to be on the hallowed ground of Michigan Stadium is an honor for our company, and it is a responsibility that we take very seriously.  We pledge to continue to provide the very finest and safest turf available in the world today.”

Michigan Stadium opened in 1927 and has played host to over 35 million fans since then.  With a seating capacity of 107,501, the facility has had 170 consecutive crowds in excess of 100,000, and it is one of the most classic and recognized sports facilities.

FieldTurf dominates both the NCAA and NFL.  In addition to the Big Ten schools already referenced, the list of major universities who play their home games on FieldTurf also includes Nebraska (future member of the Big Ten), Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, West Virginia, Kansas State, Missouri, Texas Tech, Iowa, Boston College, Rutgers, Syracuse, Cincinnati and Louisville. Twenty-one of the NFL's 32 teams have chosen FieldTurf in their stadiums and/or practice facilities.