Field Heating Solution at Michigan State University

FIELDS is pleased to be Heating Solutions International’s (HSI) exclusive North American distributor of sports field heating solutions. As part of this new relationship, FIELDS has begun installation in East Lansing, Michigan at Michigan State University’s McLane and Secchia Stadiums. Please read the press release below to find out more about this exciting project and technology.

PRESS RELEASE:

Field Heating System to be Installed at McLane and Secchia Stadiums

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State’s McLane Baseball Stadium and Secchia Stadium will both be receiving new electric field heating systems, according to an announcement made Tuesday, July 28 by the MSU Athletics Department. Sports Fields, Inc., began installing the new system, developed by The Netherlands-headquartered Heating Solutions International (HSI), last Wednesday (July 22).

Upon completion of the project, the infields of the baseball and softball facilities will be heated, providing each program with extended playing time on both surfaces in the colder months.

“This project will provide our baseball and softball programs outdoor access in the early spring, allowing for team preparation for their competitive seasons that start in February,” MSU Deputy Athletic Director Greg Ianni said. “Additionally, our grounds staff will be able to prepare the fields for game use in March, resulting in fewer early season cancellations. This is cutting-edge technology that will tremendously benefit our student-athletes and coaches. The generosity of our donors and the diligence of the Spartan Fund staff continue to make a difference. We are very grateful for their support.”

“We’ve had a few very loyal donors with an active interest in the baseball and softball programs that have stepped up and allowed us to move forward,” MSU Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development Chuck Sleeper said. “They’ve understood the positive difference this new system will have and have helped make it possible.”

“We are extremely excited about the project on Kobs field and are honored to be the first collegiate facility nationally to incorporate this type of technology,” MSU baseball head coach Jake Boss said. “The great game of baseball was meant to be played on a natural surface and this project will ensure that we will be afforded that luxury in the early stages of our season.  Following the 2014 Field of the Year Award by SportsTurf Magazine, Amy Fouty and her staff continue to take a great surface and make it even better.”

“I’m incredibly excited about what this project will mean for our fields and our softball program,” MSU softball head coach Jacquie Joseph said. “This is a tremendous addition to the Old College Field complex and specifically our home at Secchia Stadium, one that will benefit our team not only in games, but in our practices as well. As the No. 1 turf school in the country, the beauty and pristine conditions of our fields are always a source of pride – and the addition of this technology will help us enjoy our home field earlier in our season.”

Sports Fields, Inc., a preeminent builder of fields and sports parks in the country based in Canton, Georgia, will install HSI’s “heating ribbon” technology, part of the company’s unique patented electric operation module. The heating ribbons will be installed from 3-9 inches below the playing surfaces of both fields and will operate via a control panel at each facility. Each control panel can be operated remotely.

“Sports Fields, Inc., has been involved in several field heating projects across the country, including in the NFL and Major League Baseball,” said MSU alum Brian Storm, President and CEO of Sports Fields, Inc. “Michigan State will be the first university in the U.S. to have this electric field heating technology. It’s a technology we’re bringing to the U.S. along with HSI.

HSI has installed the proven technology on professional soccer pitches across Europe, but the project at MSU will be the company’s first in the U.S.

“It’s a new challenge for us at Michigan State and we believe on being on the cutting edge of urban agriculture and providing the highest quality playing surface for our student-athletes,” MSU Sports Turf Manager Amy Fouty said.

To learn more on HSI’s heating ribbon technology, click here.