In May of 2001, an $875,000 project wac completed that replaced the natural grass in Redwood Bowl with a turf system that allows the field to be used much more for physical education classes and recreation programs. The synthetic surface and advanced drainage system can withstand severe wet weather without compromising traction.
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Under the carpet of nylon-based grass is an "E-layer" (for elastic), and among the blades is a fill of rubber granules — together representing more than 30,000 recycled tires. The surface, similar to those used at the University of Washington and the University of Nebraska, has been proven to reduce the incidence of injuries.
History: When newly appointed Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach Joseph Forbes arrived in Arcata during the summer of 1946, he found a partially-completed football field. "Correspondence assured me that Redwood Bowl would be ready for the football season and this was my introduction to state policy in construction, as the field was not even planted until June," Forbes said in his "Athletic History of Humboldt State College." In September, the bleachers were constructed by students under the direction of the local carpenter's union and redwood bark was placed over the rocks on the track to prevent injury to football players. The first time the field was lined with markings it was found to be too narrow, but for years was utilized at a width of 150 feet instead of the regulation 160. "No wonder it looked so long between goalposts," Forbes said
The first game in Redwood Bowl was played on Sunday, Oct. 8, 1946, with the Stanford University JV defeating Humboldt State, 20-0. Two weeks later, when Stanford's varsity played its first game of the season against UCLA, eight of the "JV" starters against the Lumberjacks were varsity starters. Stanford had been secured for the dedication game in Redwood Bowl to ensure a large crowd. No attendance figures are available, however.
Complaints from merchants whose Saturday afternoon trade was being drawn away by football games encouraged administrators to begin a campaign geared toward funding lights for Redwood Bowl. In the spring of 1947, lights were purchased from a firm in Iowa for $2,000, with another $1,000 for switches and wiring. Alumnus Bunny Hadley of Flash Electric donated the labor to wire the field, and poles were donated by a lumber operator. Payment for the remainder of the work, including leasing a crane and operator, was through a $4,000 loan secured through Bank of America and paid off out of student fees over the next several years.
