Tulane announces plan for new indoor practice field
Tulane University is further enhancing the student-athlete experience with an exciting new project that will ensure these Tulanians have the resources needed to compete at the highest level. The university plans to transform a section of the Claiborne Parking Lot, located behind Greer Field at Turchin Stadium, into a state-of-the-art enclosed practice field.
Once completed, the facility will serve as a training ground for the Green Wave football team as well as each of Tulane’s 17 NCAA Division I sports. The enclosed practice field will feature an inflatable, removable cover and sides and will be the approximate width of a football field. The domed covering will be 60 feet high to accommodate punting and kicking practice. The indoor field will be approximately 65-70 yards long. The roof and sides covering the field are inflatable and can be disassembled and removed for hurricanes and other purposes.
“With this new indoor practice field, we're giving our student-athletes and coaches the ability to train in a state-of-the-art, all-season venue without having to adjust their training schedules due to weather or other outside forces,” said Tulane University Ben Weiner Athletic Director David Harris. “This is an effort Green Wave fans have longed for — one which further underscores our commitment to excellence in athletics and providing the best for our teams and supporters."
Pending permit approvals, the proposed timeline anticipates the field and covering will be installed for the start of the 2025 Green Wave season in August.
“Our student-athletes are the best and deserve the best both in the classroom and in the venues in which they prepare to compete and win,” said Tulane’s Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer Patrick Norton. “They are very excited to have this new field to help them achieve their fullest potential and dreams.”
The enclosed indoor practice field joins Yulman Stadium and numerous other transformational projects and upgrades Tulane has completed in recent years, or is in the process of completing, throughout the university’s athletic complex. These include renovating the James W. Wilson Jr. Center, upgrading the turf in Yulman and Turchin stadiums, funding a multipurpose headquarters for Tulane’s varsity sailing program, making continued improvements to the natatorium, plans for a new tennis complex and more.
Tulane University has secured sufficient parking for football and baseball gamedays, as well as for staff and students who currently use the parking lot during the week. As the construction timeline continues and the 2025 season approaches, Tulane will contact permit holders for the Claiborne Lot regarding their new, available parking locations.
