Memorial Stadium turf to be replaced with grass;

1998 commencement moves to Assembly Hall

The Memorial Stadium's artificial turf at IUB will be replaced by natural grass after the Purdue game Nov. 29, traditionally the last game of the season. The stadium project forces next spring's Bloomington commencement ceremonies into Assembly Hall, IU trustees were told at a meeting last week.

Athletic Director Clarence Doninger said the stadium's artificial turf is in such poor condition that serious consideration was given to replacing it before this season, but consultants said it was usable for one more year. Memorial Stadium has had artificial turf for 22 years, with the latest installation in 1984.

The new grass field will be modeled after the one recently installed at Notre Dame stadium, according to Mike Crowe, IU director of facility services. Varsity Club funds will pay the $1 million tab.

In another building project, the IU Foundation's Showalter House will almost double in size. The renovation will help the organization consolidate its fundraising and publications operations, said Ray Casati, consulting architect for IU. The proposal will be voted on by the Foundation's board of directors on Oct. 3. Construction could begin next spring.

The trustees also approved:

• Extension of new central chill water piping from mains on Woodlawn Avenue to the Psychology Building on the Bloomington campus. The piping will provide service to the Fine Arts Annex and the Service Building, and valve connections will be installed for future service to other structures, including the new IU School of Business building. Estimated cost is $1 million.

• Renovation of the Media Resources and Instruction Support Services areas in Franklin Hall at IUB. Both areas will receive new finishes, improvement to mechanical and electrical systems, and fire alarm and sprinkler systems. Estimated cost is $750,000.

• Right-of-way to the City of Indianapolis for installation of an automatic traffic signal at the intersection of University and North streets at IUPUI.

• The master of arts program in sociological practice at IPFW, and the bachelor of arts with individualized major at IU Southeast.

Related Link:

http://www.indiana.edu/~trustees

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