HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University baseball program has begun a synthetic turf installation at Bill Aker Baseball Complex to remove the current natural grass playing surface in the outfield, and dirt bullpens and warning track and replace each with synthetic turf. The Norse logo behind home plate will also be updated.

"The installation of an outfield turf, making the entire playing field at the Bill Aker Baseball complex an artificial surface, aids in our student-athletes' preparation for success in the Horizon League," said head coach Todd Asalon.

With the renovations, the entire facility will now be synthetic turf after the infield was renovated in 2013. Prior to the 2016 season, the pitcher's mound was also replaced with artificial turf.

"This renovation gives our alumni and community supporters another rallying point behind NKU baseball and lays the groundwork for future baseball facility needs," said Ken Bothof, Director of Athletics.

Northern Kentucky has selected MSA Architects out of Cincinnati, Ohio as the project architect, while Shaw Sports Turf based out of Calhoun, Georgia will serve as the turf project manager.

The installation will be completed prior to NKU's home opening weekend on March 17-19 when the Norse also open Horizon League play against Milwaukee.

Bill Aker Baseball Complex was originally constructed in the fall of 1973 and in 2001 was dedicated to legendary 28-year NKU baseball coach Bill Aker who was inducted in to the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013. The complex has a seating capacity of 500 and plays host to not only NKU baseball, but a multitude of baseball events throughout the year including high school games and travel tournaments. 

About MSA Architects
MSA Architects was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1985 and is a full service architectural firm offering the additional services of an in-house interior design team as well as an award-winning branded environments and graphic design team. MSA Architects has eight core markets each with its own dedicated architects. MSA's sport division is a national leader in planning and designing of athletic facilities. The organization renovated Great American Ball Park in addition to work on the Houston Astros' Minute Maid Park and numerous local facilities in the Greater Cincinnati region.

About Shaw Sports Turf
Shaw Sports Turf is one of the leading synthetic turf companies in North America. Shaw Sports Turf has demonstrated industry leadership in both quality and innovation for more than two decades with over 1,500 successful installations, and an impressive list of high-profile installations, including the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Georgia Tech, University of Arkansas and many others. Engineered for performance and safety, Shaw Sports Turf features a product line designed specifically to meet the needs of athletes and sports programs.