Six months after it was spotlighted in controversy, Aloha Stadium’s 5-year-old artificial turf is being torn out and upgraded.

The $1.2 million overhaul of the 110,000-square-foot surface began May 23 and is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 5, according to stadium manager Scott Chan.

The UBU Sports Speed Series S5-M multi-use turf system will have a drainage layer and shock pad upgrade, Chan said. It comes with an eight-year warranty.

It is to have an infill that “is a mix of 30 percent sand and 70 percent rubber,” according to UBU.

On its website Illinois-based UBU said the Speed Series S5-M is being installed at U.S. Bank Stadium, the debuting 2016 home of the Minnesota Vikings and site of the 2018 Super Bowl. UBU said the Vikings are among five NFL teams employing its surfaces in their stadiums. Several others have UBU practice fields.

Applied Surface Technology is the contractor and Fukunaga & Associates the consultant at Aloha Stadium.

The project is being underwritten by proceeds from from the 2011 sale of naming rights to Hawaiian Airlines.

Although the old field, installed at a cost of $1.3 million in 2011, still had more than two years remaining on its warranty, officials said they felt it was time for an upgrade and hoped to use the new field to help entice the NFL to return.

The NFL announced May 31 that it will play at least the 2017 and ‘18 Pro Bowls in Orlando, Fla.

The first sports event scheduled on the new turf is the Aug. 19-20 Western Union Ohana Cup 2016 Rugby League Festival, Chan said. The University of Hawaii’s home opener is Sept. 10 against Tennessee Martin.

In December concerns about the suitability of the turf were cited by members of the U.S. Women’s National Team as a reason for cancellation of an exhibition against Trinidad and Tobago.

Both the Pro Bowl and the Hawaii Bowl were subsequently played at Aloha Stadium with the NFL saying it “passed inspection” in a report by a league-hired specialist.