Terps Finally Get To Enjoy New Field
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) -- The University of Maryland football team is finally getting to try out the brand new, state- of-the-art turf field at Byrd Stadium in College Park.
Mary Bubala reports the coach and the players said it's like nothing else in the nation.
Fans say the new field at the University of Maryland College Park is cool, and it is--literally.
The new turf field at Byrd Stadium features exclusive new heat-reducing technology called Cool Play.
Players are getting their first feel for it in this summer heat.
"I think it looks great out there. Walking out there today, lots of guys said, `This is pretty sweet.' A lot cooler than a regular turf field most of the guys have played on," said quarterback CJ Brown.
The company behind the new design, FieldTurf, has done extensive temperature testing, which show Cool Play infill can keep the field up to 20 degrees cooler than typical fields.
"It's the infill, the infill with the silica sand. It's a washed sand. We don't put in beach sand, which others do. It's a sphere which, mixed with the washed sand, makes it firm enough, makes it a fast track," said Neil O'Donnell, FieldTurf.
The new field is the latest part in a major makeover for athletics in College Park. Last August, the school unveiled a new line of eye-catching and controversial uniforms for the football team. Monday, we saw the new Under Armour version of the Terps uniform for the coming season.
"All the things that I have envisioned since I've gotten here, you start to see it coming together and now what we have to do is go out on the field and win," said Coach Randy Edsall.
The new field is also supposed to play better in the rain and snow. It will also be used by the lacrosse team. The field was paid for through private donations.
