Pearl River unveils ‘game changer’ with new turf project
POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Historic Dobie Holden Stadium will look considerably different when Pearl River fans fill its seats in 2019. In coordination with GeoSurfaces, PRCC recently completed the installation of a new turf project that coaches and school administrators agree will be a difference maker for the Wildcats and surrounding communities.
“Our entire department will reap the benefits from this state-of-the-art surface. It will impact our practice sessions, game day atmosphere, and offseason camps and workouts for all of our programs,” Pearl River Athletics Director Jeff Long said. “Once again, our administration continues to place a priority on the student-athlete experience.
“I want to thank Dr. Adam Breerwood, VP of business Roger Knight, and the Board of Trustees for providing us with the resources to provide this game-changing facility upgrade.”
The field is the latest upgrade at Dobie Holden Stadium, following last summer’s video board project. Fans will immediately know they’re at Pearl River once they enter the stadium, as both end zones are boldly maroon and gold, with one marked by “PEARL RIVER” and the other “WILDCATS.” The iconic Wildcat logo is also stitched into the 50-yard line, bridging the hashmarks at midfield.
“I love it. This is going to make a huge difference. It’s a game changer when it comes to recruiting,” said Pearl River football coach Ted Egger, who’s set to begin his third season at the helm of the Wildcat program. “This is huge for us as a football program and as a whole athletic department.
“This is as good as it gets. It’s awesome. What I love about this is it shows when we commit to doing something, we do it the right way and we’re all in. I’m thankful to be at a place that understands that. Our administration as a whole has been great.”
One big benefit to the new surface is the fact that rain or shine, the Wildcats won’t have to game plan around Mother Nature.
DRONE FOOTAGE LINK of the new turf: https://youtu.be/lPXDkJLaYlA
“With the turf, we won’t have to worry about the field conditions — it will never be too muddy,” Egger said. “That will make a huge difference. Our guys won’t have to be out lining the field anymore.”
The same goes for other programs as the football Wildcats won’t be the only ones reaping the rewards of the new project. Soccer lines were stitched into the surface to ensure Coach Henrik Madsen and Drew Gallant’s squads won’t miss a kickoff or practice. Additionally, the field will be utilized for other school and yet-to-be-announced community functions.
“I am thrilled to see this plan come to fruition,” Pearl River President Dr. Adam Breerwood said. “With the close proximity of the new residence halls, we believe this upgrade will provide our College opportunities in a variety of areas. I believe we are now equipped to expand our summer camps, our student activities program and community outreach initiatives. Our intention is to build Pearl River Community College into the one of the nation’s very best.
“We want our current and future students to create positive life long memories during their time on our campus. I am grateful to the PRCC Board of Trustees for their commitment to our students.”
The new multipurpose surface measures 390 feet long by 225 feet wide.
“GeoSurfaces is pleased to announce that they have just completed the new installation of IronTurf at Pearl River Community College’s Dobie Holden Stadium,” GeoSurfaces Director of Marketing Katherine Perry said. “IronTurf is a unique blend of interlocked fibers that creates a surface that stands up to the nation’s toughest sports.
“Since its introduction in 2017, IRONTURF is quickly becoming the turf of choice for the country’s most demanding sports venues, with recent installations at the Empower Field House, home to the five-time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots.”
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Pearl River will host its annual Meet the Wildcats fall event at Dobie Holden Stadium on Aug. 22 before the Gridiron Wildcats hit the road Aug. 29 to open the 2019 season at Itawamba.
Following another road game at East Mississippi on Sept. 5, the Wildcats will showcase its new field Sept. 12 when Copiah-Lincoln visits Poplarville.
Once again, all of PRCC’s games will be streamed at PRCCAthletics.com
and broadcast on WRJW 1320 AM Radio and wrjwradio.com, and WRJW app.
Anyone interested in buying season tickets or purchasing a sponsorship package this season can call the PRCC Athletics Department at (601) 403-1179.
