Utah State Athletics Makes Improvements to Stan Laub Indoor Training Center

Utah State [University] Athletics Director Scott Barnes is proud to announce improvements on the Stan Laub Indoor Training Center are complete. It was a three-week process to replace the turf that was first installed in 1999.

“We are very pleased to have receive a generous gift from an anonymous donor to cover the cost a new synthetic turf surface in the Stan Laub Indoor Training Center,” Barnes said. “The facility is one of the best of its kind in the country. However, the old synthetic surface had outlived its use. The new surface will have a similar feel and play to it as Merlin Olsen Field at Romney Stadium. Having a consistency between the two is important. This surface will enhance the safety and performance of our student-athletes.”

The new turf is an 85-yard field with the Utah State logo in the center. The two most commonly used synthetic turf fibers today are polyethylene and nylon. Nylon fibers, both textured and non-textured, are the strongest, most long lasting fibers available. These fibers, developed by AstroTurf, have been the staple of the turf industry since 1965.

“The new turf is a tremendous addition to our facilities,” said USU Head Football Coach Gary Andersen. “Having the same surface that we play on for game days will allow us to still have an effective practice whenever we practice in there and maintain a regular practice routine. We will utilize the facility year round, for in-season practice as well as off-season workouts and conditioning. It is part of the continued commitment by the university to keeping our athletic facilities top notch.”

Almost every Utah State athletic team will use the Stan Laub Indoor Training Center throughout the year. The multi-use facility is used year round for practice, conditioning and training. The building is also used as a mulit-purpose facility and was the site of the 2009 Western Athletic Conference Outdoor and Track and Field Banquet.

“USU has continuously shown a strong commitment to upgrading its athletic facilities, and the new surface in the Laub is the latest example of this,” said USU Head Soccer Coach Heather Cairns. “With the unpredictable weather conditions in Logan, it is important that we have a year round training facility so that our teams can continue to develop. Our soccer team will benefit tremendously from this new surface, in particular as we train through the spring. The surface plays more like real grass and will lessen the wear and tear on the athletes’ bodies.”

The new turf is being put to use immediately by the USU track and field team as well as the Aggie softball team in preparation for the respective seasons.

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