Following a month-long social media contest, UMass Lowell announced 'Wicked Blue' as the winning nickname of its field hockey surface at halftime of its field hockey clash against Northwestern University Monday afternoon.

The nickname, one of more than 200 nominations, was submitted by David Alaimo of North Andover, Mass., whose daughter, Hope, is a freshman on the UMass Lowell field hockey team.
Alaimo was presented a framed print of the nickname, signed by each member of the team, at halftime of the match with Northwestern.

The contest was a joint effort between UMass Lowell's Office of University Relations and the Department of Athletics and utilized platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

"In the end, the vote was overwhelmingly in favor of Wicked Blue," said Scott Donnelly, Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing and Promotions. "The name generated almost half the votes. I think it has regional flair and highlights the field's bold blue color."

Part of a $2 million facilities upgrade over the summer (UMass Lowell's soccer/lacrosse fields simultaneously renovated), the blue surface – one of only a handful in the country – was a perfect match. It is the University's primary color.

"We wanted to make a statement as we enter our first year in Division I as a member of the America East Conference," said Director of Athletics Dana Skinner. "Broadening awareness of the University is always a goal and the uniqueness of the blue field has already generated a great deal of interest."