NATIONAL CHAMPIONS GRAMBLING STATE INSTALLING NEW TURF IN HISTORIC EDDIE G. ROBINSON MEMORIAL STADIUM

Austin, TX (May 24, 2017) – Hellas Construction is installing new turf for Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium at Grambling State University. Excitement is growing about the new possibilities that artificial turf will bring. Built in 1983, the stadium has served the school well, but in need of updates.

This January Paul “Tiger” Bryant was hired as director of athletics. One of his first priorities was stadium renovations, which GSU fans have desired for years. Out of five turf companies that submitted proposals, Hellas Construction was the only one to ask for a geotechnical report to look below the surface. The university selected Hellas.

Hellas will be installing Matrix® Turf, organic Geo Plus® infill, and a Cushdrain® pad. Hellas’ Cushdrain pad allows for proper drainage, absorbs stress and diffuses points of impact, adding safety for athletes with increased shock absorption and reduced concussions. The 100% organic Geo Plus® infill is recyclable, made from carefully selected cork and coconut fibers, which resists compaction, increases traction, and is proven to reduce field temperatures up to 40 degrees, compared to rubber infill.

A Grambling University Foundation partnership with Origin Bank and Coca-Cola is helping make the estimated $2 million project possible.

“The game day experience will be something we’ve never had at Grambling. This is going to transform the way we are looked at, the way our potential student-athletes look at Grambling State. Now we will give them a quality playing surface. It opens doors for a lot of opportunities to host more than just football games,” said Bryant.

Head Coach Broderick Fobbs said, “The Grambling brand is a huge brand. We are champions and champions deserve to play on a field as such.” Fobbs, a former Grambling player, played under legendary Coach Eddie Robinson, graduating in 1997. This will be his fourth season and he has a 30-9 overall record, winning the SWAC Coach of the Year Award three straight years. Last year they were 11-1, winning the SWAC Championship in Houston and the 2016 HBCU National Championship at the 2016 Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl in Atlanta in December.

Rick Gallot, university president said, "As exciting as this is for our alumni and fans, it's really exciting for our student football players and our student band members. Our World Famed Tiger Marching Band members are truly thrilled that they get to perform on a top tier turf this fall."

The project will be completed by the first home game September 9. An extra home game has already been added on October 28, and designated to be the annual homecoming game.

Video Links
Bryant video
Fobbs video
Seaton video

Product Links
Matrix Turf with Helix Technology
Cushdrain Pad
Geo Plus Organic Infill


Proposed rendering of the new Robinson Memorial Stadium field at Grambling University, to be built by Hellas Construction.

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