Why Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium got first AstroTurf field upgrade since 2012
Evan BarnesWhen football fans return to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium for football in September, they'll be a greeted by a new playing surface that's as bright as their pregame optimism.
Last month, the stadium was furnished with a new AstroTurf field in the company's RootZone 3D3 blend. Not only does the vibrant, green color stand out, it's also got a firm cushion with grass-like traction to increase durability while minimizing injury risk.
"It mimics natural grass more than any other synthetic surface out there," stadium general manager Thomas Carrier said. "A lot of synthetic fields have a lot of infill in them. This one doesn't. It has much less rubber in it because the system is designed to be the cushion."
It's the first field upgrade since 2012, when the last AstroTurf was installed. Carrier said that most turf fields have a shelf life of 10-12 years, and the previous turf looked darker because the rubber pellets kept nesting on top of the fibers.
The new turf still has the pellets, but also a layer of shock absorber pads that are a benefit whether players are running or recovering from being hit.
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"It reduces the impact on tackles [and] falls and redistributes to impact more evenly across the surface so it's not like getting tackled on concrete," Carrier said.
The durability will help maintain the stadium, which is also used for the Southern Heritage Classic, AutoZone Liberty Bowl and other festivals during the year.
The Classic, which features Jackson State and Tennessee State, will serve as the field's official debut on Sept. 10, a week before Memphis' home opener with Arkansas State.
The turf, which has fibers made of polyethylene and nylon, was funded by the city of Memphis and is similar to what's used at schools like Washington, Kansas State, Tulane, Rice, North Carolina and Missouri.
"Rex Dockery Field" is also displayed prominently on the field near each end zone. Dockery was head coach at Memphis from 1981-83, and the field surface was named after him following his death in a plane crash in December 1983.
Carrier said he wanted Dockery's name to be visible on the field beyond a commemorative plaque that was established in 2013.
"The fact that the field is named after him, it was a great way to check those boxes and give him and his family the recognition that he deserves," he said.
The Tigers will likely see it later this month but head coach Ryan Silverfield has already shown it to recruits on official visits. With the stadium set to begin renovations after the 2023 season, the turf is one of several additions that will help present a better look for football as well as other events.
"Everything begins and ends on that field so it was a priority," Carrier said.
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You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com