UPEI still plans to have new turf field by September
University working to secure funding, find company that can replace turf
UPEI says it's still optimistic it will have a new turf field ready to go for September.
The field has been locked up since early April when it was deemed too dangerous to play on and in need of replacement.
UPEI's athletic director Chris Huggan said the university started the search just over a week ago for a company that can remove the turf field and build a new one by Sept. 5. The deadline for applications is next Tuesday.
"We're trying really hard to pull this off. We're optimistic it's going to happen," Huggan said. "Our goal is to have our opening season games here in September."
The university is also still working to secure funding partners to pay for the work, which could cost up to $1 million.
Huggan said in the event the new field's not ready by September, there are contingency plans in place to have Panther teams practise and play at other fields in the area.
Field hockey coach concerned
Field hockey coach Barb Carmichael said with the turf field out of commission this summer, the association's been forced to scrap its Under-16 provincial team as well as its summer programming.
Now, she's wondering what will happen in September if they have to play elsewhere.
"Grass fields are absolutely terrible for field hockey," she said. "Going to nationals, they play on a water-based turf. If our girls came off grass and went to turf, it takes time to get used to to the speed of the ball. It'd be a waste of time to send them really."
'Improved field'
But Huggan said it will be all worth it when the new field becomes a reality.
"It'll be an improved field, both functionally, hopefully as far as its lifespan, and even the way it looks," he said. "I'll be awfully happy when we have the partners on board here to announce this field's going forward."
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With files from Steve Bruce