The construction to install turf on Arcadia University’s Easton Field, now into its second week, is projected to be completed in August—just in time for preseason. (Read about the groundbreaking.) A quick glance reveals that plenty of progress has been made in replacing the natural grass with a new synthetic playing surface.

Delran Builders is performing the installation of the new playing surface, which is manufactured by FieldTurf, Inc.’s Elite Series FieldTurf Revolution product line. Last week initial steps were made to establish a sub-grade at the field that will sit 10 inches below the final playing surface. Once a sub-grade is established and electrical conduits routed, stone will be brought in to provide a solid base for the artificial field turf and to contribute to its fast drying capabilities, which will help it recover from heavy rain. Several tons of material has been removed from the site to make room for the new base material. Construction of a new walkway entrance to the complex has also commenced.

“I am very excited about the new turf field, and I know my entire team is as well,” says David Jacobs ’14, a rising junior on the men’s soccer team. “I am confident that the new field will not only improve our current team, but will also serve as a valuable tool in recruiting to continue improving our team in the coming years.”

Jacobs’ teammate Zach Todd ’13 thinks getting turf is not only a stepping stone for Arcadia’s athletic teams, but for the University as well. “With the renovation to Kuch Center and now the addition of a lit turf surface, it will not only help our teams reach the next level, but also our school to be one of the best universities in the conference.”

Easton Field will be lighted and marked for NCAA field hockey, lacrosse and soccer. The new green surface will cover 87,400 square feet, including 10 feet of run-off for athletes. The addition of a field house will provide new spectator seating, restrooms and meeting space.

The field house will have stone (schist) on the side facing Easton Road, in harmony with Grey Towers Castle. The side facing the campus will have glass, giving panoramic views of the campus from a new great room that will have a fireplace. The meeting room (a bit larger than the pavilion that overlooks Blankley Field and the Weiss Tennis Courts) will be large enough for receptions with the athletes and their parents and supporters, but also will be available for University and alumni gatherings. The building will have bathrooms, a trainer’s room and storage. It will have patios on the sides, and the bleachers will be movable to allow for cook-outs and parties, reunions and recreational activities. The entire complex will be accessible through a new pathway.

The versatility of the space adds another much-needed meeting and special event venue for the campus community. “We are committed to having the field ready for play when the teams gather in August,” noted Associate Vice President of Facilities and Capital Planning Tom Macchi. “We hope the space will go online shortly afterward, in time for the Fall semester.”

The Knights will begin play on their new playing surface on Friday, Aug. 31. Field Hockey hosts non-league rival Richard Stockton College. Men’s Soccer will host Swarthmore College on Wednesday, Sept. 5, while Women’s Soccer plays its home opener against Neumann University on Thursday, Sept. 6. All three contests will be played on the newly lit field at 7 p.m.