Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University is just settling into its new Sportexe PowerBlade turf system (the first Sportexe monofilament synthetic turf system installation in the nation) but it is already being heralded by the Blue Raiders athletic department as the best turf system MTSU has played on.

"It is the first turf that plays like real grass that I have been associated with during my 27 years in the business," said Joe-Joe Petrone, Director of Sports Medicine at MTSU and former athletic trainer to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets. "The surface provides great footing and is easy on the legs."

The Sportexe monofilament turf system features round edges that give the duo-tone "blades of grass" a softer and less abrasive feel. It is one of the softest and most durable products within the synthetic turf industry.

The stadium is a state-of-the-art facility with a spacious press box featuring 16 luxury-box suites and 12 open-air boxes as well.

"Getting the new turf was extremely beneficial to our football program," said MTSU head coach Rick Stockstill, who captured both 2006 SBC and Tennessee Sports Writers Association coach of the year honors during his first year. "The turf provided us an edge at home because our players took a great deal of pride in the new synthetic surface and it has also impacted our recruiting as several players and families we have visited have brought it into the conversation. It is a great addition in the continuing upgrade of our facilities."