University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Higher Education
The Challenge
The conversion of Tom Osborne Field at Memorial Stadium from a nylon (AstroTurf) playing surface on an asphalt base with a 16″ crown to an infilled synthetic turf system posed a significant challenge: it had to be completed within a tight timeline to ensure no delays impacted the upcoming football season. With a high-profile venue hosting Nebraska Cornhuskers football—there was no room for scheduling setbacks or construction errors. The project demanded flawless execution to meet stringent deadlines while maintaining the exceptional quality required for a Division 1 playing field.
Market
Higher Education
Project Scope
Earthwork
Grading
Drainage
Aggregate
Synthetic turf installation
Key Facts
Tom Osborne Field became the first synthetic infilled turf field installed for a Division I school in the country, setting the standard nationwide for sports surfacing.
The expertise demonstrated during the Memorial Stadium project laid the groundwork for over twenty-five successful sports construction projects across campus.
Notable projects include Haymarket Park, Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium, Hawks Championship Center Field, Bowlin Stadium, and the Outdoor Track & Field Facility.
Challenge Met
The Nemaha team swiftly executed the demolition of the existing playing surface and asphalt base, followed by the precise installation of a subdrainage system and aggregate base to ensure proper water management and field stability. Surveys were conducted on existing utilities beneath the playing surface to ensure their integrity. A broken main sanitary sewer line was detected and repaired, preventing a potential disaster beneath the field. Every phase and detail of the project was managed with efficiency and precision, allowing Nemaha to meet the demanding schedule without compromising quality.
