The dirt and sand mixture of the intramural fields adjacent to the Student Aquatic Center was replaced by artificial turf in summer 1997. The surface consisted of a 1.75-inch layer of rubber, a six-inch layer of crushed stones, and a one-foot layer of gravel, with a top layer of Denso Turf. Denso Turf was a standard synthetic turf very similar to Astroturf, made by a company in Belgium and common on playing fields throughout Europe.
The size of the project (110,000 square feet) attracted the attention of installation contractors throughout the country, resulting in a finished price per square foot of approximately $7 rather than the standard $8.25. Permanent sown lines for flag football, soccer, softball, and a regulation-size football field were installed. The life of the top, carpet layer was anticipated to be 10 to 12 years. The project was paid for by the Student Programs and Services Fee, which had been increased in 1995 from $111 to $140 per semester to cover future costs of improving student recreation facilities.
The Pride of the Southland Marching Band moved its practices from the infield of the track to the intramural fields when the project was complete.
A complete renovation of the fields was finished in September 2005 by Baseline Sports Construction. In December 2006 the renovation received the Distinguished Turf Facility Award in recognition of excellence in design and construction from the American Sports Builders Association, Field Division. The multiuse aspect of the fields, the drainage system, and attention to safety details were cited by the association in making the award.