New Mexico State Keeping It Cool with New FieldTurf System at Aggie Memorial Stadium

FieldTurf Classic HD system with CoolPlay comes to Las Cruces as Aggies prepare for Conference USA

The New Mexico State University Aggies ended 2022 on a 6-1 run, culminating in a Quick Lane Bowl victory over Bowling Green and building palpable excitement ahead of the upcoming season - the team’s first as part of Conference USA. Adding to that pre-season enthusiasm is the recent installation of new artificial turf at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces as FieldTurf Classic HD with CoolPlay infill was selected as the playing surface for 2023.

The introduction of the Classic HD system to Aggie Memorial Stadium makes New Mexico State University (NMSU) the latest NCAA Division I football program to trust FieldTurf, a Tarkett Sports company, to deliver a safe and durable playing surface. To complement the stadium surface, NMSU also had FieldTurf install its leading synthetic turf at the Aggies’ practice field at the beginning of August to reinforce the team’s preparation for the season ahead.

For NMSU, the tandem of new field surfaces is well-timed to help celebrate 45 years since Aggie Memorial Stadium opened in 1978. The home field was especially welcoming last year as the team was 4-1 in their final five home games, outscoring opponents 189-73 in that stretch.

“We appreciate all of the people that worked on getting the turf down," NM State Head Football Coach Jerry Kill said. "When you work when it’s over 100 degrees every day, it’s not easy. I am glad to have had all of those guys as a part of our team.

"We also want to especially thank Governor Lujan Grisham and members of the legislature for their contribution to make it all happen. Our program would not be successful without you all. Thank you and go Aggies!”

The stadium’s new FieldTurf Classic HD has been designed to consistently outperform other slit-film-based yarns. The thick design and precision cut pattern of the HD yarn gives noticeably less infill splash than other slit-film yarns.

CoolPlay infill is a FieldTurf exclusive and is an industry leader in cooling technology. The extruded composite top dressing is designed to reduce surface temperature without compromising performance or adding additional maintenance.

“We thank NMSU for their trust in us to provide the safest and best-performing product in the industry,” said Jed Easterbrook, Tarkett Sports Regional Vice President, Rocky Mountains. “Our Classic HD with CoolPlay system has repeatedly been chosen at the highest level of sports and we are extremely proud to be the choice of the Aggies.”

In addition to the Aggies, other Conference USA schools that compete on FieldTurf include Florida International University, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Western Kentucky University and Louisiana Tech.

Other top Division-I NCAA programs that play on FieldTurf include Illinois, Illinois State, Kansas State, Arizona, Washington State, Oregon State, West Virginia, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Texas, Iowa, Rutgers, Syracuse, and Louisville, to name of few.

“It’s a privilege to be chosen by another terrific DI program that already boasts an impressive venue with Aggie Memorial Stadium,” said Eric Daliere, President – Tarkett North America & Tarkett Sports. “We’re very excited that the project is timed with what will be a very exciting season for NMSU. We thank the Aggies and the school for their trust.”

In addition to the FieldTurf installation at NMSU and its strong presence at venues across the Rocky Mountain states, Tarkett Sports is firmly rooted in the region with offices in Denver and Salt Lake City. By consistently having team members on the ground, FieldTurf is able to better engage and serve current and future clients alike.

About FieldTurf FieldTurf is a world leader in artificial turf with over 25,000 installations worldwide. Trusted at every level, FieldTurf is at the surface of elite football programs across the country. In the NFL, FieldTurf is the trusted choice of 11 teams. The Falcons, Giants, Jets, Lions, Panthers, Patriots, and Seahawks both play and practice on FieldTurf, while the Buccaneers, Eagles, Packers and Steelers practice on FieldTurf.

In the NCAA, over 1500 programs trust FieldTurf, including powerhouse football programs in Michigan, Notre Dame, Utah and Oregon, to name a few. FieldTurf is a part of Tarkett Sports, a world leader in athletic surfacing, offering a comprehensive portfolio of sports flooring solutions through its brands: FieldTurf, FieldTurf Landscape, Beynon Sports, Renner Sports, GrassMaster, Tarkett Sports Indoor and Tarkett Sports Construction. With a wide range of products, including artificial, hybrid and residential turf, running tracks, tennis courts and indoor athletic surfaces, the Tarkett Sports family offers the ultimate surface experience.

FieldTurf is a part of Tarkett Sports, a world leader in athletic surfacing, offering a comprehensive portfolio of sports flooring solutions through its brands: FieldTurf, FieldTurf Landscape, Beynon Sports, Renner Sports, GrassMaster, Tarkett Sports Indoor and Tarkett Sports Construction. With a wide range of products, including artificial, hybrid and residential turf, running tracks, tennis courts and indoor athletic surfaces, the Tarkett Sports family offers the ultimate surface experience.