RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University recently began work on changing the playing surface at Hanger Field, the varsity football field since 1969, from natural grass to synthetic turf. The project is expected to be completed well before the beginning of preseason football practices in late July.

Vescio SportsFields, based out of Lexington and owned by Richmond native Doug Vescio, was awarded the project in mid-March. Since then, Vescio has completed survey work of the field and surrounding area. The company’s next task will be to take away the current field’s crown and level the area before installation of the turf can actually begin.

“Vescio SportsFields is very proud to be working with EKU Athletics on the installation of the new playing surface at Hanger Field,” Vescio said. “We believe that our SFII synthetic turf surface, manufactured by Tiger Turf, will provide an exceptional playing field for EKU. As a Richmond native, I am keenly aware of the rich tradition and history associated with Colonel Football. We are honored that the University, its alumni and current staff, students and athletes trust us with such an important project.”

The turf consists of plastic grass woven in a plastic carpet with a urethane backing, in-filled with crumb rubber and installed over a foot of crushed limestone. This surface is very similar to the surface currently used by the football team at the Presnell practice facility.

This fall, eight of the nine Ohio Valley Conference football programs will be playing their home football games on an artificial surface.

Fans can follow the progress of the project through a University web cam – click here.

The EKU football team concluded the 2008 season 8-4 overall while earning the program’s 20th Ohio Valley Conference title and 31st consecutive winning season. The Colonels’ first home game of the 2009 schedule is slated for Saturday, Sept. 19 against Tennessee Tech.