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Packers Renovate Practice Fields
The Packers in June 2004 installed a new playing surface on Ray Nitschke practice field. The work was the first phase of a two-stage, $3 million project that has added major renovations to both outdoor practice fields, including Clarke Hinkle Field.
The two fields have undergone extensive foundation and subsurface work, including the installation of top-flight drainage systems, topped off with new surfaces - Nitschke featuring FieldTurf, the leading synthetic grass field, and Hinkle featuring a new natural grass surface. The first phase, Nitschke Field, was completed in August 2004. Hinkle Field's work began in September 2004 and was completed in time for the 2005 training camp.
"Keeping our football facilities among the best in the National Football League is an ongoing priority of the Packers organization," said Packers President John Jones. "The practice field upgrades will enable our team to practice outside in more varied weather conditions. We hope it gives added flexibility to the coaching staff.
"Funding the practice field improvements is another way that the organization's financial success off the field contributes to Packers football success on the field."
By utilizing FieldTurf, the same surface in the Don Hutson Center, the Packers' indoor practice facility, the team can continue to use the field later in the season when natural grass fields typically are frozen. Often, coaches prefer the team to practice outside, in the elements, if at all possible to better hone the team for late-season conditions.
An additional benefit of FieldTurf's durability is the ability to use Nitschke Field for other Packers-related football events, such as coaching clinics and youth football initiatives. A Hinkle Field highlight is the new drainage system, which already has gone a long way toward limiting the number of times the team cannot use the field due to wet conditions.
"We're also excited about the work on Hinkle Field," Jones said. "In addition to helping the football team, will cut down on the number of times fans miss practice during mini-camps and training camp because the club had to move indoors."
Last Updated: 12/31/07
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