Ohio State’s turf has been a hot topic of discussion throughout the 2021 season. Fans, media, players, and even coaches have noted the fading and age showed by the Buckeye field surface, which has caused both aesthetic and practical issues, with receivers and ball carriers slipping and sliding all over the aging field.
“We looked at our cleats to make sure we have the right footwear,” head coach Ryan Day said of the turf. “We have had some guys go down.”
Ohio State has said that replacing the turf in-season just isn’t feasible, but with its lifespan coming to an end after this year, the Buckeyes are planning on a change in the upcoming offseason – and they’re turning to the Ohio State fanbase for some guidance on what that new field will look like. Ohio State sent out a release on Oct. 15 calling for fan-submitted field designs, which the university will be accepting until Oct. 29.
“This weekend, the Ohio State Department of Athletics will start seeking fan-inspired design concepts for the new artificial turf that will replace the current turf in Ohio Stadium. Fans can submit their design concepts for what they’d like the new turf to look like to New Turf Design. An internal department panel will review the submitted designs and ultimately create the new look of the field.
“Submissions to the link above can be in the form of photographs or PDFs. Children are also encouraged to have fun with the design and submit their ideas as well. Downloadable templates are also included at the link above. Some fan submissions will be shared on social media from the official Ohio State athletics accounts: @OhioStAthletics on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook/buckeyes.”
Ohio State has had its current scarlet endzone, white text, black stroke endzone design with a scarlet Block O at midfield since 2007, when the turf was installed.
