Boston University's Nickerson Field to Get FieldTurf Face Lift
July 14, 2008 | Women's Lacrosse
July 14, 2008
BOSTON - Mike Lynch, Boston University's Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics, is excited to announce the renovation of historic Nickerson Field, as a state-of-the-art FieldTurf surface will be installed in time for the 2008 soccer seasons.
Nickerson Field was renovated with FieldTurf in May 2001 and is a FIFA-approved soccer facility. It is home to the Terrier men's and women's soccer teams, as well as the women's lacrosse team. The new surface will be completely installed by Aug. 1.
"We are proud to continue our relationship with a company who is recognized as the industry leader for playing surfaces," Lynch said. "We have three varsity teams, each of which participated in their respective NCAA tournaments last year, that will benefit directly and immediately from the enhancements we are making this summer to their playing surface at Nickerson Field."
Nickerson Field, once the home to the Boston Braves National League baseball club and Babe Ruth, is over 90 years old. The Boston Red Sox played on the field during the 1915 and 1916 World Series when the field was known as Braves Field. The Boston Braves of the National Football League (NFL), now the Washington Redskins, also played on the field during its inaugural season. In more recent years, it has served as the home of the Boston Breakers of the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) from 2001-03 and the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) from 2004-06.
In addition to replacing the turf on the field, a 400-meter track also will be installed at a later date. The concrete platform adjacent to the field that was used for commencement speakers and dignitaries has also been demolished.
"Being associated with Boston University has been an absolute pleasure for our organization," said FieldTurf Tarkett CEO Joe Fields. "Their continued selection of FieldTurf is a testament to our dedication to quality and the long-term success of the surfaces we manufacture. We are thrilled to have BU as a repeat customer and look forward to a long-lasting relationship."
"We used our field for a total of 2,600 hours last year, which makes it one of the most used fields in the country," said Drew Marrochello, BU's Deputy Director of Athletics. "The fact that the latest version of FieldTurf is even more durable than the first field we purchased is extremely comforting."
The new field will host its first competition when the women's soccer team hosts Boston College in its season opener on Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.
