SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.— A fresh new Field Turf playing surface with a completely overhauled drainage system greeted Skidmore College athletes when the fall preseason opened on August 23.
 
The season-long Wachenheim Field construction project began in May with the removal of 100,000 square feet of old turf, which was sent to a recycling center in California to be repurposed for play areas. More than 122 tons of infill mix was removed from the old turf and reused on the new surface.
 
Throughout the summer, the entire drainage structure was replaced, in all, about 5,040 tons of stone were repurposed to the geothermal project in the Palamountain parking lot.
 
"We are so grateful for the commitment that the College has made in replacing the turf on Wachenheim Field," said Gail Cummings-Danson, Skidmore athletics director. "This decision aligns well with the Strategic Plan recently approved by the College trustees and President's Cabinet to strengthen and prioritize health and well-being as a campus goal. 
 
"We are excited to watch our women's and men's soccer teams christen the field at their respective home openers on September 1 and 3 but also look forward to all of our students enjoying our state-of-the-art field through intramural and recreational offerings."  
 
The new two-toned turf features the Skidmore athletics logo at center field inside the faceoff circle, and "Skidmore" was installed along the sideline.
 
The track was also removed prior to putting in the new turf, and will be replaced following the fall soccer seasons.
 
The Skidmore women's soccer team will be the first team to use the field for the regular season, with the season opener against Castleton on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. The Skidmore men's soccer team also begins its season on the renovated surface, when it takes on SUNY Cortland on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 6:30 p.m.