Winston-Salem State Promises Field Preparation Changes After Markings Problem at Home Game

WINSTON-SALEM — Winston-Salem State University acknowledged Tuesday that the field markings at its most recent home football game did not meet the athletics department's standards and said additional preparation and inspection measures are being put in place.

Athletics Director Eric Burns accepted responsibility for the issue, saying the presentation of the field fell short of what the university expects. The department said it has secured more support for field preparation and will add checks designed to identify problems before future games.

The acknowledgment follows attention to the appearance of the playing surface during the Rams' home schedule. Accurate field markings are more than a cosmetic matter: lines help officials, players, coaches and spectators understand yardage, boundaries and the progress of a game. The university's statement focused on preparation standards and prevention rather than announcing penalties or changes to a game result.

WSSU said the corrective measures will be in place before the team's next home contest. The department did not release a detailed checklist, identify an outside contractor or specify whether the adjustments will involve new equipment. Those operational details remain unconfirmed.

The university's response comes as the Rams work through their 2026 football schedule, including a recent 21-0 loss to Bowie State. The field issue is separate from the team's on-field result and should not be used to infer that a contest was invalid or that officials changed a score.

For alumni and supporters, the promise of additional oversight creates a measurable next step: whether the field is properly prepared when WSSU next hosts a game. TTN News will check for further athletics-department announcements and any official update on the new inspection process.