Washburn University Yager Stadium Field
- Client Washburn University
- Location Topeka, Kansas
- Industry Collegiate
- Surface Game On Turf MMTH Turf
- Base Construction
- Design
- Fence Installation
- Field Replacement
- Renderings
- Site Improvements
- Sports Construction
- Turf Installation
- Turf Removal
- Turf Surfacing
No Other Field Like It. Period.
Washburn’s athletic director, football coach, and university president all had a hand in helping decide the design of Yager Stadium’s new turf. They had a basic vision of what they wanted initially — a green turf field with their school logo — but MMTH helped them think bigger.
With GAME ON® technology, designs are tufted directly into the turf, so they’re tufted in from the start. Less seams and way more license to create iconic images.
When Washburn’s staff sat down with MMTH’s Creative and Sports Construction experts at MMTH headquarters to learn about the wide-open possibilities with GAME ON® technology, they went all in to create something never been done before.
Zach Watkins, Washburn University Head Football Coach, said MMTH pushed them to see what was possible, and the result is tremendous.
We wanted a great design. We wanted a great surface to keep these kids safe and playing fast. We also wanted it to be visually appealing to the fans and to the community. What MMTH has done on this turf has been excellent.”
– Zach Watkins, Washburn University Head Football Coach
Yager Stadium Now Boasts the Best
Washburn and MMTH worked together to design the final field. Every inch is intentional and the result of hundreds of decisions including color options and logo placements.
Front and center, the first thing you see is the huge school logo at the 50-yard line. It’s the biggest “W” on Washburn’s campus, facing the home stands and the press box, so it’ll always be on display during game days, whether you’re watching on TV or cheering in-person.
The extended D-zones feature two iconic images woven into the turf: the Ichabod mascot and the Kansas State Capitol. Previously, these dead zones were bare turf. MMTH saw opportunity to make them memorable — and unlocked instant bragging rights. No one else can say they have the state capitol on their field.
The navy end zones showcase “ICHABODS” in bold, white font, outlined in baby blue to stand out even more. Washburn University was founded by Washburn Ichabod in 1865, making this the only school in the nation with the Ichabods mascot. Its uniqueness is a point of pride for students and alumni.
The “Go Bods” message in the home and away team player boxes is the school’s signature cheer. Including it in the field design was a way to modernize the brand, while honoring its history. Alternating field panels of light green to dark green every 5 yards is a subtle design choice that reinforces the professional feel of a completely custom turf design.
Multipurpose Field. Leading Recruitment Tool.
Yager Stadium is a showpiece of Washburn’s campus. Aside from it being the home turf for football and women’s soccer games, it hosts numerous collegiate and community events throughout the year.
And every time someone sees it, they understand Washburn University cares deeply for its student athletes, because their field is the best of the best.
When recruits come on campus, they’re amazed here at Washburn, but especially when they see the facilities. They know that athletics are supported from top down, from the president to the athletic director to the coaches to the fans, to the city of Topeka.
– Zach Watkins, Washburn University Head Football Coach
