Murakami to get new surface

Les Murakami Stadium is finally getting a new rug.

Gov. Linda Lingle announced yesterday she released $2 million to replace the 14-year-old artificial turf, as well as some seats at the home of University of Hawaii baseball.

The new surface is expected to be FieldTurf. UH must go through a bid process first, which athletic director Herman Frazier said will likely take 30 days.

Installation normally takes six to eight weeks. UH's goal is to have the new surface in for next season.

"Our intent is to start right away," UH athletic director Herman Frazier said.

The stadium's AstroTurf surface is seven years past warranty and has several worn areas that could be dangerous.

"For years and years this has been one of the best places to watch college baseball," UH coach Mike Trapasso said. "To play on a safe surface is something (the players) deserve. We're happy we can take this step to restore a jewel of college baseball."

Frazier said the new surface will likely cost between $1.2 million and $1.3 million, leaving money to replace some of the 4,312 seats.

At least three more games will be played on the old surface. The Rainbows complete their regular season with a series against Western Athletic Conference rival Fresno State, tomorrow, Sunday and Monday.