EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – Beginning the week of April 25, 2011, the turf at Rentschler Field, the 40,000-seat stadium that serves as the home of the University of Connecticut Huskies football team, will be replaced. After eight seasons of athletic use, including football, soccer, rugby and ice hockey games, coupled with normal wear and tear, the field is ready for a replacement.
After annual testing of the rootzone layer (the sub-base organic layer between the grass and the base layer of sand), it was determined for proper grass strength and growth, as well as drainage and health of grass surface, Rentschler Field should reduce this layer and restore the field to its original levels.
“The State has invested over $92 million in the Stadium and it is critical that we continue to maintain the facility in first-class condition and to attract the very best in sports and entertainment events,” said James Abromaitis of the Office of Policy and Management / Capital City Economic Development Authority. “In these tough economic times, we are fortunate to have a modest capital reserve account in place to cover the cost of this work.”
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“We appreciate the continuing commitment shown by OPM and Bushnell Management Services to provide our football team with an outstanding playing surface and one that is safe for all who utilize Rentschler Field,” said UConn Director of Athletics Jeffrey Hathaway. “With seven home games in the upcoming 2011 season, we are looking forward to an exciting year of UConn Football under the leadership of head coach Paul Pasqualoni.”
Michael Fresher, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Bushnell Management Services said, “Rentschler Field has developed a reputation as one of the finest playing surfaces in the country. Now is the perfect time to make sure the field continues to be one of the best.”
Rentschler Field, through its consultant Millennium Turf, has secured sod from Tuckahoe Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey. The contractor is Carolina Green Corp. of Indian Trail, North Carolina.
The project is scheduled to take approximately two weeks and will need an additional six-to-eight weeks of growing time to be ready for play. Bushnell Management Services is a venue management arm of The Bushnell, and is contracted by The State of Connecticut to serve as building manager for the 40,000-seat Rentschler Field stadium.
