Texas Tech signs off on new turf, LED lighting system at Jones AT&T Stadium
Texas Tech's ongoing effort to enhance the look of Jones AT&T Stadium will continue this summer with the installation of an LED lighting system and new artificial turf.
The Tech University System Board of Regents approved both projects in February, and Tech athletics said in an announcement Thursday that both will be completed in time for the 2023 season. Tech estimated the combined cost at about $2.2 million, to be funded via philanthropic gifts to the athletic department.
The new lighting system, Tech said, will be designed by Musco using its Total Light Control technology. It enables Tech to flash choreographed patterns set to music during pre-game, between quarters and after touchdowns.
"We’re thankful for the support of the Board of Regents as we continue to invest in the future of Jones AT&T Stadium," Tech athletics director Kirby Hocutt said in a statement. "The timing of the south end zone and Womble Football Center project made this an ideal opportunity for us to look at all areas of Jones AT&T Stadium to see where other needed improvements could be made. We’re excited to partner with both Hellas and Musco on these two important projects."
The stadium's current FieldTurf was installed before the 2017 season.
Tech has enlisted Hellas to replace the playing surface, using its Matrix Helix® turf. Hellas has recently installed that surface at the home stadiums of the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas Raiders, as well as the training complex of the Kansas City Chiefs.
"Our administration fully supports providing the best products to our student-athletes here at Texas Tech, which is greatly appreciated by our entire program," Tech coach Joey McGuire said in a statement. "This new turf from Hellas is widely used throughout the NFL and college football and will be a great addition to what we are already building at Jones AT&T Stadium. We look forward to debuting this new surface in front of a packed crowd when we host Oregon on Sept. 9."
Tech said Musco's technology "allows athletes to track ball flight better using pinpoint lighting, all while lowering total operating costs. Texas Tech will have the ability to program this lighting system remotely, similar to Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park, which received new LED lights using Musco technology prior to this baseball season."
Tech Regents voted at their February meeting to increase the budget for the ongoing south end zone and Dustin R. Womble Football Center projects to slightly less than $220 million. When first announced in July, Tech estimated the price tag at $200 million.
Tech said Thursday the roughly $20 million budget increase came after further discussions with the athletics department’s design firm, Populous, on the long-term plan for the facility. That includes moving the visitors' game-day locker room to the northeast corner of the stadium, a possibility the Avalanche-Journal first reported last year.
Tech said Thursday it has more than $90 million pledged toward the project. Tech officials said in August they hoped to have $100 million or more in commitments before the project began at the end of the 2022 season.
Editor's note: This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech signs off on new turf, LED lighting system at Jones AT&T Stadium
