Stadium gets turf upgrade a little early

UM is replacing the synthetic playing surface in Washington-Grizzly Stadium this summer. The move will allow Sprinturf, the manufacturer, to install the latest technology offered by the company.

Removal of the old surface began July 21, and the new field will be ready for play Sept. 1. The first home football game for the Grizzlies is Sept. 13 versus Southern Utah.

UM Director of Athletics Jim O'Day said the University originally intended to replace the surface in time for the 2010 season. However, the deal offered by Sprinturf to update immediately was too attractive to turn down.

He said the new surface will give UM a head start on the latest technology being offered and give the Grizzlies an excellent playing surface for the next eight to 10 years.

UM's original Sprinturf field hosted 59 UM home football games, as well as numerous other community events.

The University's signature Grizzly logo will remain in the middle of the new field, the end zones will be maroon, while the “MONTANA” and “GRIZZLIES” lettering in the end zones will be silver/gray. The new turf will consist of Sprinturf's Ultrablade DF fabric.