Benton Field prepares for teal playing turf

Heavy equipment dotted Benton Field at Brooks Stadium this week as preparations for Coastal Carolina's new "Teal Turf" began.

The home for Chanticleer football and women's lacrosse in the TD Sports Complex has its top layer of grass removed. By mid-April, a new and unique-looking playing surface will be installed featuring the first "Teal Green Turf" field in the nation.

"When the decision to install an artificial turf field was made, it only made sense that the turf be teal," said Matt Hogue, interim director of athletics. "In addition to our winning tradition, we are known nationally for our distinctive color scheme. And it's not just the color our teams wear, but a campuswide identity. We felt this would be a great opportunity to further build that brand."

The project, budgeted at $1.2 million, will give the sports programs more versatility and options for both practice and game days.

"The economics of this project are advantageous," Hogue said. "This surface has approximately a 10-year lifespan and will save significant dollars and resources in terms of maintenance, painting and other field upkeep costs. Additionally, the project is in alignment with the sustainability goals of the recent gift provided by TD Bank to the Chanticleer Athletic Foundation."

Artificial turf versus a grass surface will help alleviate practice space challenges as well as provide a safe and durable option if there is inclement weather. Also, the quality of the playing surface will remain consistent throughout several seasons including postseason football and in the spring for women's lacrosse, which is typically contested on artificial turf. In addition, the more versatile surface provides the University the opportunity to host nonathletic special events.

Medallion Athletic Products of Mooresville, N.C., partnered with Shaw Sports Turf for the project contract after being selected through the State of South Carolina procurement process.