TOLEDO, Ohio - The University of Toledo football team will be playing on a brand-new field when the Rockets run onto the gridiron in the home opener vs. Western Kentucky in the Glass Bowl on Sept. 6. Installation of the new state-of-the-art FieldTurf CORE 2.5 playing surface, which began on March 10, was completed this week.
 
The new field features a multi-layer dual-polymer formulation for durability and a three-layer in-fill system for increased student-athlete safety. It is the same product used by the University of Notre Dame, as well as numerous NFL teams, including the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots.
 
The new surface replaces the previous surface (FieldTurf Revolution 360) that was installed in 2016. A large version of the official Toledo Athletics logo is now at midfield, replacing the Rocket logo which adorned the previous playing surface and ensuring consistent branding given the Rockets' growing national presence.
 
Vice President and Director of Athletics Bryan Blair said that the new field sets a high standard for a football program that has produced 10 NFL draftees over the past eight years.
 
"Toledo Football is one of only 10 programs in the nation to never have a losing season in the College Football Playoff era, has the most wins of any MAC school since 2016 and has produced numerous NFL draft picks. We have a standard for excellence, so it is only appropriate that we provide our student-athletes with the best possible environment in which to thrive," said Blair. "A major component to our strategic plan is a commitment to investing in our infrastructure. Our new FieldTurf playing surface in the Glass Bowl enhances student-athlete safety and gives our team an opportunity to play on the same quality surface that they will experience if they play in the NFL. Special thanks goes to Interim President Matt Schroeder and Senior Associate Vice President for Administration Jason Toth for their help ensuring our program maintains an atmosphere conducive to the excellence we've come to expect." 

Head coach Jason Candle said the new field will be a difference-maker for the program.
 
"We're really looking forward to getting out on the new turf," said Head Coach Jason Candle. "The Glass Bowl is a special place for our program, and that field plays a big role in our team's development throughout the year."
 
Some Rockets got a chance to test out the new surface this week and gave it their enthusiastic approval.
 
"It's awesome," said senior quarterback Tucker Gleason. "The color is so much brighter. The logo is awesome. I like the Toledo logo at midfield. You get a lot of eyes on TV for the MACtion games. That Toledo in the middle of the field, that's our brand right there."
 
"I think it looks really good," added junior safety Braden Awls. "The new Toledo logo at midfield really pops. The turf feels really good, it's really soft. It will be good for helping prevent injuries to knees, ankles and all kinds of injuries."
 
Toledo opens the 2025 season at SEC foe Kentucky on Aug. 30 before returning to the Glass City for its home opener, "The Biggest Party in Toledo," vs. Western Kentucky on Sept. 6. The Rockets' home schedule features five Saturday home games, including Homecoming vs. Akron on Sept. 27.
 
Fans interested in purchasing or renewing 2025 Toledo Football season tickets may call or text 419.530.GOLD (4653) or visit the Rocket Ticket Office in the Sullivan Athletic Complex at Savage Arena during office hours. Click HERE for more information.