Hood said the new playing field is a welcomed addition. The surface was constructed by Vescio Sportsfields, based in Lexington. The company also installed similar playing surfaces on the soccer field and intramural fields at Eastern.
"It kind of wows you and brightens up Roy Kidd Stadium," he said.
Even Eastern Kentucky president Doug Whitlock is impressed with the stadium's new digs.
"It's absolutely unbelievable," he said.
Hood said the new playing field will give the school more opportunities and "a lot of advantages" and would like to see the school host big-time sporting events such as the KHSAA state finals in the future.
"I think it would be great to get the state championships here," he said. "We have a great venue."
Eastern will play Kentucky on Nov. 7 at Commonwealth Stadium. It will be the third meeting in history between the two schools.
Notes
— Eastern will be celebrating its 100th season playing football. The school is planning special events throughout the season to commemorate and celebrate the occasion.
— Hood unveiled the school's new uniforms featuring white pants and maroon tops for home games and maroon pants and white shirts for road contests. The uniforms were designed by Russell athletics.
"We got close to old school," Hood said. "I think you'll like the resemblance (to the past colors)."
— Retired Eastern Kentucky coach Roy Kidd was in attendance and sat with longtime supporters of the program.
— The Colonels will open the season on Sept. 3 at Indiana University.
