The Arizona football practice field is being renovated, and the Arizona Stadium turf is getting chewed up and is not in the best of shape, so coach Mike Stoops has had to adjust practice.

Instead of practicing on campus in the afternoon as originally scheduled, the Wildcats will hold spring practice sessions Wednesday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Salpointe Catholic High School.

“This field is just getting worn out,” Stoops said after Monday’s practice at the stadium. It’s just not healthy. … You have to protect the safety of your players.”

Arizona is no stranger to the artificial turf at Salpointe, having practiced there at times during fall camp and during bowl preparations.

As for the early start, Stoops isn’t trying to send any kind of message to his team.

“It’s the only time we can get a facility,” he said. “We can’t get a facility anywhere. The high schools are using their facilities for activities after school. So, it’s just the only time we could find a place to practice.”

After Thursday’s practice, Arizona will be off until Monday, so the Arizona Stadium turf might be in better shape by then.

Saying he is a “little bit frustrated” — you can bet that’s a lot frustrated — Stoops added, “It is what it is. We’ll make do.”

The construction at the Jimenez Practice Field is expected to be completed in mid-July in time for fall camp.

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