LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama Department of Athletics has signed a deal with EnviroTurf of Madison, Miss. to install synthetic turf at Tiger Stadium.
“The University of West Alabama has made decisions over the past four years that have put our football program in a position to be more successful, and that commitment is paying off," said UWA Director of Athletics Dr. E. J. Brophy. “The installation of this new surface in Tiger Stadium will absolutely take our program to the next level, and amplify the fact that we are committed to having a first rate football team year-in and year-out here in Livingston. We want last year's playoff run to be just the beginning as we try to navigate successfully through the always tough Gulf South Conference."
UWA Head Coach Bobby Wallace echoed Brophy's sentiments. “We are real excited about the turf. It's going to help us in many different areas,” Wallace said. “It will help us eliminate travel time back and forth from our practice field and also help in the safety of our players during the months when storms arise, so we can seek shelter quicker. Another nice thing is it will be beautiful all year long.”
Clients that EnviroTurf has worked with to maintain, paint, repair, or service include the National Football League, the Liberty Bowl, Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi indoor facilities, Mississippi College, the Independence Bowl, Delta State University, Alcorn State University, Jackson State University and Mississippi Valley State University.
After opening the season on August 28th at 7:00 p.m. in Demopolis vs. Shorter College, the Tigers will christen the new synthetic turf on Saturday, Sept. 18 against Lambuth University. That kickoff is also scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
The new turf installation continues a progressive theme in the Tiger football program, as the past four years have seen many football facility upgrades on the Livingston campus including the installation of new stadium lighting and sound systems, a new scoreboard courtesy of Coca-Cola of Meridian and the renovation of the popular Tiger Room inside the stadium for athletic donors. Additionally, cosmetic improvements to the James Homer Fieldhouse have been made including a total re-decoration of the second floor office areas and hallways, a much-needed lockerroom addition and a totally re-vamped weightroom and equipment room. These improvements were made possible through the kind support of UWA Trustee and alum Terry Bunn.
The football Tigers just completed their most successful campaign in over three decades in 2009, as they finished 8-5, beat the number one team in the country (UNA) to end the regular season and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs en route to a final ranking of number 19 in the country.
