The Brigham Young University-Idaho Stadium is open again for use by students, employees, and the community after the installation of a new artificial playing surface that facilitates greater usage. 

"We used to play three or four football games on a Saturday afternoon, and if it was raining, it would destroy the field," said Leon Anderson, Fitness and Hart Building Manager. "Now you do not have to worry about things like that.  That is one of the benefits."

BYU-Idaho has six football teams that practice and play games on the field, as well as countless ultimate frisbee and soccer games.  The new artificial turf will withstand higher usage and is more economical over time than natural grass.  

"It will be a great venue for the sports programs," said Trent Shippen, Activities Sports Supervisor. "We're not as concerned about decreasing the use of the stadium field after rain and high usage because the new field will be able to accommodate the demand."

"I went out on the field the other day and I got very excited," Anderson said. "It is very quality and the students will love using it. It meets the demands that will be put on it as far as usage."

The track is also available again for the public to use when not scheduled by the university.

"What we want people to know-especially the students-is that this is a new facility and they should be happy about it," said Anderson. "But with each new facility we acquire on this campus, we should take responsibility to protect the investment that has been made."

Some of the rules of the stadium include no food, drink or gum, no metal spikes or cleats, no flammable materials, no Sunday use, and no unauthorized personnel.

"It was an investment, but there is a purpose behind it," Anderson said. "The purpose is to serve many more students, which is exactly what President Clark wants."