Lubbers Stadium at Grand Valley State University
ALLENDALE, Mich. (WZZM) - The earth-moving equipment is finally gone from Lubbers Stadium.
An offseason of deep digging inside Grand Valley State University's football stadium is over and the place is now ready for the Lakers' home opener September eighth. "It's going to be great for everybody involved," says third-year head coach Matt Mitchell. "Better sight-lines for the spectators, I think the volume of the stadium is going to be good. I almost feel like we transitioned from a field to a stadium. With our band being moved down to the student section, I think it's going to be great for sightlines and noise. It'll bring a lot of energy to our team because our players are going to feel that excitement and energy."
Workers removed about 10,000 cubic yards of dirt lowering the field eight feet. About 2,500 new seats have been added. And new synthetic turf is a welcome addition for the players. "The whole thing is new," says a smiling senior wide receiver Charles Johnson. "You feel faster. It's great. I feel blessed that I'm able to play out here this year, that they actually got it done in time for my senior season."
The Lakers' open the season September first at Western Oregon before the home opener against Notre Dame (Ohio).