ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., June 12, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- FieldTurf has been selected as the artificial turf to be installed at the brand new Indoor Practice Facility at the University of New Mexico. The announcement was made by UNM Athletics Director Paul Krebs and FieldTurf Tarkett CEO John Gilman.
The Lobos' Indoor Practice Facility is a $7 million project that is currently under construction and expected to be completed in early August. The facility is being funded by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and members of the state legislature. When completed, it will be one of the finest of its kind.
"FieldTurf is undeniably the industry leader," said Krebs. "We wanted the best surface for our student-athletes especially from a safety standpoint. FieldTurf provides that element, plus it is easy to maintain and allows us a lot of flexibility."
"Certainly, we are aware of how much this new practice facility will mean to New Mexico's entire athletic program, and that makes it even more gratifying that UNM has selected FieldTurf," said Gilman. "Our turf is the finest in the world, and we know that it was the safety, playability, versatility and reputation of FieldTurf that was attractive to Paul (Krebs) and to Coach Long. The field that UNM is getting will be completely state-of-the-art and will provide a fantastic surface for the Lobos for many years to come."
The new facility will measure 210' by 410' for a total of 86,000 square feet. It will include a full football field plus a seven-yard run-out on both the ends and sides. The building will be approximately 76' tall.
FieldTurf has already established itself as the turf of choice in the National Football League and in NCAA football. Twenty-one of the NFL's 32 teams currently use FieldTurf at their stadiums and/or their practice facilities. FieldTurf is currently in use in more than 40 NCAA football stadiums including Nebraska, Utah, Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, Rutgers, Kansas State, Boston College, Louisville and Missouri.
FieldTurf is the result of years of research -- evident in the patented FieldTurf infill mix of silica sand and cryogenic rubber and patented layering process that deliver a system that emulates natural grass. Additional benefits are found in improved player safety, reduced maintenance costs and flexibility for conversion -- allowing stadium managers to quickly change the field from one sport to another or to easily host a variety of sporting events, concerts and other special events on top of the FieldTurf surface.
Over the past few years, the quality and performance of FieldTurf's patented system has resulted in over 2,000 installations in more than 40 countries, and has made it the first choice for top stadiums around the world. FieldTurf is a privately held company that has revolutionized the artificial turf industry with its patented products and installation technologies. FieldTurf also offers a full range of artificial grass solutions. For more information on FieldTurf, please visit www.fieldturf.com.