Turf mockup

Wake Forest Installing New FieldTurf at Couch Ballpark

11/22/2019 9:20:00 AM | Baseball

The project is expected to be completed in late December prior to the start of practice in January.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Wake Forest began the process of replacing the turf field surface at David F. Couch Ballpark earlier this week.

With the fall season wrapped up and the spring practice schedule beginning in mid-January, the project is expected to be completed in late December.

The turf installed will be FieldTurf's DoublePlay Classic system, designed to perform like natural grass.

The infield and warning track will feature the true Nike Gold, matching Wake Forest's new branding, and will feature the new WF logo in center field, as well as the classic Deacon head logo behind home plate.

Wake Forest will switch from clay mounds on the field and in the bullpens to a synthetic surface, allowing for frequent usage in all weather conditions.

The athletic department is continuing its lengthy relationship with FieldTurf, which also outfitted BB&T Field, McCreary Football Field House and the Doc Martin Practice Facility.

This project is the latest in a series of renovations to the facility. The Chris Hurd Player Development Center was completed in January 2019. The team previously moved into the new clubhouse in 2017. In 2015, an on-site state-of-the-art weight room facility was constructed. The black chairbacks were installed in 2013, and the video board was built in 2012. In addition to the manual scoreboard in left field, the previous turf surface was installed in 2011.

What they're saying:

Head Coach Tom Walter
"We're elated to head into the new decade with a brand new playing surface. Wake Forest's commitment to facilities has ensured our program is always on the cutting edge and this project is no different. I greatly appreciate our administration's dedication to maintaining our student-athletes' safety, while also enhancing our ability to be successful on the field."

Director of Athletics John Currie
"In an effort to continue to elevate Wake Forest and continue to support the incredible job that Coach Walter has done with that program, we remain committed to the fundamentals. This surface quite literally serves as the foundation on which our baseball student-athletes compete and train to win championships."

Director of Turf Management Chris Williams
"We are looking forward to the new playing surface being installed by FieldTurf at David F. Couch Ballpark. I think the way it mimics natural grass will make a huge difference for our team. The quality of work and customer service provided by FieldTurf has been excellent at our other facilities, and I am excited to have them bring their product to our baseball field."

Graduate Student Pitcher Bobby Hearn
"The turf replacement at The Couch continues to show the commitment our program has made in providing its players with some of the best facilities in the country. We're incredibly grateful for the support which makes projects like these possible, and we can't wait to start competing on the new surface in just a couple months."

Junior First Baseman Bobby Seymour
"My teammates and I are very excited for the new turf. This goes to show how dedicated we are to getting the best of the best in facilities here at Wake Forest, and we couldn't be more thankful for this opportunity. We can't wait to get on the new turf and have a great 2020 season."
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