Every Fall, students gather on the Loy Norrix bleachers to cheer on the football players as they clash with each other in their pads and helmets on the field. However, this season features a notable difference. The football field has been completely replaced from grass to artificial turf.
On Aug. 28, 2025, the Kalamazoo Loy Norrix football team kicked off against Jackson Northwest on the new turf football field.
“Turf isn’t as forgiving as grass,” said junior Michael McDonald. “But the turf looks way cooler, I think it’s cool we have the turf, it looks nice in the sun.”
Turf burn, a skin abrasion caused by friction between skin and turf, is a possible risk that comes with having a turf field. However, many players and students agree that the new field looks better. Players also stand high and agree that the change doesn’t affect how they play, despite their loss against Northwest.
“I think it was just growing pains for the game and that we will bounce back,” said junior Henry Wilson. “We’re still going to have a great season regardless of the loss of the first game.”
The cost of the new football field was large, with an estimated cost of over three million dollars. Some students believe the investment was worth it.
“I think the turf was a good investment,” said freshman Nikko Quezada. “It makes our school look nicer and we’re more on level with other schools.”
Others, however, disagree with the choice and believe that the funds could have been used in other aspects of the school.
“It’s just a terrible investment. We don’t need a new football field at all,” said junior Fletcher Stucky. “The baseball field was actually really badly damaged, and that should’ve been our priority.”
Despite student opinions, head football coach Lorenzo Robertson agrees that the addition of turf is beneficial to the team.
“It looks great, it helps if you have a fast team, you play fast. If you’re on grass and have a fast team, you can play slower,” said Robertson. “We do have a fast team, so our speed is more on display. Also when it comes to laundry, I don’t think they have to deal with dirty pants anymore.”
Regardless of the cost or potential risks, many students and staff agree that the addition of turf marks the beginning of growth not only for the football team but for the school as a whole. The upcoming seasons are filled with potential and possibility.
