Beyond the Green: Exploring College Football Teams with Non-Traditional Field Colors
Traditionally, college football is played on grass fields. However, advancements in technology have led to the increasing popularity of artificial turf as a playing surface. This shift has opened the door to a world of color, with some college football teams opting for fields that break away from the conventional green. This article explores the phenomenon of college football venues with non-traditional field colors.
The Rise of Artificial Turf
The evolution of playing surfaces in college football has been largely influenced by technology. Artificial turf offers numerous advantages over natural grass, including increased durability, reduced maintenance, and improved player safety. As technology advanced, the use of various kinds of artificial turf as a playing surface became more and more popular. With the artificial turf came the ability to have field colors other than green.
The Blue Standard: Boise State's "Smurf Turf"
Boise State University holds a unique place in college football history. Nicknamed "The Blue" and "Smurf Turf", Boise State was the first college stadium field to be any color other than traditional green, as well as the only college to have a non-green field for 22 years (1986-2008). Their iconic blue field has become synonymous with the university's football program. The field has been called "the nation's most original (hideous) football field". Boise State even went so far as to trademark the concept of non-green athletic fields, demonstrating the program's commitment to its unique identity. In 2009, Boise State reached an agreement with Ralph F. New Haven to license the use of Boise State's trademark blue field.
A Spectrum of Colors: Beyond Blue
Boise State's blue field paved the way for other colleges to experiment with non-traditional field colors. Eastern Washington University installed a red turf field, creating a striking visual contrast to the traditional green. Other programs have followed suit, with fields in various shades of black, gray, purple, and more.
Eastern Michigan University: EMU Installing Gray FieldTurf Surface at Rynearson Stadium.
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Luther College: Norse first D-III program with non-green field, opting for blue turf.
Clark Atlanta University: Unveiled a newly designed red turf field installed by the Arthur Blank Foundation.
Marietta College: "Both turf projects underway, live web streams available at both facilities".
SUNY Morrisville: Unveils black turf at Stadium.
Central Arkansas: Purple & Gray Turf Coming to Estes Stadium.
Read also: Recruiting Gems in NCAA 25
Curry College: A New Era of Purple Pride: Curry College Announces Plans for All-Purple Turf this Fall.
More Than Just College Fields
The trend of non-traditional field colors extends beyond college football. Lincoln College Preparatory Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, boasts blue turf with yellow sidelines surrounded by a red track. High schools across the country have also embraced the trend, with blue turf fields in states like Alaska, Texas, California, New Mexico, Ohio, New Jersey, Michigan, and Virginia. West Salem High School in Salem, Oregon, even has a black field.
Professional indoor football teams have also joined the movement. The Nebraska Danger of the Indoor Football League play on a black field, while the Trenton Freedom of the Professional Indoor Football League began play in 2014 on a red field. From 2014 to 2016, the L.A. KISS of the Arena Football League played on a silver field. Two teams currently in the National Arena League use non-traditional field colors. The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 2015, and began using a black field, while the Massachusetts Pirates began play in 2018 on a dark blue field.
Considerations and Controversies
The use of non-traditional field colors has not been without its critics. Some argue that it detracts from the tradition of college football, while others find the colors visually unappealing. There have even been instances where teams have been banned from wearing uniforms that clash with the field color. However, proponents argue that it adds excitement and personality to the game.
The Future of Field Colors
As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more experimentation with field colors in college football and beyond. While the traditional green field will likely remain the standard, the emergence of non-traditional colors has added a new dimension to the sport, allowing teams to express their unique identities and create a visually stimulating experience for fans.
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tags: #green #colleges #football #teams
