NSB Mayor Russ Owen, Commissioner Jason McGuirk and Commissioner Randy Hartman were all on hand before kickoff at the New Smyrna Beach High School Barracudas season opener in September to cut the ribbon on a new state-of-the-art synthetic turf football field in the city’s Sports Complex at 1800 Turnbull Bay Rd. in New Smyrna Beach.

The New Turf will Save the City Money Each Year

Completed last month and funded in part by a $400,000 Volusia ECHO grant, the new field is projected to save the city of New Smyrna Beach over 4.5 million gallons of water, 700 maintenance hours, and $30,000 in fertilizer, paint and other related costs annually, all while coming in $45,000 under budget.

In addition, the new field more than triples playable time from 900 hours per year to over 3,000 while providing superior resistance to inclement weather and zero recovery time required between events, establishing it as one of the most desirable stadiums in Volusia County.

“Multiple schools have already reached out to us about moving their teams and tournaments here,” said Leisure Services Director David Ray. “It really puts us on the map as a city that puts athlete safety and environmental stewardship first.”

Mayor Owen pumped up the Cudas in a ribbon-cutting huddle, saying “Studies show these fields reduce player injuries, so we did this for you all and for future generations. We’re all excited that you’re here with us tonight. Go Cudas! Inaugurate this field with a win tonight!”

New Smyrna Beach would later go on to win Friday’s home game against Daytona Beach’s Father Lopez Catholic High School 28-13.