Red turf? It’s real, and Eastern Washington has it

Players practice on Eastern Washington’s red field (from the Spokane Spokesman-Review)

If you’re a fan of Boise Blue, you’ll love EWU red.

From the the Spokesman-Review:

Taiwan Jones felt faster, which has to be a bit unsettling for Eastern Washington University’s Big Sky Conference football foes.

Bo Levi Mitchell simply felt better about everything football, in general.

And Dante Calcote felt blessed.

Player reactions were all over the board Friday afternoon, when EWU’s football team – in preparation for Thursday night’s 2009 season opener against Nevada in Reno – practiced on the newly installed red Sprinturf playing surface in soon-to-be-renamed Woodward Field.

Beau Baldwin, the Eagles’ third-year head coach, weighed in as well, calling the bright, unique artificial turf “amazing.”

“First off, it’s a great surface; they did a great job of putting it down,” Baldwin said. “And as far as our players are concerned, I think it fits a lot of what our strengths are. We wanted the turf, itself, but the fact that it’s red, and looks as good as it does, has helped bring (Eastern) national attention – through TV, the internet and newspapers – that we couldn’t have paid for.”

You can read the entire story at the link.

What do you think? Is the red turf a cool idea, or is it too distracting for real football?

Related: Get some red football equipment at Football America.

Football tips: Tim Tebow talks training

While at Florida, Tim Tebow was known for his powerful, hard-nosed running style and his arm strength.

Earlier this summer, the Heisman winner gave a quick breakdown on how he likes to train. No surprise, he trains for explosiveness and power.

Related: Browse our selection of football equipment, apparel and training gear.

Footwear Friday: Save 10% on select football footwear this weekend, 25% on others

All weekend long, you can take 10% off select football footwear and 25% off others. Here’s how it works:

• Footwear marked as an “Internet special” is eligible for the 10% discount. Just drop it into your cart, and the discount will be applied. This is valid through Aug. 30.
• All clearance football footwear is eligible for a 25% discount. Drop the shoes into your cart and then enter the promo code JGFBHX3 at checkout. This deal is valid through Sept. 4.

You can use the discount to save some cash on a pair of Under Armour Nitro II Low Detachable Football Cleats.

At 11.1 ounces apiece, these football cleats were designed with engineered synthetic uppers to cut down on drag weight. You’ll have less cleat to carry, and more speed on the field.

You’ll also have better traction with the TPU outsole and the rigid midfoot. The ArmourForm sockliner molds to the shape of your foot for a comfortable, custom fit.

These football cleats usually retail for $84.99, but when you take advantage of the internet special discount, you can get a pair for $76.49 at Football America.

Related: See our entire selection of football footwear.

Hitting the road soon? Get a Team Express Black Coach’s Briefcase on sale for $22.48

With dimensions of 16.5″ x 7″ x 12″, the Team Express Black Coach’s Briefcase is big enough to carry all of your gear when the team hits the road.

It’s also loaded with features:

• Protected compartment for laptop computer.
• Padded shoulder strap.
• Mp3/iPod holder with ear phone port hole.
• Exterior cell phone pocket.
• Side pocket for other valuables.
• Zip open back panel to slide over luggage bag handle.
• Three interior compartments for laptop accessories.
• Pockets for pens, pencils, business cards and other travel items.
• Team Express pull tabs.
• Exclusive Team Express luggage tag.
• Over-sized zipper pulls for easy opening.
• Heavy duty hardware
• Embroidered Team Express logo.
• Blank exterior pocket space for embroidery or screenprinting.

This coach’s briefcase usually retails for $36.99, but through Sept. 4, you can get it for $22.48 at Football America. Just put the briefcase into your cart and enter the promo code JGFBHX3 at checkout.

Related: See our entire selection of football bags.