In a move that has been viewed as long overdue by those in and around the University of Hawai‘i baseball program, the team's home field at Les Murakami Stadium has received a new FieldTurf playing surface.
The new turf field, which features two shades of green and a large UH logo in center field, replaces Les Murakami Stadium's old Domo Turf field, which was installed before the 2008 season.
The $2 million process of replacing the old turf began in late October and was completed on Wednesday. The life span of the Domo Turf field was set at eight to 10 seasons, meaning it was due for a replacement following the 2017 season.
Returning University of Hawai‘i baseball players who had to endure the old field were wowed by their new digs.
"Stunning. That's the first word that comes to mind," senior utility player Ben Zeigler-Namoa said on Friday. "I mean, I think all of us, our bodies are definitely enjoying this. First practice was on Wednesday, and everyone feels really good about it, and it's fun to play out here. You feel an energy with it, an excitement with it."
Added senior shortstop Jordan Donahue: "We're able to practice out there for the first time this week. There's nothing better. I think it's one of it's the top facilities in the West Coast. It really doesn't really get better than this. ... It's been in talks for a while that we're going to get new turf. I wasn't really sure if it was going to happen this year, but it did."
UH's makeshift efforts to make the field playable in recent years came at a painful price for players, especially those who frequently slid into the turf.
"Especially taking reps at first base, there used to be a huge concrete block that they just would put in and just returf every year," Zeigler-Namoa recalled. "That was kind of a scary thing. Now you don't got that, and it's a lot easier over there. It makes the job easier."
Lauded as one of the best college baseball environments compared to West Coast facilities, Les Murakami Stadium has a seating capacity of 4,312, with room to hold approximately 1,000 more standing fans.
With the update, each pitching mound, both on the field and in both bullpens, are also entirely turf. Multiple games in past seasons were either postponed or canceled due to heavy rain, which was problematic for the stadium's old dirt mounds.
A traditional Hawaiian blessing is scheduled prior to the team's alumni game on Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. The Rainbow Warriors officially begin their season on Feb. 14 against Marshall at Les Murakami Stadium at 6:35 p.m.
