CLEVELAND, Miss. - Crews for Hellas Construction are entering the final stages of the installation of Delta State's new Matrix Turf system at Parker Field-McCool Stadium and the project will be completed in time for Saturday's game between the Statesmen (1-0, 0-0 GSC) and Chowan University (0-1, 0-1 CIAA) to be played at home. 

"We are very appreciative of the effort that Hellas Construction has put into finishing this project in time for our Sept. 9 game with Chowan University," DSU director of athletics Ronnie Mayers said. "Last week's game at Parks Field-Sellers Stadium at Cleveland Central High School went very well, but our coaches, student-athletes, staff and fans will be happy to return to Parker Field-McCool Stadium."

Hellas Construction began the project on Tuesday, Aug. 8 with a targeted completion date of Saturday, Sept. 9. Despite a great deal of rainy weather, Hellas will deliver the field by Friday, Sept. 8.

"While this project's timing was not ideal, Hellas Construction has done everything they could to deliver this field on time," Mayers added. "We are thankful for their willingness to move crews around the country and put things in place to ensure our being able to play as many games at home as possible."

DSU Athletics chose Hellas' Matrix Turf system for Parker Field-McCool Stadium to replace the turf installed by another company in 2014. The Matrix® Synthetic Turf System has been developed for athletes to experience a safe, authentic playing experience. For more information on the Matrix® Turf system, please click here.

Delta State's regular game day plans will be in place for this weekend's contest versus Chowan. Gates and the Fighting Okra Kid Zone will open at 12:30 p.m. with access to Levee tables starting at noon. All Statesmen Club parking lots (1-3) will be available at 11 a.m. for tailgating in Statesman Park.