Workers place the UC logo and bulldog on the new synthetic field at Union College.

Let the Games Begin
Union’s Turf Project on Track for First Home Game

Burch-Nau Field on Union’s campus should be ready to see its first action as a synthetic turf surface by the home game scheduled for September 8, according to officials at Union College.

Employees of AllSynthetic Group have worked around the clock in high heat to complete installation on time. The turf is now in place, and workers were busy on Friday placing the UC logo and bulldog in the middle of the field.

The next step is to spread several tons of cryogenic rubber granules on the surface. The granules settle between the blades at a depth of about one and a half inches, propping up the blades to achieve a grass-like surface. The final phase of the project is to attach the perimeter of the turf to a retainer band inside the concrete curb around the field.

Many are eager to see the new field which, according to Jeremy Strawn of AllSynthetic, is “one of the best looking fields I’ve seen at a private college this size.” Darin Wilson, Union’s Athletic Director, believes Union is one of only a few private colleges in Kentucky to install synthetic turf.

Union College hired Vescio Sportsfield to oversee the entire project, which includes synthetic turf in addition to renovation of the surrounding area. Once the turf is installed, Vescio will continue the project by paving the walking track and adding landscaping and fencing.

The community will have a chance to see the field during the first home football game on Saturday, September 8, when the Bulldogs face Lambuth University at 1:30 p.m.

September 4, 2007

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