The first phase of updates to the Peter H. Cressy Field at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is nearly complete, and leaders plan to install a press box and grandstands in the coming year.

On May 12, the University started ripping up the 13-year-old turf, and this June, workers will start laying down Sprinturf brand turf. The overhaul includes a new drainage system, concussion pad, and synthetic grass.

“We want to make sure we provide our student athletes with cutting-edge technology and the safest technology,” said Jack Holleran, UMass Dartmouth’s associate director of athletics.

The nearly $1,000,000 renovation will serve six varsity teams and intramural sports. That budget will also go toward installing a fence along the outside of the facility and laying down asphalt for safer walkways, said Holleran.

“The renovated synthetic turf project is going to be a tremendous asset to the entire university. It’ll help us align ourselves with its missions and goals,” said Holleran, explaining the University’s 2020 strategic plan.

The field will be branded with the university’s logo in the end zones and the mascot’s face—the corsair—on the 50-yard line. “It’s a huge recruiting tool,” said Holleran.

A bonus, said Holleran, is that the turf will include field markers. “We don’t have to paint it.”

The turf has an eight-year warranty, but Holleran looks to extend its longevity through maintenance. The Envirofill synthetic sand has an 18-year warranty.

The multisport field is the third athletics renovation project of the 2016-2017 academic year. To avoid holdups, the project began the day after spring athletics finished, said Holleran, and it will be finished by July 15, before summer conferences start. The baseball and softball facilities were updated before the seasons began.

Grandstands and a press box were donated by the football booster club, said Holleran. “We have them on campus, but they’re not assembled yet.” They will be installed in 2017.