COLUMBUS, Ohio – Since June 1st, Capital University's Bernlohr Stadium has been undergoing a turf surface and drainage replacement project this summer. The facility serves as the home of Capital's football, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's lacrosse teams.
Through an extensive bid process that included the work of a turf consulting firm, Capital University settled on working with Hellas Construction to complete the project. Hellas uses a Matrix Helix technology that coils the turf blades, thus allowing for a longer performance lifespan. This turf technology is currently used in the Tennessee Titan's Nissan Stadium, the University of Kentucky's Kroger Field, and Georgetown College's Toyota Stadium among others. Right here in central Ohio, this turf is currently installed at all three Hilliard City Schools.
"While there were many reputable turf companies to choose from, Hellas set themselves apart for us with their Matrix turf system," said assistant athletic director of facilities Dustin Rudegeair. "The Helix technology that Hellas uses will give us a field that will not only perform to the highest standards, but also look great throughout its entire lifespan. I am more than excited for our student-athletes to get to play on it when it is completed."
"I'm very excited about our new turf," said Director of Athletics Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. "It gives our teams a first-class surface to train, practice and compete on! There were discussions of drainage being an issue previously and that situation should no longer be a topic of conversation. The ability to protect our student-athletes from possible injuries was also very important. We are hoping this is going to be an added boost to our programs competing on this new surface!"
As there have been several great moments on the previous surface, Capital Athletics made the decision to parcel out a limited number of turf segments from the old surface to be purchased in the coming weeks. These turf segments will provide an opportunity for alumni, family and friends to hold onto a keepsake from the prior surface that delivered so many special games and moments during the history of Capital University athletics. More information on how to get your hands on a turf keepsake will be provided later this summer.
The current Field Turf surface of Bernlohr Stadium was installed in 2011. The facility has also experienced significant facility enhancements with the installation of a hi-definition LCD video board in 2012 and the addition of state-of-the-art LED lights in 2015.
MORE ON THE NEW SURFACE
Manufactured, built, and installed by Hellas, Matrix Helix turf offers quality, performance, longevity, and aesthetics unmatched in the sports industry. Matrix Helix turf is made of monofilament fibers that are twisted, stretched, and heat-set to retain shape and resiliency over the life of the field. Shape Memory Technology is added during the manufacturing process of Matrix Helix turf, twisting each monofilament fiber into a corkscrew shape that secures infill and springs back into place after impact.
By preventing infill migration and minimizing splash out, Matrix Helix turf creates a predictable playing surface for athletes with superior traction and cleat release. With better control, more stable footing, and more consistent shock absorption, Matrix Helix is the ideal turf for K-12, collegiate, and professional sports.
