Field of Dreams

Ready for the fall 2021 season, a state-of-the art new turf field in Aycock Stadium will save natural resources, while giving students an all-weather, championship-level playing surface.

But completing the turf field project was never as simple as rolling out a green carpet. Construction officially began on May 21 with the excavation nealy a foot deep across the entire existing Aycock Stadium field footprint. Engineers installed an improved drainage system and the infrastructure needed to support the actual turf. Trucks then dumped and spread 200,000 pounds of gravel, more than most turf fields, to provide extra filtration for the water heading into the James River.

After grading the surface, the first rolls of fluffy green turf and underlying padding were rolled out on August 10. Crews then carefully cut and stitched the multi-colored lines and markings for all four sports: football, field hockey, and boys and girls lacrosse.

Finally, during the last week of August, over 200,000 pounds of sand and wood infill was sprayed on. This organic, renewable infill is safer, cleaner and faster than rubber. Brockfill™ is sourced from a southern pine species that is harvested and replanted on a continuous cycle. (The first students that got to walk on the field commented on the unmistakable smell of pine trees.) Unlike a rubber infill, this sustainable choice of turf infill is cooler and has a lower abrasion rate making it safer for athletes.

A turfed field also means less maintenance including painting, watering, seeding, mowing and use of chemicals and fertilizers typically needed for natural grass upkeep. “Just in the first year alone, we’re already going to see nearly $50,000 in cost savings in those areas,” said Joe Monaco, director of business operations.

PAYING DIVIDENDS

The new synthetic grass field in Aycock Stadium is where our community gathers for athletic contests and school events. This campus enhancement will allow student-athletes the opportunity to hone their skills on a collegiate-level field while having the flexibility to play in all weather conditions.

“The addition of a turf field in Aycock Stadium is more than just an aesthetic improvement,” said Anna Prillaman, athletic director. It provides our student athletes the chance to play on a surface that is in line with other league and state member schools, as well as championship play. We are thrilled about the doors this opens for us in regards to competitive preparation as well as the day-to-day operation conveniences it provides the school.”

Unlike traditional grass fields, which can go offline for days during rainy weather, the new all-weather surface drains quickly, allowing practices to resume with little to no delay. Prillaman estimates that turf will provide Trinity athletes with approximately 25% more practice time over the course of a year, especially for the spring sports. “A predictable surface is always a plus in athletics,” she added. “A smoother surface will also help prevent many types of injuries.”