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Alumni Field turf replacement progress update May 2023

General Jay Barlett, Communications

Alumni Field to temporarily close for turf replacement

Hamilton, ON - McMaster University's Department of Athletics & Recreation has announced the temporary closure of Alumni Field to replace the artificial turf playing surface this summer. 

Construction began on April 24th and will continue until June 4th. During this time, Alumni Field will be closed to all activities. All regular programming on Alumni Field is being temporarily relocated to alternative fields for the duration of the project. 

The existing turf, installed in 2005, has been enjoyed by McMaster students and community members for nearly two decades and has exceeded its expected lifespan. This necessary upgrade to maintain participant safety and the field's functionality will allow Athletics & Recreation programs, such as intramural sports, camps, drop-in recreation, team-building events, facility rentals and more, to continue in a safe and accessible way.

FieldTurf, a leading manufacturer of synthetic turf surfaces, has been selected as the contractor for the project. The new playing surface, the 'Vertex Core' turf system, is known for its durability and high-performance capabilities. The system features a unique fiber shape and composition designed to provide superior resilience, traction, and shock absorption, and has a life expectancy of 15 years. 

The Department of Athletics & Recreation aims to limit injuries and provide a safer playing environment for facility users of all levels. The new surface will feature enhanced traction, reduce fatigue, and offer a more consistent playing surface that will meet the demands of year-round use with updated game lines for both recreational and varsity play. 

"We are upgrading our facilities in partnership with Facility Services to better serve our students, student-athletes and the community," said T.J. Kelly, Manager, Facilities & Events. "This project is a necessary investment in our infrastructure, and we are confident that the new turf system will provide a safe, high-quality playing surface for years to come."

Updates on the turf renovation project will be published on the @mcmastersports Instagram account.
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