The best damn band in the land now has a new place to call home for practices.

A new marching band practice field features an artificial ground – a softer surface than the concrete on which band members had been practicing.

“The surface of the field is made of old rubber products; old tires and shoe bottoms. The surface is covered with plastic that looks like grass,” said Dave Chapman, Architect II project manager of Larkins Hall replacement.

The University of Illinois and the University of Cincinnati have this type of field, known as an infill system, inside their football stadiums, Chapman said.

“The field is durable, low maintenance and something that we will be able to use year round since it absorbs water,” said Mike Stewart, graduate assistant director of marching and athletic bands.

The marching and athletic bands had been practicing on a hard surface for many years. Band members are excited about the benefits of having a soft turf field to practice their shows.

“The turf is better for knees and ankles, and the turf will not get damaged and flooded by rain. People would twist and sprain their ankles when we practiced on asphalt. These kinds of things will not happen as much on turf,” said Robyn Bauer, a sophomore trumpet player in early childhood development.

The field is located next to Morrill and Lincoln towers and Larkins Hall. This location was chosen because it is near the band room, Chapman said.

The building of the new practice field began in August 2002, but construction was suspended in October because of bad weather. Construction resumed in the beginning of March, and the field was finished a couple weeks later, Chapman said.

The practice field is larger, an additional 35 feet on each side, than any other practice field the band has had in the past, Chapman said.

“It is the first time we have ever had a full field to practice on, and it is the first time we have had enough field to practice Script Ohio,” said Jon Waters, assistant director of marching and athletic bands.

The spring athletic band has already begun using the field to prepare for its upcoming performances.

“Spring athletic band is currently using the field two days a week to prepare for the spring football game, the Indy 500 parade and a parade at Cedar Point,” Stewart said.

The field will also be used for club and recreational sports like field hockey, lacrosse, soccer and rugby, Chapman said.

The total cost of the new field was $800,000, $160,000 of which the marching band contributed, Waters said.