BaldwinCity.com

Liston Stadium has a new look for 2006.

A new artificial playing surface, an eight-lane track and more visitors' bleachers were installed over the summer. The field will be used for Baker University and Baldwin High School football and soccer programs.

"The new facility improvements represent one of the most important phases of our stadium project," said Dan Harris, Baker athletic director. "The turf and the track will enhance the stadium, allow us to recruit more top athletes and provide the community with a multi-use area for many events."

The artificial surface, FieldTurf, features alternating shades of green and a bold, orange BU logo at midfield. It is synthetic grass on top of a deep layer of rubber pellets.

"The field is exactly what we envisioned when we were drawing up the plans," said Baker football coach Mike Grossner, who won't have to worry about muddy playing conditions. "It is a perfect field. The two-tone turf looks great and it is an ideal surface in terms of recruiting and showing potential students around the campus. Most importantly, our players love it."

The eight-lane track makes Baker eligible to be host NAIA and HAAC championship meets. Baker is scheduled to be host to the 2007 Outdoor HAAC track and field championships.

"It is always a thrilling experience when you can host one of the most important meets of the season, something we have been unable to do until now," Baker track and field coach Rob Mallinder said.

Other upgrades include paved parking lots on the northeast and southwest corners of Fremont and Second streets, which will eliminate the dust caused by cars before and after games.

"We are really cleaning up that whole area and I think it's going to be great for the community around the stadium," Harris said.

FieldTurf is currently in use in more than 25 NCAA Division 1-A football stadiums, including Boston College, Nebraska, Michigan, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, Louisville, Missouri and Rutgers.

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