LJ FB: New playing surface ready at TPHS

A worker uses a lift and a roller to paint the goal

post at the northern end of the TPHS stadium

a bright yellow Thursday morning, Aug. 21.

La Jolla plays the Falcons Aug. 22.

(Photos by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

Torrey Pines High's new playing surface--Cardinal red (and gold) brightly shining in the end zones--is finished and ready to go for La Jolla's season opener in Del Mar on Friday night, August 22.

"We came last year and you (the Vikings) beat us," said TPHS assistant coach Matt Livingston, who will be in the press box for the game, a rematch of last year's contest at La Jolla High. La Jolla won, 21-14, on its home turf.

The two schools previously played 33 years ago, in 1992. The Falcons won that one handily, 32-0.

The legendary Ed Burke led Torrey Pines back then, the same coach whose name now hangs over the field on the campus on Del Mar Heights Road.

On Thursday, August 21, workers were also painting the north uprights bright yellow with a roller. The south uprights may not get the same treatment until later. The latter goalposts show a dull, faded yellow.

Another feature on the Torrey Pines campus is the new district swimming pool, projected to be completed in January 2026. The location on campus is below the south end of the football stadium.

A crew erects a net, apparently for field hockey,

behind the south goalposts at TPHS Thursday.

The newly-installed playing surface

features the Falcons' Cardinal red and gold

in the end zones.