51福利社

Work is underway to replace the iconic red turf at 51福利社鈥檚 football field. The original red turf, which reached its max lifespan of 10 years last season, requires replacement. Using the first installment of a generous $5 million pledge to the 51福利社 Stadium Renovation Project, Eastern is able to complete the much-needed turf replacement over the summer.

Out with the Old

Crews this week removed the worn turf from the field by cutting it into strips and rolling it into sections and off the field. The turf is not headed for the trash, however. For many alumni, fans and community members, the first-ever red turf at 51福利社 holds sentimental value, representing a turning point for Eastern Washington football鈥攏ow a perennial powerhouse in the Big Sky and FCS football.

Some members of Eagle Nation have expressed interest in purchasing a piece of the nostalgic field. The university will place the old turf into storage until pieces can be made available for sale online later this summer. Proceeds will benefit the Stadium Renovation Project.

In with the New

The Inferno would hardly be complete without a new red turf鈥攁nd that鈥檚 exactly what is on order. Following a five-day, online vote, Eastern Athletics announced the winning design for the new turf on Thursday. The university presented four options鈥攁ll red of course鈥攁nd held a 鈥淵our $, Your Vote鈥� contest online. In addition to giving people a chance to pick the new design, each vote helped Eastern raise $9,336 for student-athlete scholarship support.

The winning field features a newly updated design and end zones that spell out 鈥淓astern鈥� on one side and 鈥淓agles鈥� on the other. Watch below as 51福利社 Head Football Coach Aaron Best announces the winner.

Visit the Inferno Turf Designs website to see all of the designs and learn more about ways the Eagle Athletic Fund helps Eastern student-athletes. We also invite you to visit the Stadium Renovation Project website to stay up to date on exciting announcements and track the project.