MSU sports turf manager discusses Spartan Stadium renovation

Construction of the new natural turf field at Spartan Stadium. Photo: Amy Fouty

Michigan State University (MSU) recently renovated the turf surface of Spartan Stadium. Amy Fouty, CSFM, assistant athletic director/sports turf manager at MSU, writes about the renovation and how it benefits student athletes and the University.

Construction of the new natural turf field at Spartan Stadium. Photo: Amy Fouty

The renovation of the natural grass surface at Spartan Stadium is in the final stages. Its successful transformation will provide MSU a playing surface that all Spartans can be proud of, including turf supporters who understand the complexities of growing grass under extreme conditions. As can be expected, I have been asked by several alumni about our renovation project and would like to share some talking points with the turfgrass community as to why the changes are being made and address concerns and questions.

Spartan Stadium’s natural grass field was installed 17 years ago, in the summer of 2002, to replace the existing artificial turf. It has undergone only one field renovation in 17 years. That redo took place following the U2 concert in 2011 when the top 2 inches of top mix were removed and replaced and then the entire surface converted with new sod.

Since the 2002 season the field has received two National Collegiate Field of the Year Awards (2005 & 2016). It is among a select few to have received this acknowledgment more than once. As the nation’s first Land Grant Institution, Spartan Stadium field represents our commitment to the agricultural tradition of our Institution. With that commitment and tradition in mind, the premier renovator of natural turf fields — Fields Inc. — was selected to preform the work on Spartan Stadium. The attention to detail was ensured by Brian Storm — an MSU alum and CEO of Fields Inc. Spartan nation offers thanks to Storm for his efforts.

Player safety

Natural grass is still the preferred surface for the best athletes in the world.

Recent epidemiological studies released by the National Football Player Association (NFLPA) have indicated, “NFL football players, between 2011-2016, were 16 percent more likely to suffer a lower extremity injury on artificial turf compared to natural grass. More confounding, non-contact ACL injuries for the NFL player, during this time, were greater than 40 percent more likely to occur on artificial turf compared to natural grass.”

MSU athletics is committed to providing the safest possible surfaces for our student athletes.

Planning for the future

Throughout the past 10 years, technology has evolved and will continue to change at an ever-fast pace. In anticipation of this, several in-ground conduits have been installed to support future IT needs, as well as unforeseen future essentials. TV networks, future technology in review of the athlete performance data and anticipation of outside event use of the facility were all factors.

The new turf at Spartan Stadium. The University went with natural turf because of its enhanced safety to players. Photo: Amy Fouty

As with any project of this magnitude there were countless items to be considered, but the priority at conception — and during the whole process — was to provide an excellent playing surface for our student athletes.