Ole Miss maps out construction time frame

By By Carver Rayburn / staff writer
April 16, 2003
OXFORD The University of Mississippi revealed a time frame and plans for the construction of an Indoor Practice Facility and the installation of field turf at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Tuesday.
Ole Miss officials announced construction of the $17 million Indoor Practice Facility will begin the first week of May and should be completed in one year.
Architect G.G. Ferguson said the project will be split into two separate phases.
Ole Miss also announced the installation of a new "Field Turf" in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Plans to replace the natural grass are underway, and the new turf is scheduled to start being installed on Thursday and should take about 60 days to complete the project.
The "Field Turf" will reportedly cost the University $750,000 and has a life expectancy of eight years, but Athletic Director Pete Boone said Ole Miss was viewing it as an investment.
Boone said the University is spending $50,000 to $60,000 a year for maintenance on the current stadium field.
Head football coach David Cutcliffe said the new turf should not be confused with the old AstroTurf.
The new "Field Turf" has been voted as the No. 1 surface to play on by the NFL and is currently being used by the University of Nebraska, Kansas State Univeristy and numerous NFL teams.