In 2011, Buena Vista University renovated its stadium facilities, including the installation of a new synthetic turf field and an outdoor track. That was the last time BVU updated its turf field. Peterson Field is home to three athletic teams: football, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer. For these teams to compete at their best, they need a playing surface that is safe and up to date.
According to FieldTurf.com, the lifespan of a traditional turf football field is eight to 10 years. During the fall sports season, there were multiple instances when the field had to be maintained because pieces of the turf were peeling up. When a playing surface is no longer up to standard, it increases the risk of injuries, including ACL tears, ankle injuries, and other serious issues.
The field was last replaced in 2011, meaning it has been nearly 15 years since it was new. Other teams in the conference, such as Wartburg and Central—two programs consistently at the top of the conference—have both received new turf within the past two years. While updating the turf would not instantly make BVU a top contender, it would serve as an important stepping stone toward competing at that level.
One of the biggest concerns with the current turf is safety. Turf fields are already part of an ongoing conversation about unsafe playing surfaces, and that concern only grows as turf ages. Injuries can happen on any surface, but worn turf increases both their likelihood and severity. As a result, athletes are forced to miss games and practices, limiting their ability to compete and represent the university.
Beyond safety, replacing the turf would also benefit enrollment and recruitment. A new field would allow BVU to update the midfield logo to match the university’s new branding and place its facilities in the same conversation as other top programs in the conference. Facilities matter to prospective students, especially student-athletes deciding where to compete.
The largest obstacle to replacing the turf is cost. According to FieldTurf.com, the average cost of a full turf replacement is approximately $770,000. In many cases, universities are able to complete renovations of this scale through donations. By engaging alumni and allocating budget resources toward the turf field, BVU could make this project a reality. Replacing the turf would not only improve safety for student-athletes, but also help position the university alongside the top athletic programs in the conference.
