The renovations were made possible by the generosity of donors and create Elon's first synthetic multisport field.
Thanks to the generosity of several donors, Elon University Athletics has completed renovations to the Hunt and Tucker practice fields, including the installation of Elon’s first synthetic multisport field. The first practice on the new turf on Hunt Field occurred Monday evening as the Phoenix football team took the field at 8 p.m.
The renovations to Hunt and Tucker practice fields will benefit all Phoenix student-athletes, serving as practice fields for Elon’s football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse programs, and serving as training and conditioning space for all of Elon’s varsity teams.
“The renovations to Hunt and Tucker practice fields are a true game-changer for our athletic programs, and we’re very appreciative of everyone who provided the funds to make this project a reality,” said Elon Director of Athletics Dave Blank. “This project enhances the practice fields for nearly 200 student-athletes on our football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse teams, allowing them great flexibility to prepare for competition in nearly all weather conditions. It will also provide much-needed turf training space for the rest of our varsity teams.”
A broad group of Elon supporters came together to provide funding for the project, including Elon alumni, parents, grandparents, trustees and longtime friends of the University.
“This project will allow Phoenix student-athletes to practice outside in all types of weather conditions,” said Elon Trustee Vicky Hunt. “We are big believers in Elon and we feel that first-class facilities add a great deal of value to the campus and student-athlete experience.”
Donors included:
• Sam and Vicky Hunt
• Jerry and Jeanne Robertson P’89 GP’17
• Jay ’71 and Amy ’69 Hendrickson
• Zac ’60 and Dot Walker
• John and Robin Fox P’11 P’14
• Mark and Kathryn ’91 Richardson
• E.C. Hunt
• Dave and Jen Porter P’11 P’19
• Bill and Amy Roberts P’13
Located directly behind Rudd Field, Hunt practice field now features FieldTurf 2.5 artificial turf with permanent lines for football, soccer and women’s lacrosse. The field, which measures over 74,000 square feet, also features a new drainage system.
Tucker field also received a facelift this summer.
The practice field located directly behind the Jeanne and Jerry Robertson Track and Field complex and next to Hunt practice field has been completely stripped of its old sod and revamped with 419 Bermuda sod. The crown has been removed, and drainage and irrigation have also been enhanced. Tucker field, which measures over 61,000 square feet, also received a new Cambridge Drainage System for the first time since its creation decades ago.
Carolina Green, which is based out of Indian Trail, N.C., completed the Hunt and Tucker practice field renovation. Carolina Green also installed the FieldTurf infield at Latham Park in 2010.