NSU to Install Artificial Turf at Dick Price Stadium

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State University announced on Friday that contractor R.A.D. Sports will install a new top-of-the-line artificial turf field at William "Dick" Price Stadium for the 2018 season.

R.A.D. Sports recently broke ground on the project to replace the current grass field with a premium synthetic surface manufactured by Shaw Sports Turf. It will include updated designs for the end zones as well as the team areas between the 25-yard lines. The new turf will allow the Spartans to practice on their stadium field during the season and will enable the University to host more events year-round without damaging the field.

"We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to replace the natural grass playing surface to an artificial turf surface in our football facility, William "Dick" Price Stadium," said NSU Athletics Director Marty L. Miller. "This is a significant project that will improve recruiting, increase revenue opportunities, strengthen the football schedule and enhance the game-day experiences for our students and fans. The recent updates to the athletics facilities have been critical in positioning Norfolk State University as a major competitor in athletics for years to come."

In addition to the new turf surface, a new drainage system for the stadium will be put in place during construction. Electrical and data conduits will also be placed underneath the field. Spike Zone Pro 1.75" with Envirofill infill, a hybrid turf product from Shaw Sports Turf, will be installed during construction.

NSU has played on a natural grass surface since the stadium opened in 1997. The turf upgrade project, which costs $1.38 million, is scheduled to be completed before the Spartans open their 2018 season. NSU's first two games of the year are at home, against Virginia State in the Labor Day Classic on Sept. 1 and then James Madison on Sept. 8.

About Spike Zone Pro Turf
With Spike Zone Pro, the slit film and monofilament fibers support the requirements for the ball and athlete to perform well, while a thatch layer adds another level of consistency for each step. Spike Zone Pro has a patented design of threading all three turf fibers through one needle, essentially giving each row the same combination of fibers. As a result, the finished product has a great aesthetic look while ensuring the lack of streaks on the field. This combination of fibers allows Shaw Sports Turf to create a surface that plays and performs more consistently than any other hybrid product.

About Shaw Sports Turf
Calhoun, Georgia-based Shaw Sports Turf is the leader among synthetic turf companies and is the largest American-owned and American-made synthetic turf company in the world. Shaw Sports Turf has demonstrated industry leadership in both quality and innovation for more than two decades with over 3,000 successful installations, and an impressive list of high-profile installations, including the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengal, Tampa Bay Rays and many others. Engineered for performance and safety, Shaw Sports Turf features a product line designed specifically to meet the needs of athletes and sports programs.

About R.A.D. Sports
R.A.D. Sports, based out of Rockland, Massachusetts, is a family-owned business that specializes in the construction of high-quality athletic and recreation facilities. It has completed projects with schools such as Rhode Island, Providence, Harvard, Yale, New Hampshire and Boston College, as well as Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, and the Baltimore Ravens practice facility. Since 1994, R.A.D. Sports has grown to be one of the most trusted and successful athletic and recreation facility contractors in the industry.

By: Mike Bello, Asst. SID
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS