POTSDAM -- Local contractors J.E. Sheehan will replace SUNY Potsdam’s 14-year-old artificial turf field with the same material used at the Buffalo Bills stadium.

Construction was slated to begin today (July 6).

The home of the Bears men's and women's soccer and lacrosse teams will be getting brand new A-Turf Titan artificial turf.

Sports organizations of all levels have used A-Turf Titan, including the Buffalo Bills, Canisius College, Morrisville State and SUNY Purchase.

A release from the college says the turf will help reduce injuries and their severity, especially concussions from surface impact.

“It looks and feels like well-conditioned natural grass and has infill that stays in place when athletes are in action. It remains unaffected by heavy use, plays perfectly in all weather conditions, requires minimal upkeep and is long lasting,” the release says.

Local company J.E. Sheehan Contracting Corporation will install the turf. Based in Potsdam, Sheehan has also installed turf fields for Potsdam and Massena High Schools.

The new turf is the latest in a series of renovations of Bears athletic facilities. The Maxcy Ice Arena, which was reopened in Nov. 2013, was completely modernized and given an entirely new look. Maxcy Field House, now the home of Potsdam Volleyball, had a brand new floor with three courts and a running track installed during the Summer of 2013.

"Not only will the new field be aesthetically pleasing, but it will also be very beneficial in managing current and future events," said Maxcy Hall Facilities Director Dustin Smith. "Most importantly the new facility will improve the safety and overall experience for athletes and spectators immensely."

The Bears soccer and lacrosse teams said goodbye the current turf field with a 15-12-2 mark over the course of the 2014-15 year.

The new turf will be completed during the fall season, with Potsdam potentially playing home games at Clarkson University, SUNY Canton and Potsdam High School until the installation is complete.

The Bears soccer teams open their seasons on Sept. 1, with the men heading to SUNY Canton and the women playing host to Clarkson University. Both games are scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.