This fall, the University of Idaho (UI) welcomes students with its state-of-the-art outdoor lawn stadium and other upgrades to the school’s sports and entertainment programs.

UI has signed a contract with Coast to Coast Turf, a leading artificial turf installation company, to set up a sports field with three unique fibers to improve durability and aesthetics. The company also installed an extra layer to provide additional cushioning for student athletes while maintaining rapid surface movement.

Chris Walsh, deputy director of student-athlete health and performance, said investing in safe sports venues is an important part of reducing the risk of sports injuries. He also stated that as schools prepare to resume face-to-face courses during the COVID-19 pandemic, new areas will play an important role.

"The new surface will provide a safer practice and competition environment for our student athletes. In addition, in accordance with NCAA recommendations, the ability to maximize outdoor activities and increase the frequency of outdoor training will help reduce the risk of COVID-19. "He told KTVB.

In addition to serving as a training facility for the UI football team, the venue will also be used for school, club sports and other outdoor activities.

Greg MacDonald, who has contributed to the construction of the new venue, believes that the improved facilities will help attract more students, especially those interested in sports.

"Whether you are a band member, a university sports team, a club sports team, a school student or a campus resident, it will be a showcase for the university in many ways. It should have been completed in many ways, and we are very happy to be able to help complete it. ," he commented.

At the same time, UI football coach Paul Petrino said that recent improvements in sports can help his team progress and make the university a first-class institution.

Football coach Jeremy Klevinger expressed his belief that a high-quality playing field will help the team better prepare for large-scale matches. However, he pointed out that improving facility scheduling will be challenging.

In addition to the new outdoor lawn, UI has also invested in improving its memorial stadium and swimming facilities.

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