Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stadium & Turf Enhancement Project at Troy Memorial Stadium and Ferguson Field (STEP)? The plan for STEP is to remove natural grass from both Troy Memorial Stadium and Ferguson Field and install artificial turf at both locations. The new field at the Ferguson location would be reconfigured to make it a regulation-sized soccer field with permanent lighting and permanent upgrades to the press box, bleachers, scoreboard and fencing. With turf at both locations, Troy High School football games and marching band events would be held at Troy Memorial Stadium, while soccer games would take place at Ferguson Field. Currently, both varsity football and varsity men’s and women’s soccer games are played at Troy Memorial Stadium.
Who is running the STEP?
The STEP is being done by a group of local volunteers, including business leaders, parents and coaches. We invite you to visit our Contact page for a complete list of STEP Committee members.
What will be the cost of the STEP, and how will it be funded?
The total estimated cost of this project is $3.9 million for both fields, which is being funded through private donations. No taxpayer funds will be used in the construction of this project.
Why install artificial turf rather than building new schools?
This project is being done by a group of volunteers and is funded through private donations. The cost of a school building project will be significantly higher than the cost to install field turf, and there is no possible way the district could collect enough private donations to build new schools. According to the district, building new schools is still one of their highest priorities. Right now, Troy City Schools is waiting for the Ohio Facility Construction Commission (OFCC) to inform them when state funding is available, and that news is expected to come at any point within the next few years. For more information about school buildings, please contact Troy City Schools.
What are the advantages of artificial turf?
There are many advantages to having artificial turf. The STEP aims to provide benefits of increased safety, as muddy fields have led to countless injuries in recent years; cost savings, as it currently costs TCS $43,000 each year to maintain grass fields; weather-proof surface that would allow games and competitions to go on regardless of rain or snow; ease of scheduling with greater flexibility due to expanded availability of both fields to be used; and community benefits by hosting more guests and spectators who will patronize local businesses. When selecting sites to host playoff football and soccer games, the Ohio High School Athletic Association gives priority to schools with field turf. Currently, Troy Memorial Stadium does not host neutral site playoff games despite a seating capacity of 10,500 (7th largest high school stadium in Ohio).
When will artificial turf be installed?
Depending on our fundraising efforts, the STEP committee aims to begin the as soon as funds are secured, design and construction crews can be scheduled, and supplies can be ordered.
Benefits
Safety – Muddy fields have led to countless injuries in recent years. Artificial turf would decrease this risk and create a safer playing environment.
Cost Savings – It costs $43K per year to maintain grass fields. Artificial turf will last around 12 years, with about $9K per year in maintenance. ($408K savings)
Weather-proof – Numerous games and contests have been canceled due to poor field conditions attributed to weather. Turf would allow events to proceed.
Community benefits – The ability to host more games, tournaments and contests at our stadiums would create more economic benefits for our local shops, restaurants and hotels.
