TEMPE, Ariz. – Sun Devil Athletics and Sun Devil Football have announced Camp Tontozona will undergo upgrades with a new synthetic field replacing the natural grass, as well as other minor renovations. The project is estimated to be completed by the start of camp in August.
The synthetic field will feature a water system for cooling and cleaning the field, sleeves for field goal posts, field striping for multi-sport use and more.
"Since the football program's return to Camp Tontozona, we've been assessing a solution for mother nature's impending disruption each and every season," said Vice President for University Athletics and Athletic Director Ray Anderson. "We are pleased to provide more assurance of an efficient and productive practice experience at Camp T."
Camp Tontozona first opened back in 1960 under the direction of Sun Devil Hall of Fame coach Frank Kush and continued through 2008. After a four-year hiatus, Sun Devil Football returned to Camp T in 2012.
Over the years, inclement weather has forced the team to move practices from Camp T to Rumsey Park in the town of Payson, just over 18 miles and a 20-plus minute drive away, or cancel practices, which occurred during the 2016 preseason camp, forcing the team to return to Tempe early.
The synthetic field enhancement will help reduce the chances of flooding, and therefore maintaining scheduled practices at Camp T throughout the week.
Additional upgrades also included in the project:
The synthetic field will feature a water system for cooling and cleaning the field, sleeves for field goal posts, field striping for multi-sport use and more.
"Since the football program's return to Camp Tontozona, we've been assessing a solution for mother nature's impending disruption each and every season," said Vice President for University Athletics and Athletic Director Ray Anderson. "We are pleased to provide more assurance of an efficient and productive practice experience at Camp T."
Camp Tontozona first opened back in 1960 under the direction of Sun Devil Hall of Fame coach Frank Kush and continued through 2008. After a four-year hiatus, Sun Devil Football returned to Camp T in 2012.
Over the years, inclement weather has forced the team to move practices from Camp T to Rumsey Park in the town of Payson, just over 18 miles and a 20-plus minute drive away, or cancel practices, which occurred during the 2016 preseason camp, forcing the team to return to Tempe early.
The synthetic field enhancement will help reduce the chances of flooding, and therefore maintaining scheduled practices at Camp T throughout the week.
Additional upgrades also included in the project:
- Power to sideline for removable score board, timer, laptops, and other lower power coaching equipment
- Field striping for multiple purpose field use
- Relocate leach field rims, lids, and manholes out of synthetic field
- Additional lighting along roadway to match existing lighting fixtures