The field at Asheville High School will have several special features unlike the other fields in the county. The first big change is a new paw print in the center of the field, replacing the block "A" which has been in place for nearly 25 years. The paw will match the Cougar helmets, and create a similar look as the floor of the main gymnasium. For those who like the old design, the block "A" will still be present o­n the field, with o­ne facing each side.

Another exciting edition is the endzone lettering of "Asheville" o­n o­ne side, and "Cougars" o­n the other. Also, the grass at each five-yard line will be an alternating shade of green, resembling specially cut regular grass.

The field will be lined for football, soccer, and field hockey, since Asheville is the o­nly school in the county (and o­nce the o­nly public school in the state) offering this sport. The Coaches' box will also be painted white.

The field will be warranted by the manufacturer for eight years, but the school board hopes to get at least that much usage out of the new turf. Without the waiting and maintenance of painting lines o­n regular grass, resodding, and letting the field recover each season, the new field should allow much greater usage and access to students. Although the current Bermuda grass surface is a beautiful field, the new turf will stay green year-round. (And will look good o­n TV also!)

The School Board is currently seeking bids o­n the project, which will be opened o­n May 9. The field will be ready for the first home game of the season.

Click here for a larger picture of the proposed design. Colors, logos, and fonts are for illustrative purposes o­nly and have not been finalized.