RUSTON – Louisiana Tech Athletics announced the installation of a state-of-the-art synthetic turf at Joe Aillet Stadium ahead of the 2025 football season.  The project coincides with an expanded partnership with Origin Bank, as the field will now be known as Origin Bank Field at Joe Aillet Stadium.
 
This collaboration builds on a long-standing partnership that includes the Origin Bank Center for Student-Athlete Success, an academic center currently under construction in the north end zone of Joe Aillet Stadium. 
 
"We're proud to expand our partnership with Louisiana Tech through the naming of Origin Bank Field," Chairman, President & CEO, Origin Bancorp Drake Mills said.  "This reflects our shared commitment to excellence and our continued investment in the university, its athletics program, and the community we both call home."
 
Removal of the old playing surface, which was installed in the summer of 2015, began in late June and is on schedule to be completed by the end of July before the Bulldogs report for fall camp. 
 
"Adding Origin Bank to the field in iconic Joe Aillet stadium will further mark this cherished, longstanding partnership," President Jim Henderson said.  "Origin's commitment to connecting people with their dreams aligns perfectly with Tech's vision to maximize human potential.  Origin Bank Field will serve as a steady reminder for our players and fans to strive and achieve."
 
The new surface – Pivot 1.5 by Hellas – was developed at the Center for Turf Innovation (CTI) with college and professional athletes.  Pivot combines traditional sports fibers with newer thinner fibers that look and feel more like natural grass. 
 
The iconic state-T logo will once again be prominently displayed in the center of the field with Bulldogs text being in both end zones.  Two Origin Bank logos will be featured at the 25-yard lines, a move made possible by recent NCAA policy changes allowing corporate sponsor advertisements on college football fields.  
 
While the playing surface will carry the Origin Bank name, the stadium itself will continue to be proudly known as Joe Aillet Stadium, a name it has carried since 1972 in honor of one of the most influential figures in Louisiana Tech history.
 
"Origin Bank has long been a premier partner of Louisiana Tech Athletics, and this field naming extends and furthers solidifies that partnership," said VP and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey.  "This latest partnership allows us to modernize our playing surface at Joe Aillet Stadium while maintaining a timeless look that represents our storied past and bold future.  We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Origin Bank Field at Joe Aillet Stadium!"