This summer, LT plans to replace the 13-year-old turf at Bennett Field. If the bidding process goes as planned, the Athletic Department hopes to have the new turf installed the week after the Relay for Life event on June 10, Athletic Director John Grundke said.

“The current turf field is already past its life expectancy,” Grundke said. “We’ve done a pretty good job keeping track of it, but there’s starting to be some divots that are getting bigger and bigger. We want to make sure it’s as safe as possible.”

Along with restoring the turf, the project this summer includes installing new goal posts, refinishing the gymnasium floors at South Campus and repairs to a leaking steam line in the North Campus Fieldhouse and a leaking internal storm water downspout in the Vaughn Building. In total, all of these projects are expected to cost the school $743,017, Director of Business Services Brian Stachacz said.

The idea of replacing the current turf field has been something discussed by Superintendent Dr. Timothy Kilrea, the Board of Education, and the Athletic Department for some time, Principal Dr. Brian Waterman said. Waterman believes the replacement will bring benefits to the school and its students.

“Students and groups can use fields with artificial turf continuously because of the decrease in maintenance time that needs to be invested when compared to natural grass fields,” Waterman said.

In terms of appearance, LT plans on having a lion head logo at the middle of the field along with different colored end zones, Grundke says. Although there has been no decision made on the type of turf being put in, the artificial grass will stand taller than it currently does.

Nate Rusk ’18, a wide receiver and kicker on the varsity football team, thinks that the turf will make Bennett Field a better environment for LT athletes and fans.

“I was very excited to hear that we would be getting new turf,” Rusk said. “I think it will help the atmosphere at home games and give the stadium more of an LT feel to it.”