CMSU Plans Installation of Sprinturf
(Story by Jeff Murphy)

     Providing safety, versatility and an opportunity to play rain or shine, Central Missouri State University’s Vernon Kennedy Field will soon have a new synthetic surface.

     An overhaul of the field at Audrey J. Walton Stadium begins later this month, according to Jerry Hughes, university director of intercollegiate athletics. The $800,000 project is made possible by private donations through the CMSU Foundation. It includes the replacement of the field’s natural turf with the new state-of-the-art Sprinturf, as well as resurfacing and reconfiguration of the track surrounding the field. Work is expected to be completed in time for the Mules first home football game on Aug. 25.

     Hughes stressed that low maintenance costs and the ability for the university to host events in rainy weather are among its advantages.

     “This surface will allow us to have intercollegiate events, intramurals, and all types of revenue generating events such as marching band competitions or high school games without having to worry about the condition of the turf,” he said.

     Sprinturf is a synthetic system that has a look and feel much like real grass. The porous rubber infill below the grass provides a safe playing surface, reducing the risk of head, trauma and abrasions that were often common on early forms of artificial turf. The turf also comes with a high quality drainage system that includes pipes throughout the center and perimeter of the field, capable of channeling water from the field.

     CMSU is one of several Missouri and Kansas schools that have made the transition from a natural to artificial playing field. Although the types of surfaces may differ, other schools that have synthetic playing surfaces at their football stadiums include the University of Missouri-Columbia, Southwest Missouri State University, William Jewell College, Missouri Southern State University, University of Kansas, and Pittsburg State University in Kansas.

     In addition to improving the field that has hosted the Fighting Mules football team and its opponents for many years, the university also plans to widen and resurface the track. Hughes said its width will be extended from six to eight lanes.