“I’m very excited about this opportunity because so many people will be touched by this,” said Bill Latta, assistant vice president for operations.

The price tag is about $1.3 million and will be funded by a gift to the marching band from the Forest Akers Trust and other donations. The field will have bleachers, a fence and a conducting tower.

The artificial field will only be available for scheduled use and will not be open for tailgating.

John Madden, director of the Spartan Marching Band, spoke to the MSU Board of Trustees at last week’s meeting to explain the benefits to the band.

“We can beat up a grass football field like no other,” he said. “If it rains once, the grass doesn’t have a chance.”

The band currently practices at Demonstration field, between Jenison Fieldhouse and Spartan Stadium.

The move creates mixed emotions for the band’s president, Brad Garrod, a computer engineering senior.

“They do their best to try to keep it up and get the grass to grow but there are divots and holes all over and marching on it can be unrealistic,” Garrod said.

He added that a turf field will help the band perform better because they won’t be worrying about dodging holes.

But marching on Demonstration field is what Garrod has done for five years, and he said he’d be sad to lose that environment — in plain view of the stadium.

The artificial surface also will benefit recreational sports, said Rick McNeil, director of recreational sports and fitness services. Some sports that could use it are intramural and club flag football, ultimate frisbee, rugby, soccer and lacrosse.

The addition of artificial turf is also important because the space won’t be weather dependent and will be able to be used when the larger part of Munn would be out of commission, he said.