The ESU Athletic Fields Turf Project at Whitenight Field and Eiler-Martin Stadium is the next phase in the renovation of athletic facilities at the university. In the last two years, an all-weather track and lights have been installed at Eiler-Martin Stadium.

Groundbreaking at the stadium will held within the next several weeks. ESU hosts the Mountain Valley Conference track and field championship on Wednesday in the final event scheduled until next fall, when the Warriors will unveil their new playing surface with a men's soccer and football doubleheader on Thursday, August 28.

"It's very exciting to see the field turf project start to take shape with the groundbreaking at Whitenight Field," said Dr. Tom Gioglio, Director of Athletics. "The efforts of ESU's administration and the support of everybody on campus, from the President's Office to Student Affairs and Facilities Management, have given us an opportunity to take a huge step forward for our athletic department and our student-athletes."

The installation of field turf is expected to take between six and eight weeks per field, with excavation starting at Eiler-Martin Stadium as soon as it is finished at Whitenight Field to allow the projects to overlap.

The project will benefit the Warriors' football, men's and women's soccer, field hockey and lacrosse programs and recreational sports. The newly turfed fields will also be available for community use and other sporting events.

The artificial turf will make ESU's facilities available for use on a year-round basis and provide a superior playing surface, particularly in inclement weather. The football and soccer programs will also be able to practice on their game field, which wasn't previously available to preserve the integrity of the natural grass surface.

ESU will join 13 other Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference schools that currently have one or more turf fields, including PSAC East members Bloomsburg, C.W. Post, Kutztown, Millersville and West Chester.

The estimated total cost to turf both fields is approximately $1.7 million. ESU has already received a $300,000 Pennsylvania state challenge grant provided by State Senator Bob Mellow and $150,000 from the ESU Student Activity Association. The balance of the funds needed will be secured through donations.

Contributions in the form of cash donations, pledges, payroll deductions for ESU faculty and staff, credit cards and estate gifts are being accepted by the ESU Advancement Office. For more information on how to contribute to the ESU Athletic Fields Turf Project, please contact the Office of Advancement at (570) 422-3333.