I was a student there during the renovation when they lowered the field and installed the grass in 1997. During my freshman year (1996) they played on artificial turf when it was still called Dyche Stadium and had a track surrounding the field. I know this is my first post, but I can assure you of the validity. I'm guessing there are probably some articles online from either the Daily Northwestern or the Chicago Tribune all about it.
I'm a Husker, born and bred, just chose to attend the "other" NU and am now back living in the motherland. It's great that so many got a chance to experience a game there and I'm sure we can continue to make the pilgrimage every other year. If you didn't get a chance to walk around the campus this year, definitely take the opportunity next time, it really is a beautiful setting.