Otterbein is kicking off a campaign to raise $2 million to resurface the field and track at Memorial Stadium. The decision to convert the 89,525 square foot field from natural grass to artificial turf is an important one. Studies have shown that when compared against natural grass, turf results in a significant reduction in sports-related injuries and an increase in performance.
A new 59,980 square foot running track surface will allow Otterbein to host track meets, which it hasn’t done in eight years due to the current condition of the track surface. The new durable turf will provide an opportunity for the stadium field to be used for a variety of sports competition. Currently the field is used approximately 54 times in a single year for a total of 165 playing hours. Turf will allow the stadium field to be used almost every day allowing for more than 3,000 hours of playing time.
With this campaign, Otterbein is poised to join the eight out of 10 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) schools and the more than 125 Ohio high schools that have turf fields. This will make Otterbein more attractive to prospective students and to outside groups interested in renting the facility for special events, including high school tournaments and youth camps.
This campaign gives Otterbein an opportunity to build upon the strong foundation put into place by such Otterbein legends as Dubbs Roush ’47 and Moe Agler ’48. It is now time to create a legacy that impacts all of Otterbein’s students for generations to come. To give to the Turf and Track Conversion Project, contact Mike Griffin at mgriffin@otterbein.edu or 614-823-1963.