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Wichita, KS (May 10, 2019) –
As Wichita State University are playing their last home games this weekend, they will be looking forward to a new turf field in the 2020 season as Hellas Construction will start the renovation and installation of Tyler Field at Eck Stadium in November. The 1989 national champion and three-time national finalist will be playing on Major Play™ Turf with Helix Technology - a system specifically designed for the game of baseball by Hellas.
The decision to replace the currently installed AstroTurf gives Wichita State Director of Athletics Darron Boatright the confidence that the Shockers will have a turf of premier safety and authenticity. “We look forward to working with Hellas Construction as they are known for the longevity, playability, and performance of their turf,” Boatright said. “We believe they will develop a safe and authentic playing surface at Eck Stadium for our student-athletes.”
Sharing this same optimism in Hellas is three-year Wichita State Baseball Coach Todd Butler. In Phase V of facility renovation, new locker rooms and weight rooms are being constructed for the Shockers leading into the replacement of their outdated turfs. Butler is thrilled to soon be given upgraded facilities. “We are excited to join Hellas for the 2020 baseball season,” Butler said. “The Wichita State administration and supporters continue to step up in facility upgrades at Eck Stadium.”
The Major Play turf being installed at Wichita State features high utilization, functionality, and performance during all seasons. A blended workhorse turf with two types of fibers, the Major Play turf’s configuration and weight of fibers are customized for each area of the field, guaranteeing true playing characteristics of natural grass. The monofilament and slit-film fibers in the Major Play turf are manufactured with duel colors, creating dimension and the realistic look of natural grass.
The Helix Technology implemented into Wichita State’s new baseball field adds structure and strength to each turf fiber. Monofilament fibers act as a muscle and bounce back after use. Helix technology allows fields to wear and look better, hold infill, and eliminate fly-out, improving the turf’s lifespan.
The REALFILL infill being implemented in Wichita State’s new-and-improved turf starts with a unique silica pea gravel base that provides proper fiber support, energy restitution, enhanced shock absorption, and rapid drainage. The infill’s larger granules won’t compact under severe weather conditions and heavy use. This process allows for consistently great G-Max ratings, which determines the softness of the field.
Hellas is also installing thatch, which is a thin layer of fine texturized fibers at the root of the turf increasing fiber support, weight, and minimizing fly-out. Wichita State choosing to add both Helix and thatch to its baseball field, ensures the Shockers are getting one of the best fields Hellas offers. Hellas is the official turf provider of the Dallas Cowboys and their practice facility at the Star in Frisco. Hellas is the preferred turf provider of the Houston Texans and their Houston Methodist Training Center.
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