Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University installing new red AstroTurf field

As part of the Roos Field Renovation Project, Eastern Washington University is installing a high-performance AstroTurf field in time for the 2020 football season. The red football field will feature next-generation turf fiber technology.

The red field, known as The Inferno, is made from Trionic fibers developed by AstroTurf. Trionic fibers are made from ultra-durable polyethylene fibers that have been reinforced with nylon polymers through an advanced chemical engineering process. Approximately 50% more durable than traditional fibers, a Trionic turf surface is also non-abrasive, resulting in a more predictable and player-friendly athletic field than anything ever achieved before.

“We’re excited to be able to offer our players a better athletic field,” said Aaron Best, head coach at Eastern Washington University. “We were really impressed with what AstroTurf could provide in the way of safety and performance. We’re going to have one of the best football fields in the country. We’re also keeping the red color, ensuring that The Inferno lives on for another decade or more.”

Already in use in athletic fields at schools and universities across the country, Trionic fibers offer increased shock absorbency, enhanced stability, and an all-around better performance capability for today’s athletes.

Roos Field will also feature AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 playing surface.  The 3D3 designation refers to a special sub-layer of crimped fiber that exists under the top layer to fortify the infill and achieve a higher level of stability than traditional turf surfaces are capable of providing. This layer, known as the RootZone, has been proven in independent research to reduce torque transmitted to a player’s lower body.

This sub-layer feature and the unique nylon polymer reinforcement combine to yield a synthetic turf that’s both stronger and safer. The new turf is expected to retain its impressive structure – as well as the high-contrast red, black, and white design – for years to come.

The Inferno design will include the Eagle at the 50-yard line and the words ‘Eastern Eagles’ in the end zones. The design was finalized after the Eagle Athletic Fund ran a fundraiser for the field, inviting Eagles fans to vote on their favorite look.

The removal of the existing turf and the installation of the new AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 field is expected to be completed this summer, in time for the Eagles to begin preparation for the 2020 season on The Inferno.