Union unveils new field turf design for Williamson Stadium

Maisie Nelson • April 28, 2022
Members of the Athletic Committee stand behind rendering of new field.



Burch/Nau field at Williamson Stadium will have a new look when fans are welcomed back for the 2022-2023 sports season.


A plan for a new synthetic turf field was revealed Thursday during the Board of Trustee spring meeting. The most noticeable change is the new turf design, which incorporates current branding.


“It’s an alternating green with the athletic U logo in the center and we’ve gone with black end zones instead of orange so that our lettering will pop more if you’re watching a broadcast,” said Tim Curry, Executive Director of Athletics.


Additional renovations include rerouting a storm drain which will alleviate puddling around the field and increase its longevity.


“We’ve talked about this for some time and it’s great to know this is finally going to happen,” said Don Lane, Trustee and Athletics Committee Chair.  


Williamson Stadium is home to both football and men’s and women’s soccer programs, however, the field is utilized for many other campus and community events.


“Just last night we had student activities out there using the field so this isn’t just an athletics piece, our entire campus uses that facility and this will be an upgrade everyone benefits from,” Curry said.


Construction is set to run from May 9th to July 31st.  This means no events or camps will take place at Williamson Stadium this summer, but the college is looking forward to serving the community with the new turf beginning this fall.

Children enter Norton Hall, a brick building with a Boys & Girls Club van parked out front.
By Rachel Dorroh June 26, 2025
The Dr. Marcia Hawkins Boys & Girls Club at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has moved to the heart of campus. Now located on the ground floor of Norton Hall, which is adjacent to the Student Center, the Club has more space to call its own as well as easy access to amenities.
By Maisie Nelson June 25, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s ongoing “50 Under 50” recognition program. The initiative celebrates alumni under the age of 50 who are driving change and making a difference in their professions and communities.
Bill and Merrill Davies with the Union Mascot, Mack the Bulldog.
By David Saylor June 24, 2025
William “Bill” Davies ’66 and Merrill Johnson Davies ’64 were brought together by their education at Union College and their Baptist faith in 1962. Since then, they have built a lasting legacy of service, learning, and community impact — one that has spanned more than 56 years of marriage.
By Maisie Nelson June 13, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to recognize the achievements of seniors from Barbourville High School who have committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at Union. Together, these students have been awarded more than $88,000 in scholarships as part of the university’s commitment to supporting local talent and making higher education more accessible.
Lynn and Amanda with Union's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on Union's campus.
By Rachel Dorroh June 5, 2025
This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of Union Commonwealth University. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three Union degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.
By Maisie Nelson June 2, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.
Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.
By Rachel Dorroh May 30, 2025
After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.
By Maisie Nelson May 27, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program continues to highlight exceptional leaders across diverse industries — from public service and business innovation to healthcare, marketing, education, and law.
More Posts