http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-960409.mp3
Macomb, IL – The football field at Western Illinois University will soon get new turf.
Hanson Field has natural grass right now, but it will be replaced with artificial turf.
Garry Johnson, Vice President for Student Services, said this will allow the field to be used by more than just the football team.
"We also see it as a benefit for some our other athletic teams. In addition, it allows us to use it for intramurals," Johnson said. "It's the only lit facility, late night opportunity we have for intramurals on campus."
Contracts for such work normally require approval from the Board of Trustees. But during its quarterly meeting, the BoT agreed to grant WIU President Al Goldfarb authority to approve contracts for installing the new turf and a new scoreboard. That will allow the work to begin before the next BoT meeting, which is scheduled for June 3 in Moline.
The projected cost of the changes is $1.3 million. Johnson said students agreed to allocate a portion of student fees to pay for the work.
Board member William Epperly called it a prudent investment. He also suggested the university consider installing purple turf.
"Great marketers tie to emotions, and if you can make an emotional connection in marketing, you're going to have some sales," Epperly said. "I think we can brand ourselves much better with a purple field."
His idea was noted but not acted upon.