Maine's football field will have a new artificial infill surface by next season to replace the aged astroturf thanks to a $1 million gift from Phillip and Susan Morse.

That's not all.

The athletic department will also spend another $1.2 million to lay a similar turf on Mahaney Diamond by the 2009 season, and build a traditional nylon carpet-like field for the field hockey team adjacent to the softball comlplex to be completed for the 2008 season.

The project, said Athletic Director Blake James, will significantly enhance the playing facilities at Maine.

"Facility upgrades represent a significant priority for the UMaine athletics department, and this plan will allow us to take care of these important needs at once," said James.

Maine is also in the midst of a $12.5 million fundraising campaign to renovate Memorial Gym in the 81-year-old field house.

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