North Carolina State University Athletics
PEELER: Carter-Finley Field Renovations Now Complete
8/5/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
BY TIM PEELER
RALEIGH, N.C. - Under budget and on time: NC State assistant director of outdoor facilities Ray Brincefield couldn't ask for much more from the latest improvements to Carter-Finley Stadium.
Since the middle of April, Brincefield has overseen the removal of the crowned playing surface and the installation of a pool-table flat field that will be similar both to the Dail Practice Fields and all the other schools in the ACC.
The process began on April 20, two days after the inaugural Kay Yow Spring Game, and followed with the removal of thousands of cubic yards of topsoil, the installation of a new irrigation system, the planting of Tiftway-419 Bermuda sod and putting down a rubberized synthetic surface around the perimeter and on the sidelines.
The sand-based field now meets United States Golf Association greens specifications for drainage, capable of removing more than 14 inches of rain per hour.
The project, which included putting down 75,000 square feet in sod and six high-pressure water guns, cost about $750,000, well under the $1 million that was originally budgeted.
It was also completed in plenty of time for Sunday's first pre-season scrimmage in the stadium.
Head coach Tom O'Brien, who has lobbied for a new, flat field ever since he watched tailback Jamelle Eugene slip on a mushy spot on the field during the 2007 season, is happy with the outcome and efficiency of the renovation.
"I was able to watch every phase of the installation of the field, since I could see it right out of the window in my office," O'Brien said. "It is exactly what we have been looking for, a flat playing surface that is like what we practice on every day.
"We're pleased with the outcome."
You may contact Tim Peeler at tim_peeler@ncsu.edu.
