CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears took a break for Media Day activities on Wednesday afternoon, just 24 hours before heading into their first two-a-day practices on Thursday.

The Bears and coaching staff met the media for a two-hour session at First Security Field at Estes Stadium, interviewing, taking photos and joking with teammates and coaches. It was also the first up-close look many in the media had at UCA's new purple and gray striped artificial turf.

An open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for the turf was held Wednesday evening following Media Day and attracted more than 500 fans and boosters. Those in attendance enjoyed free appetizers from JJ's Grill and free "Fear the Stripes" T-shirts. The team's 18 seniors were introduced sporting the their new Nike uniforms, then stayed on the field and posed for photos with fans and kids after the open house.

UCA, which has had single practices since last Saturday, will work twice on Thursday, at 1:30 and 8:30 p.m. The Bears will hold their first scrimmage at 4 p.m. Saturday at Estes Stadium.