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Crews complete the installation of new turf at Hanson Field ahead of the 2026 Leatherneck football season.
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WIU football will take the field on newly installed turf for the 2026 season.
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Hanson Field's updated playing surface features new branding, including the Rocky Head logo and Ohio Valley Conference marks.
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WIU Athletics Installs New Turf Ahead of 2026 Football Season

August 7, 2026

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MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University Athletics is gearing up for the 2026 football season with newly installed turf at Hanson Field.

"This new turf is a direct result of the commitment of our student-athletes and coaches. The guaranteed games they competed in, generated the resources needed to make this project a reality, and we're thankful for everything they gave to help invest in the future of Leatherneck Athletics. Their efforts are creating a lasting improvement that will benefit current and future student-athletes while also enhancing the experience for the many campus and community members who utilize Hanson Field," Acting Administrator in Charge of WIU Athletics Jeremy Robinett said.

The project will be completed in early August and an updated field design will feature the Rocky Head mascot logo as well the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) logos, bringing a fresh new look to the playing surface.

After a thorough bidding process, SprinTurf LLC was selected and chosen as the contractor for the project. SprinTurf has installed more than 3,500 fields nationwide, and its turf products are 100% American-made.

SprinTurf is installing its "Predator" turf system, a hybrid turf containing both monofilament and slit-film fibers. The combination provides increased durability, improved fiber resilience and exceptional playability.

The new turf replaces the previous surface, which had reached the end of its useful life. Industry standards indicate synthetic turf typically lasts 10-12 years. Over time, synthetic fibers begin to break down due to regular use and UV deterioration, while infill materials that provide shock absorption can settle and cause the field to become harder and lose some of its absorption properties. Additionally, threaded seams and glued joints can begin to fail more frequently.

These factors can impact playability and if left unmonitored, increase the risk of potential injuries to athletes. The new surface will provide a refreshed playing environment for Leatherneck student-athletes.

"WIU Football places significant priority on the health and safety of our student-athletes and installing the new surface on Hanson Field shows just that. The investment by our alumni and supporters through the WIU Football Player Enhancement Fund has allowed us to rebrand and upgrade many aspects of our home stadium. We are excited to see all Leatherneck fans in attendance for our six home contests this fall," WIU Head Football Coach Joe Davis said.

The team is excited to begin the season on the new turf, which has already added excitement throughout the locker room as players prepare for the upcoming season.

For more information on WIU Athletics, visit wiu.edu/Athletics.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing