Notre Dame readies for new FieldTurf artificial turf field.

History Between the Lines

The artificial turf football field will include the traditional diagonal striping in both end zones. There will be 18 lines (nine in each end zone), and will be oriented at 42-degree angles toward the Basilica and the Golden Dome. The numbers 18 and 42 represent 1842, the year the University was founded.

There will be a traditional interlocking ND logo at midfield, and the 35-yard-line marks for kickoffs will include small green shamrocks.

“The interlocking ND is the most recognized symbol of our University and its athletics programs, and we wanted to communicate that to our fans and all those viewing our home games on NBC,” said Notre Dame Vice President and Athletics Director, Jack Swarbrick.

Traditions Maintained & Celebrated

The integration of the shamrocks achieves consistency across all new or recently renovated facilities where both the interlocking ND and a shamrock have a presence on the playing surface.

While being careful to maintain the look and feel of the original Rockne bowl, using this opportunity to make sure that every visual element of the field is carefully considered and helps to celebrate the University and its rich traditions.

Examples of the latter will include a reworking of the planters along the sidelines to include Irish coastal grasses with the mum plantings, as well as the application of appropriate color pantones and theming to sideline equipment, pylons and yard markers.

The turf field will soon be delivered with installation scheduled to begin shortly thereafter.