University of Maryland Unveils Plans for New FieldTurf Baseball Field

The University of Maryland is investing in baseball! UMD’s athletic department recently announced several key enhancements to Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium. A key part of the enhancements is Maryland’s choice to upgrade the entire playing surface to FieldTurf’s DoublePlay system – the field is currently half turf, half Bermuda grass. The Terrapins’ new playing surface will be ready in time for the beginning of next season.

Regarded as the most innovative baseball turf in the industry, the FieldTurf DoublePlay system is completely customizable to the team’s needs by controlling the speed and pace of the baseball through innovative fiber and infill technology. A truly unique product offering for the Terrapins. Learn more on DoublePlay Here.

Other additions include a new closed off home bullpen, which will allow for players to warm up in a closed area away from the field, and a revamped outfield wall, increased in distance, to allow the batter’s eye to be part of the park.

“These improvements to our home park will provide our players with one of the top surfaces in the country to perform on,” said John Szefc, Terrapins Head Coach. “The new FieldTurf surface and improvements to the wall and bullpen, will also provide a more aesthetically pleasing venue for our fans. This is a great step forward for our program.”

“When it comes to artificial turf, FieldTurf is the most trusted brand in the industry. As we began discussions on the baseball field project, we wanted to provide our students-athletes with the safety and performance they need to perform at their best. We feel that FieldTurf will meet this standard,” said a University of Maryland official. “In order to enhance playability for baseball – a late winter, early spring sport, when inclement weather like snow or rain impacts the games or practices – turf allows a quick resumption in comparison to grass. In addition, when grass is traditionally not growing in the colder months, the turf will always be in great condition and game-ready every day.”

“Installing our DoublePlay turf system for University of Maryland Baseball is a great moment for FieldTurf,” said Tarkett Sports President, Eric Daliere. “We are happy to welcome Maryland Baseball to the FieldTurf family.”

Maryland joins an impressive list of NCAA D-1 baseball teams that play and / or practice on FieldTurf’s DoublePlay system, such as the University of Houston, Oregon State University, Rutgers University, the University of Illinois, Kent State University, the University of Louisville, the University of Oregon and hundreds of premier high school and local facilities.