BALL STATE UNIVERSITY INSTALLS FIELDTURF HOCKEY SPEED FOR TURF FIELD

MUNCIE, IN (August 14, 2013) - Ball State’s field hockey facility has been upgraded with FieldTurf Hockey Speed, which replaces the previous surface.

The decision to install FieldTurf was made after an extensive evaluation of different water-based turf systems. The Hockey Speed product was designed to provide for a fast ball speed and ideal wet performance, characteristics that are important for elite-level field hockey players.

“The upgrade to the water-based FieldTurf Hockey Speed product will allow us to have a surface ideal for elite levels of play,” Ball State head field hockey coach Beth Maddox says. “Our student-athletes are excited about the new surface. This will certainly help as a recruiting tool as the field has ideal traction and speed for hockey.”

FieldTurf has a long history of installing field hockey turf systems at the highest levels, with previous generations of FieldTurf’s water-based hockey systems having been installed at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, along with many top division clubs around the globe. FieldTurf’s field hockey specific installation and product expertise has led to a rapid adoption of these water-based turf systems.

The Hockey Speed system has been developed to provide the best playing characteristics of nylon “wet performance” systems, along with providing the best overall value.

“We are very thankful Ball State athletics continues to put their faith in our company and in our products,” said FieldTurf President Eric Daliere. “We are sure the new field will be a big point of pride for players, the fans and the entire administration.”

Also with the new hockey field on campus, comes a new watering system that will allow the school to keep their field moist for proper hockey performance.

The Mid-American Conference implemented a rule two years ago that for a team to host the conference tournament its field had to have a watering system. The same rule holds true for a team to play host to an NCAA Tournament game. Now, thanks to the new FieldTurf Hockey Speed field and the watering system, the Cardinals will be equipped to host tournament games.