EMU Installing Gray FieldTurf Surface at Rynearson Stadium

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics formally announced Thursday, June 19, renderings and plans for and of the new FieldTurf Revolution surface that will be installed at Rynearson Stadium. The state-of-the-art surface will officially debut on Aug. 30 when the Eagles' football squad opens the 2014 season against Morgan State University.

Construction on the project will begin in July, as the school will implement a new color scheme with the surface as well. Utilizing the colors gray, green and white, the Block E logo will be at the 50-yard line while the logo for the MAC will adorn the field as well. The playing surface will be gray with white hashmarks and numbers, while the end zones will be green with the word "EASTERN" on the northside and "EAGLES" on the southside in white. In total, 48,340-square feet gray FieldTurf will be laid along with 40,168-square feet of green.

The nation's leader in artificial turf surface, FieldTurf will be leading the project utilizing their state-of-the-art FieldTurf Revolution surface, which is currently used by the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks in the NFL and Ohio State University and the University of Notre Dame in the NCAA.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to invest in our football program and the new gray Field Turf this summer," added EMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. "With the gray field being installed, we will be the only ones in the country with such a design. Most importantly, it helps us build an identity that matches the toughness of our team and connection with our community. This facility enhancement is an important brick in the foundation of Coach Creighton's vision."

"Installing new top of the line FieldTurf in our stadium is one of many ways that our administration has demonstrated a real commitment to Eastern Michigan Football," Head Football Coach Chris Creighton added. "The fact that they have embraced the idea of the field being concrete gray shows their courage and conviction in who we are and what we are all about. We cannot wait to represent Eastern Michigan University on our new turf this fall and for the years to come."

"FieldTurf is proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Eastern Michigan and be joining them in creating turf history," said FieldTurf President Eric Daliere. "We pride ourselves on delivering innovative and high quality synthetic playing surfaces and are looking forward to see the Eagles start a new era."

Eastern Michigan joins other football schools such as Boise State, Eastern Washington, Central Arkansas, New Haven and Lindenwood-Belleville who have departed from the traditional green turf. Boise State began the innovation in 1986. "The Blue," as it is known by fans, has been the only non-green playing surface in the Football Bowl Subdivision until EMU's installation of the "EMU Gray" surface this fall. In NCAA FCS football, Eastern Washington employs an all-red playing surface, while Central Arkansas sports a purple and gray alternating tone. In Division II New Haven installed a blue field, while NAIA representative Lindenwood-Belleville alternates red and gray colors on their gridiron.

Rynearson Stadium has featured artificial turf since 1991 with the most recent surface installed in 2005.

Season tickets are now on sale for the five-game home slate, which includes four contests against MAC foes. Single-game tickets will be available beginning July 1. Tickets can be purchased at EMUTix.com or by calling 734.487.2282.