ANDERSON — At the opening game of Anderson University’s football season Saturday, a fresh field of green outshined a sea of orange and black.
The match against Taylor University was AU’s first change to show off new artificial turf and lighting at Macholtz Stadium. Fans who came out for the team’s season opener said the improvements would help make home games extra exciting this year.
“I think it looks really impressive,” said sophomore Laura Lovern, who attended the game with a group of friends. It was just her second Ravens football game, but Lovern said she thought the upgrades really enhanced the experience for fans.
“A night game is always better than a day game and the lights make it so much better,” she said.
The university announced in June that it would spend more than $800,000 to replace the stadium’s grass with artificial field turf and install a new lighting system. The funding came out of the more than $86 million raised as part of an ongoing capital projects campaign.
The upgrades will make the stadium a facility used by more groups than just the football team, but the investment could also help the Ravens earn some touchdowns, according to players.
Football team member Chad Dorman said after the game that the artificial grass made a clear difference in game play.
“It’s nice,” he said. “It’s a lot better, a lot faster.”
Marvin and Charlotte Rehmert were in Anderson from Tipp City, Ohio, to cheer on their grandson, No. 54 Troy Rehmert.
“We love the field,” Marvin said. “I think it’s a big improvement from last year, and I hope the boys play better than last year.”
Spectators were granted access to the field after the game to feel the plastic grass with their own hands. Students used the opportunity to snap photos of each other standing on the turf under the bright lights. Fan Darrin Gray got down on his knees and ran his hands through the turf. He liked what he felt.
“I care about the kids, and I know it’s a much safer field,” he said.
The artificial turf will allow the university to get more use out of its stadium. Along with the football program, other varsity sports and intramural teams will practice on the field.
“It looks great,” said junior Jake Tandy. “I think it will be good for years to come for a lot of programs. And it’s just open, so if you want to just come out and throw a football around, you can.”
He added, “The university wants lots of people to use it so they get their money’s worth.”
Saturday was the first AU football game for Josie Santos, a freshman from Portage. And even though Macholtz Stadium is smaller than the football field at her old high school, Santos said she liked the improvements.
She said she hopes the stadium gets new seating, too, something university officials say they want to accomplish but have no set time table for yet.
Home News (ADS ONLY)
Related Photos
-
Richard Sitler
Discussion
September 6, 2008
11:08 p.m.: Ravens fans cheer stadium upgrades
- Home News (ADS ONLY)
-
-
Photo gallery: AU vs Mount Saint Joseph Baseball
Photos from the baseball double header and senior night for Anderson University and Mount Saint Joseph on 5/7/10.
-
Comedian Harland Williams coming to Paramount
LOS ANGELES — Canadian Harland Williams was enjoying winter in Southern California. “It’s beautiful out,” said Williams, 47, familiar from roles in films like “Dumb & Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary.” “A bit cold, but is 65 cold? I’ll take this cold any day, thank you.” Williams, whose Indiana performances have been exclusive to Crackers in Broad Ripple, will take the stage at the Paramount on Friday, April 2.
-
Nancy Wood back in Anderson, with ASO
ANDERSON — Nancy Wood stared into the glass vase, full of clear water, with the bare roots of a plant dangling down into it.
-
Auction deal for buyers, not for owners
ANDERSON — An auction held Saturday at a former, popular cabinet manufacturer resulted in deals for local woodwork hobbyists and businesses, but earned less than the new owners hoped for.
-
Ann Duran on the air in Madison County
DALEVILLE — As a child, radio personality Ann Duran remembers her father calling her his mini-Barbara Walters.
-
Weights, measures officials protect consumers
ANDERSON — Whether consumers are filling up their cars’ gas tanks, buying a gallon of milk or drying clothes at a laundromat, one man in Anderson makes sure they always get their money’s worth.
-
AHS rocking to 'Schoolhouse Rock Live!'
ANDERSON, Ind. — With the end of the school year quickly approaching, Anderson High School Performing Arts students are springing into a favorite pastime. With the help of their director of six years, Tiffany Jackson, the group of 12 is putting on a musical, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”
-
Anderson native to lead county ghost tour
ANDERSON — Growing up in Madison County, Nicole Kobrowski liked to visit some of the area’s creepier places, such as Moss Island Road just west of the city.
-
Sidewalk Prophets looking for a Dove
Sidewalk Prophets know how to please a crowd when they sing Christian pop at concerts across the nation.
Now, they’d like fans to reciprocate to help the band win a Dove Award. -
At Home: Project a bonding experience
PENDLETON — When a four-year project goes on for seven years, the result is often a strained marriage.
- More Home News (ADS ONLY) Headlines
-
Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches
Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious
Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury
Obama Unveils $3.8 Trillion Budget
Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked
Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet
Valentine Greetings Sent Worldwide From Loveland
Greek Austerity Measures Spark Riots
Raw Video: Obama Budget Goes to Capitol Hill
Arab League Wants U.N. Help in Syria
Nordic Festival Puts North Korea in Spotlight
'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys
Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet
Greece Passes New Austerity Deal Amid Rioting
Raw Video: Greek Rioting Ahead of Austerity Vote
Raw Video: Child Rescued After Kosovo Avalanche
Pop Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at 48
Whitney Houston's Church Mourns Her Passing
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
79 Turtles Seized at Shanghai Airport
