KU to install new FieldTurf at Memorial Stadium

New surface will debut in football season-opener on Sept. 5

Kansas University will install new FieldTurf at Memorial Stadium this summer, athletic director Lew Perkins announced in a press release.

The installation of the FieldTurf will take place in late spring, and the new surface is scheduled to be in place in time for the KU football team’s Sept. 5 season-opener against Northern Colorado.

KU will become the sixth Big 12 school to have FieldTurf, joining Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas and Texas Tech. FieldTurf also was installed last August on the Jayhawks’ two practice fields located next to the Anderson Family Football Complex.

“FieldTurf is universally recognized as a top-of-the-line playing surface,” KU coach Mark Mangino said in the release. “We’re excited that we will be playing on a surface that so many NFL and top collegiate teams also use. And the fact that our new practice fields are also FieldTurf is a real benefit for our players.”

The Jayhawks have played their home games on artificial turf since 1970. The new FieldTurf will be the stadium’s fifth turf field, replacing the AstroPlay that was installed in 2000.