The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) football program has gotten a major field turf upgrade at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. The former surface was installed in 2008 and has weathered years of play.
Most artificial turf fields are designed to last around 8 years, so it’s no surprise that the 83,000-square-foot field was ready for replacement after facing UV damage and improper drainage issues. With a listed project budget of $1,825,588, the new field is a major capital project for North Carolina Central University.
In a recent tweet from Field Turf, the company expressed excitement over its new partnership with the NCCU Eagles football team.
The tweet reads: “After watching the @NCCUEagles football team make its first trip to the @NCAA DI-FCS Playoffs last year, we’re thrilled to see @FieldTurf as the new surface of their home field at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Thank you for your trust @NCCUAthletics! #ChangeTheGame #EaglePride.”
Indeed, this change signifies not just a mere replacement, but a revitalization of the playing field. With the promise of a new surface from Field Turf, known for its quality and durability, the Eagles can stride onto their home field with renewed vigor. It’s not just about changing the turf; it’s about changing the game.
More than just a new field, the upgrade is a comprehensive overhaul that includes connecting drains to the existing campus stormwater drainage system. It’s about ensuring that the field looks pristine and performs at its peak, regardless of the weather conditions.
History of O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium
O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium
Home of the NCCU Football Team
Capacity: 10,000
Surface: Field Turf
Legend of O’Kelly Field:
Long before artificial turf covered the playing surface inside North Carolina Central University’s home football stadium, there was an area of land covered with rocks, trash, and brush that became NCCU’s first athletic field thanks to Cadd G. O’Kelly.
O’Kelly, born Feb. 14, 1865 in Raleigh, N.C., moved to Durham in 1910 to work with NCCU founder Dr. James E. Shepard. During his tenure at NCCU, which spanned some 25 years, O’Kelly served in a capacity similar to a Dean of Men. It was his custom to assign male students who transgressed the school’s rules to tasks related to campus construction and beautification.
One of the more frequently assigned tasks was that of clearing rocks, trash and brush from a sight which was to become the first athletic field. The men students who worked on that project called it O’Kelly’s Field. That name has been associated ever since with the university’s principal athletic field, now O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
O’Kelly died May 26, 1939 in Moorestown, N.J. During his teaching career, he taught almost every college subject, including history, Latin and music.
This IS NOT a “partnership” at all… Field Turf was paid $1.8 mil by NCCU for this surface.