This past summer, the SUNY Morrisville Athletics Department decided to make a bold move. Needing to replace the turf playing surface of Drake Field for the first time since 2006, what set the project apart was the installation of a one-of-a-kind black turf.
The move went viral, as the reveal of the new turf instantly captured global attention, with coverage from prestigious sports outlets such as Sports Illustrated and ESPN to global features as far as Mexico and Europe en route to reaching more than 50 million viewers on social media worldwide.
“As we set out to replace our old turf, we wanted to move in a bold, new direction that would give our department and student-athletes a unique identity to rally around,” said Matt Grawrock, SUNY Morrisville director of athletics. “We wanted a look that reflected the institution and how we have a special campus with an education and opportunities that are different from many schools, embracing the differences that set us apart while providing a focal point for athletics that would distinguish us from our peers.”
With the overall discussion and design beginning in the early months of 2022, the physical process of replacing the old turf surface began in May of 2023 and was completed in early July. It also featured facility upgrades within the stadium’s locker room spaces, as well as new uprights and fencing that showcases the department’s branding.
“We have created a true home-field experience and advantage for our student-athletes,” Grawrock said. “We think they’re one-of-a-kind and we wanted to give them a home venue to match.”
The new design also includes various features for each of the six teams that compete on the field, including white traditional markings for football, red markings for men’s lacrosse, powder blue for women’s lacrosse, lime green for men’s and women’s soccer, and yellow for field hockey.
To pay tribute to the Mustangs’ history, the field showcases lettering along the home sideline of “Drake Field,” named after Athletics Wall of Fame member Robert Drake, who served as Morrisville’s athletics director as well as football, basketball and baseball coach from 1948 to 1978.
