AstroTurf transforms Northern Illinois University’s football stadium

The Northern Illinois University (NIU) Huskies will take the field at Huskie Stadium for the 2024 season opener on brand new AstroTurf thanks to a “wall-to-wall” replacement of the playing surface, end zones and sidelines this spring.

Just days after the Huskies wrapped up 2024 spring practices, removal of turf installed in May 2015 began. The project was completed in late May as NIU football veterans returned to campus for summer workouts.

The new AstroTurf RootZone system is a layer of textured fiber that forms a “web” that holds the infill in place, reducing the splash of rubber or sand. Less movement of the infill also provides improved durability and lower maintenance costs.

“We are excited to have AstroTurf RootZone installed at Huskie Stadium,” said John Cheney, deputy athletic director and executive associate athletic director for operations. “We have been very pleased with the AstroTurf surface installed over the past year at the NIU Soccer Complex and in the infield of Ralph McKinzie Field at Walter and Janice Owens Park.”

For the first time since 2001, the entire surface of Huskie Stadium was replaced. NIU previously replaced the turf on the field and partial sideline and end zone coverage in 2009 and 2015.

“We are proud to partner with Northern Illinois University in delivering a world-class synthetic turf solution,” said Aaron Klotz great lakes sales manager for AstroTurf.

NIU has had an artificial turf playing surface at Huskie Stadium since 1969, NIU’s first year as a “major college” (now Football Bowl Subdivision) institution.