Iowa's Kinnick Stadium to get synthetic surface
4 Feb, 2009 Athletic Turf NewsIOWA CITY — The Iowa Board of Regents unanimously approved a University of Iowa proposal to spend $2 million for a new drainage system and synthetic turf at Kinnick Stadium, reports the Des Moines Register.
The regents briefly questioned U of I Athletic Director Gary Barta about the timing of the project, which comes as the U of I faces budget cuts of about $26 million this year and next.
"I agree the timing of this is terrible," Barta said. "If there were any way I could delay this project, I would delay it."
Barta warned that the drainage system, installed in 1989, must be replaced or the school could face an embarrassing cancellation of a high-profile football game due to a flooded field. The U of I narrowly avoided such a problem before tthe 2008 Iowa vs. Iowa State game, he said.
Replacing natural grass with turf will save the U of I $80,000 a year on watering and mowing, he said. Research is inconclusive about whether injuries are more frequent on turf or grass, Barta told the regents.
The project will be paid for with gifts to the athletic department and sports revenue. The department is not supported by taxes or tuition, the Register reports.
"Regents approve Kinnick turf project," by Erin Jordan, Des Moines Register, Feb. 3, 2009.
"Regents approve $2 million for Kinnick," by Tessa McLean, The Daily Iowan, Feb. 3, 2009
Please send any technical comments or questions to our webmaster.