Ballaban Field will look different come this fall and feel very different as a new pad and turf are installed. The pad, dating back to 2003, and the turf, dating back to 2013, are being taken up and replaced by The Motz Group based in southwest Ohio. Motz has done all of the turf fields at St. Xavier as this will be the 3rd artificial turf that will be installed since the stadium complex was built in 2003. Artificial turfs typically last 7-10 years based on their use and upkeep. Having the current turf being part of the St. Xavier landscape for the past 9 years, the time had come for it to be replaced. 

The process includes:
* cutting the turf into long strips
* running the strips through a machine that takes the in-fill out of it so it can be re-used
* disposing of the old turf and pad
* drainage testing
* laser grading the existing base
* pad installation
* turf installation
* installation of all lines, numbers, letters, and graphics
* and finally in-fill installation 

The new turf will be installed a week or so before the fall sports season kicks off on August 1. It will be slightly different as the endzones will now be white to allow for blue soccer lines which will be easier to see than the current black ones. In addition, AMDG will be inlayed into the field on both the home and visitors side, These letters are used throughout the school and at Jesuit institutions around the world. It stands for the latin phrase "Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam" which means "for the greater glory of God", which is something all Jesuit institutions strive for in all they do.

Commemorative plaques with a piece of the turf on it are available for purchase. For more information and to purchase a plaque, click HERE.