Northern Illinois University debuts new AstroTurf playing surface

The Northern Illinois University Huskies will play on a new AstroTurf surface this season after a complete replacement of the playing surface, end zones and sidelines.

The new AstroTurf RootZone is the latest unique enhancement to artificial turf, providing grass-like traction for more predictable footing and uniform shock absorption. The RootZone system is a layer of textured fiber that forms a “web” that holds the infill in place, reducing the splash of rubber or sand seen in other artificial turf surfaces. Less movement of the infill also provides improved durability and lower maintenance costs.

For the first time since 2001, the entire surface of Huskie Stadium was replaced, including the sidelines all the way to the walls on the east and west sides, north to the Yordon Center entrance and the Brigham Family Victory Plaza, and south to the berm. NIU previously replaced the turf on the field and partial sideline and end zone coverage in 2009 and 2015.

NIU has had an artificial turf playing surface at Huskie Stadium since 1969. On September 20, 1969, the Huskies hosted the first major college football game on artificial turf ever played in the state of Illinois. NIU also played host to the first men’s intercollegiate soccer game on turf ever contested in the state.

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