AstroTurf ®

EUROPEAN HOCKEY FEDERATION RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH ASTROTURF

2012-02-08T09:38:00.007-05:00

AstroTurf has renewed its partnership with the European Hockey Federation for four years. The announcement was made at the National Field Hockey Coaches Association annual convention in Philadelphia. It shows the commitment by these two great organizations in developing the sport around the world and continues to show that AstroTurf is the world's number one surface for the sport of field hockey.

What follows is the text of the release by the European Hockey Federation:

For 17 years AstroTurf has been a key partner of the European Hockey Federation. EHF announced today a further 4 year agreement with the world’s leading supplier of hockey pitches.

Bryan Peeples, President, AstroTurf and R.David Balbirnie of EHF signed the new partnership at the National Field Hockey Coaches Association annual awards banquet held in Philadelphia, USA, before a record 650 attendees.

“This is another historic day in the long and ongoing relationship between AstroTurf and EHF”, said Sjouke Tjeerdsma, Managing Director of AstroTurf Europe. “We are proud and honored to be affiliated with an organization that has done so much for the advancement of our sport. Together, we commit to improving and growing the game.” “AstroTurf is the player’s choice at the highest levels” said Michel Lootens, a former Belgium International player and part of the AstroTurf Europe team.

“Making this announcement here at the NFHCA convention shows our continued support of Field Hockey in the US, Europe and around the world.” Said Peeples. AstroTurf renewed its relationship with NFHCA in January of 2011 for an additional 5 years.

AstroTurf, the inventor of synthetic turf is one of the most iconic brands in hockey -- as legendary as the players who have competed on it! The brand that changed the way the game is played is still the surface most requested by players at the highest levels.

AstroTurf is the first synthetic turf brand with true vertical asset integration, ensuring that every inch of product meets and exceeds the highest standards of performance, quality and durability. With over 40 years of experience and 160,000,00square feet of turf installed worldwide, AstroTurf brings more technological expertise and real world know-how to the game than any other brand.

Today, AstroTurf products benefit from proprietary innovations in manufacturing, extrusion, installation and recycling that are outpacing industry trends.

Marijke Fleuren, President of the EHF said “I would like to personally thank Bryan Peeples, President AstroTurf for its continuing support of the EHF. Your loyalty, in these financially difficult times confirms your commitment to hockey. As an Executive Board, we recently re-affirmed our commitment to hockey in Europe and passion is the brick that binds us all together, there is no doubt that Bryan and his team in AstroTurf are equally driven by a passion to be the best and to provide the best products for the players.”

Pictured at the recent signing in Philadelphia were:

John Burke, AstroTurf; Andy Belles, AstroTurf; Pam Hixon, AstroTurf; R.David Balbirnie, EHF; Bryan Peeples, AstroTurf; Michiel Lootens , AstroTurf Europe; Sjouke Tjeerdsma, AstroTurf Europe; Kris Goossens, AstroTurf Europe.

BIG NAME ASSISTANT COACHES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE ASTROTURF NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL

2012-01-14T21:05:00.006-05:00

(LOS ANGELES, California) - Two old rivals will face off as coaches in the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Saturday, January 21st at The Home Depot Center in LA, and they have announced their assistant coaches for the game.

“It doesn’t get any better than this group,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf. “These guys were all top-notch players and coaches and these young men who are playing will benefit greatly.”

Dick Vermeil, who coached with the Eagles, Rams, and Chiefs, won a SuperBowl with the Rams. Tom Flores, who coached with the Raiders, won two Super Bowls. They faced off in Super Bowl XV, and now they will face off again as they coach the next generation of NFL players.

Their assistant coaches will be:

Martin Bayless was a defensive back who played collegiately at Bowling Green. He played in the NFL from 1984-1996 for the Cardinals, Bills, Chargers, Chiefs, and Redskins. After playing, he served in the front office of the Bills, and then began a coaching career which has taken him from high school to the University of North Carolina. He has also coached in the NFL Europe, the UFL, and with the Panthers, Raiders, Vikings, and Texans.

Isaac Bruce was a four-time Pro Bowler at wide receiver. He played for the Rams and 49ers from 1994-2009. He finished his career with 15,208 receiving yards. He currently ranks third on that list behind Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens.

John Bunting played linebacker at the University of North Carolina. He played professionally for the Eagles from 1972-1982 with the Eagles and then played two years in the USFL. He has been an NFL assistant with the Chiefs, Rams, and Saints. He also served as head coach of the University of North Carolina from 2001-2006.

Frank Gansz, Jr.,is a longtime special teams coach at the college and professional level. He has served as special teams coach for the Ravens, UCLA, and is currently in the role at SMU.

Carl Hairston played defensive end in the NFL from 1976-1990 for the Eagles, Chiefs, and Cardinals. He has coached with the Cardinals, Chiefs, Rams, and Packers. Amazingly, Hairston was either a player or coach in all 240 games coached by Dick Vermeil.

Matthew Hatchette was a receiver at Langston University. He played six NFL seasons for the Vikings, Jets, and Jaguars. Eric Hicks was a defensive end from the University of Maryland, who played with the Chiefs, Jets, and Lions from 1998-2009.

Vonnie Holliday was a defensive end at the University of North Carolina. He began his pro career in 1998 and has played with the Packers, Chiefs, Dolphins, Broncos, and Redskins. He is currently with the Arizona Cardinals.

Priest Holmes was a running back at the University of Texas. He played for the Ravens and the Chiefs from 1997-2007 and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and won a ring in Super Bowl XXXV.

Billy Long played collegiately at Alabama. He has over 20 years coaching experience at the collegiate level, including coaching the offensive line at Arkansas. He served as a consultant for the St. Louis Rams and as strength and conditioning coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kevin Mawae was a four-year starter at center for LSU. The eight-time Pro Bowler played for 14 years in the NFL with the Seahawks, Jets, and Titans.

Rod Martin was a USC linebacker who played 12 NFL seasons from 1977-1988. The two-time Pro Bowler played with the Raiders and was a part of the winning team in two Super Bowl victories(1980-1983).

Steve Ortmayer began coaching in 1967 at Colorado. He also coached collegiately at Georgia Tech. He has served as a coach with the Chiefs and the Raiders, as well as being the general manager of the San Diego Chargers.

Tony Richardson was a running back for Auburn University. The three-time Pro Bowler played with the Chiefs, Vikings, and Jets from 1995-2010.

Greg Robinson has spent years in the coaching ranks. He was the onetime head coach at Syracuse and has served as a defensive coach with the Chiefs, Broncos, and Jets.

Bob Saunders is the son of longtime NFL coach Al Saunders. He has served as an offensive assistant with the Chiefs, the Rams, and the Redskins.

Terry Shea played collegiately as a quarterback at Oregon. As a coach, he was the offensive coordinator at Cal and has served as the head coach for San Jose State and the British Columbia Lions of the CFL. He has also coached with the Chiefs, Bears, and Rams. He currently prepares elite quarterbacks for the NFL and has worked with such players as Sam Bradford, Matthew Stafford, and Josh Freeman.

Will Shields may be the most recognizable of the assistant coaches. Shields played collegiately at Nebraska, where he was an All-American and won the outland trophy. He was also named to the Collegiate All-Century Team. In December 2011, Shields was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He played 14 years for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was a 12-time Pro Bowl selection. Shields is on the ballot for this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class.

Ted Tollmer played quarterback at Cal Poly. He went on to become the offensive coordinator at USC, and followed John Robinson as the head coach of the Trojans. He also coached at San Diego State.

Eric Warfield is another Nebraska product coaching in the game. He played cornerback in the NFL for the Chiefs and the Patriots from 1998-2006. The game begins at 3:00 PST and will be broadcast on the NBC Sports Network.

About AstroTurf
For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety.

TOM FLORES AND DICK VERMEIL TO COACH IN THE ASTROTURF NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL

2012-01-11T15:25:00.006-05:00

(LOS ANGELES, California) – Two coaching legends will face off in the newest bowl game to feature the best collegiate football players.

Dick Vermeil and Tom Flores will coach the two teams of all-stars in the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on January 21st in Los Angeles at The Home Depot Center.

Vermeil, who has the distinction of being named Coach of the Year at four levels including high school, junior college, NCAA Division I, and professional football, will participate in the game.

Vermeil became the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976 after being the first special teams coach in NFL history for the LA Rams and then head coach for UCLA. Vermeil then spent 15 years as a sportscaster. He returned to coaching in 1997 with the St. Louis Rams and won Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999. He retired the following year, but returned to coaching with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001, where he stayed until 2006.

Flores played from 1960-1969 with the Raiders, Bills, and Chiefs. After serving as an assistant coach with Buffalo and Oakland, he became the Raiders head coach in 1979 after John Madden retired. He coached the Raiders from 1979-1987 and the Seattle Seahawks from 1992-1994. Flores was the first Hispanic player to play in a Super Bowl and the first minority head coach to win a Super Bowl. Flores won Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XVIII as a head coach.

This is not the first time the two coaching legends have squared off. Most notably, the Raiders, coached by Flores, defeated the Eagles, coach by Vermeil in Super Bowl XV in 1980.

The American and National coaching staffs and their rosters face off on January 21 at the Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University Dominguez Hills in Carson, Calif. Kickoff is 3 p.m. PT.

Standout players and coaches, both active and former, will come together from the top professional and collegiate ranks to help 100 draft-eligible players showcase their talent on the NBC Sports Network and in front of 25,000 fans and scouts.

The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be more than just an all-star game for participants as the week-long educational experience will provide them with valuable information on how to succeed both on and off the field. The hand-picked staffs of Vermeil and Flores are committed to engaging and educating the game’s participants on preparing for the business of football.

The week will also bring the excitement of professional football back to Los Angeles as the player participants interact with the Southern California community through youth clinics and fan appreciation initiatives.

Hollywood glitz and glamour will also be incorporated as the NFLPA PULSE Awards will be held in downtown L.A. on the eve of the game. The annual event honors some of the biggest names in the NFL for their accomplishments both on and off the field.

Exciting partnerships with some of the most recognizable names in sporting events ensures the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will provide a professional-level experience for its players, fans and sponsors. AEG and IMG bring elite management teams and unparalleled sporting event expertise to the inaugural game. The Home Depot Center has hosted some of the finest competitions in international athletics, where AstroTurf will unveil an innovative field.

The field surface is the all new AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60 Extreme. The field combines a monofilament Horseshoe fiber with a slit film product. The Horseshoe fiber has an Omega shape, which is more resilient and bounces back, staying upright longer. It also reflects less light and heat. The slit film offers the ultimate in durability.

The field also has a face weight of 60 ounces of fiber per square yard, the highest in the industry. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape.

In extensive testing, AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems perform most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.

The field features AstroFlect heat reduction technology, which can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.

The field also has RootZone, a thatch layer which holds the sand and rubber infill in place for less splash and migration, making for a more consistent playing surface.

The field rests atop an all new AstroBase system, 15,000 interlocking panels which will provide stability for the field, allow for better drainage, and decrease installation time.

Tickets went on sale nationwide through Tickermaster.com in November.

About AstroTurf
For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality,
technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit http://www.astroturfusa.com/.

WORLD RECORD SNOWMOBILE JUMP ON ASTROTURF

2012-01-03T20:55:00.005-05:00

Last year, Levi Levalle set the world record jump on a snowmobile, using an AstroTurf ramp. He was injured in practice and could perform the stunt live on New Year's Eve.

This year he performed the jump on New Year's Eve in San Diego alongside a motorcycle ridden by Robbie Maddison, also attempting a world record.

Levalle set the record this year with an amzing jump of 412', all while using an AstroTurf ramp since there is no snow in San Diego. What'll they think of next?

Check out the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-OU1vfyaks&feature=player_embedded

ASTROTURF PROUD OF PARTNERSHIP WITH ERIC BERRY

2012-01-02T17:49:00.017-05:00

While we missed seeing Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs play this year due to an early season injury, we got an opportunity to spend a little time with him right before Christmas and we couldn’t be prouder of our association with this fine young man.

In a world where professional athletes increasingly lose sight of the team concept and exist with a sense of entitlement, Eric Berry is one of the good guys. Literally. Berry, who has been ranked as one of the Top 5 Good Guys in the NFL, along with Tim Tebow and Drew Brees, is truly a humble guy with a bright future.

Before beginning his NFL career, Berry decided he wanted to give back to the recreation department where he grew up. Duncan Park, in Fairburn, Georgia, is managed by Berry’s father James, who was a three-year starter for the Tennessee Vols. Eric wanted the park to have the benefit of a synthetic turf field so that young athletes in Fairburn would have a first-class field on which to play and develop their skills. He partnered with AstroTurf to provide a state-of-the-art field at Duncan Park. As a result of the partnership, Berry also took a huge interest in player safety and worked with AstroTurf to help open the Center for Athletic Field Safety at the University of Tennessee.

He also formed the Eric Berry Foundation to give back to kids and he is a great representative for all that is right about sports.

Prior to his rookie year, Eric was at preseason camp where temperature soared to over 100 degrees. After practice, he performed his rookie duties and carried the pads of two veterans from the field back to the locker room. On the way, he stopped to sign autographs for fans and was the last player left outside. He’d signed for everyone who wanted an autograph, but there were two kids left who wanted an autograph, but had nothing left to sign. Berry sat down and took his cleats off and signed them for the boys, leaving him to carry the equipment back to the locker room in his socks.

Berry is willing to sign for so many fans because when he was in high school, he was shunned when he approached the great Deion Sanders. Berry vowed that if he made it as a pro that he would never do that.

Eric joined us at Competitive Edge Sports (CES) in Atlanta right before Christmas to film a commercial and be interviewed about the safety and other benefits of playing on AstroTurf. The commercial will air on January 21st on the NBC Sports Network during the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Some of his other video comments will air at the American Football Coaches Association in San Antonio next week.

He came in and talked to everyone who wanted to talk to him and was very accommodating. He also displayed his classic humble attitude. After filming, Eric and I discussed a high school game of his that I had officiated. He spoke about that game with a passion that would have made you think he was still playing for Creekside High School. Eric hasn’t forgotten where he came from.

One thing’s for sure, I can tell you where he’s going. I, for one, will be encouraging my son to follow Eric’s career and look up to him as a role model.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Chip Smith of CES in Atlanta for letting us use his facility to film with Eric. CES is the premiere training facility for professional athletes all over the country and is also recognized for training future NFL players who are working out to participate in combines.

We also owe a big thanks to Ashley Kerns of Allegiant Athletic Agency (a3), Eric’s agency, for coordinating the shoot. She’s a real trooper who works hard to help Eric honor all his commitments, as well as a tireless worker in organizing Eric’s football camps, which help kids all over the country.

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SOUTH CAROLINA AND NEBRASKA FACE OFF IN THE CAPITAL ONE BOWL ON ASTROTURF

2012-01-01T19:26:00.007-05:00

It's the first day of the new year and despite the promise for great things to come, it seems a little strange not having college football on the first day of the year.

The NFL has provided the much-needed action, but tomorrow brings with it more college football.

The game we'll be focusing on kicks off at 1:00 p.m. at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando. South Carolina will take on Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl. The part that grabs our attention is that the game will be played on AstroTurf.

If the previous bowl game on this AstroTurf surface is any indication, this game will be a good one. In the Champs Sports Bowl on December 29th, Florida State battled back from a 14 point deficit to beat Notre Dame 18-14.

The Capital One Bowl should also be a good one. South Carolina is 10-2 and Nebraska is 9-3.

When it comes to points scored, this should be a pick-it. South Carolina averages 30.1 points per game and Nebraska is slightly better at 30.5

South Carolina has the edge in points against, only giving up 18.8 points per game, while Nebraska is giving up 22.8.

South Carolina has the edge in passing yards, and Nebraska has a better rushing average. However, South Carolina rates better in both pass and rush defense.

On paper, it looks like a very even match-up.

While you're watching the game, make sure to take note of the AstroTurf surface. Two years ago, when Penn State faced LSU in the Capital One Bowl, the field was a muddy mess. The weather, compounded by the number of events held on the field prior to that game, created the problem.

After the game, Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium officials enlisted AstroTurf to change the surface. They got the most advanced synthetic turf playing surface available.

Make sure to check it out.

CARROLL COLLEGE AND SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY WILL PLAY FOR THE NAIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ON ASTROTURF

2011-12-11T15:25:00.006-05:00

(ROME, Georgia) - The combatants for the 2011 NAIA National Championship football game are set to play on the AstroTurf at Barron Stadium in Rome, Georgia.

Defending champion and six-time national champion Carroll College will take on Saint Xavier University, which is making its first-ever national championship game appearance.

“We’re excited about these two great programs competing for the national championship,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf. “The AstroTurf field at Barron Stadium is one of the finest in the country and a major reason the NAIA has chosen to host the championship game in Rome through 2015.”

The Fighting Saints of Carroll College, a Helena, Montana school, are looking to tie Texas A&I for the most national championships in NAIA history. Carroll won four straight titles from 2002-2005, as well as in 2007 and again in last year’s game in Rome.

In the semi-final game, the Saints racked up 447 yards of total offense and converted on nine-of-14 third-down attempts in defeating previously unbeaten Georgetown (Kentucky) 35-3. The Carroll College defense has not given up a second half score in four games.

Saint Xavier, from Chicago, beat top-ranked Marian University 30-27 in the semi-finals. Freshman strong safety Clayton Fejedelem intercepted a pass in the end zone with eight seconds remaining to seal the deal for the Cougars.

The Russell Athletic – NAIA Football National Championship will kick off this Saturday, December 17th, at 4:30 p.m. EST in the 56th installment of the game.

The game will be broadcast in HD by the CBS Sports Network. CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video, and telecommunications providers. It is also available via satellite on DirecTV Channel 613 and Dish Network Channel 152. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

The AstroTurf surface at Barron stadium has been credited with keeping the game in Rome after a couple of muddy games on natural grass. Barron Stadium also hosts the high school football games of the Rome Wolves, as well as numerous other events. The heavy usage sometimes made the old natural grass surface susceptible to the weather.

“The new field was really important,” said Bill Peterson, Athletic Director at Shorter University and part of the host committee. “Without the AstroTurf, I doubt that we would have been able to secure a long-term bid. With AstroTurf, the weather becomes irrelevant, even late in the year. ”

In addition, playing the game on the AstroTurf surface generates approximately $2 million per year in economic impact for the community.

The field features the revolutionary new Horseshoe fiber. This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape. The fiber is an “Omega” shape with two end columns with a thicker diameter. The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine. The Horseshoe fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.

The field has a face weight of 60 ounces of fiber per square yard, the highest in the industry. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape.

In extensive testing, the Horseshoe fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide
resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.

The Horseshoe fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface. That, in combination with AstroFlect heat reduction technology, can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.

The field features a RootZone, a thatch layer which holds the sand and rubber infill in place for less splash and migration, making for a more consistent playing surface.

The Horseshoe fiber was introduced in 2010 and is already in use on game fields for teams such as Kansas State University; practice fields at schools such as Stanford University, University of Tennessee, and Auburn University; baseball game fields for the Tampa Bay Rays, Wake Forest, Duke, and Ohio State; and numerous high school football fields around the country.

About AstroTurf
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf include GameDay Grass 3D with RootZone, a system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

ASTROTURF AND NFLPA PARTNER FOR COLLEGIATE BOWL GAME

2011-12-10T10:24:00.007-05:00

(LOS ANGELES, California) - AstroTurf and the NFL Players Association convened this week in Los Angeles to discuss the upcoming AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, an all-star game showcasing the talents of draft-eligible collegiate players.

NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith made no bones about the importance of the event.

“It didn’t take us long,” said Smith, of the decision to host the game. “If an athlete has the talent, drive, and will to go to the next level, why wouldn’t we provide that young man with an opportunity to showcase his talents?”

Smith said the new 10-year labor peace “provides us with an opportunity to move forward in the way we address, deal with, and prepare” players looking to play at the NFL level.

He also cited AstroTurf for “sharing our vision in protecting and preparing athletes.”

Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf, said there were 30-year industry veterans who would be shaking their heads in wonder because “AstroTurf and the NFLPA are up here on stage together arm-in-arm.”

Peeples said the NFLPA chose to partner with AstroTurf after visiting their Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and people, as well as the Center for Athletic Field Safety at the University of Tennessee, which is funded by AstroTurf.

“Our platform going forward, as it has been in the past, is for safety,” said Peeples.

Willie McGinest, a 15-year NFL veteran who has three Super Bowl ring to his credit, echoed those sentiments.

“I came into the league in 1994,” said McGinest. “Our union and AstroTurf have made great strides since then. It’s a unique and great marriage.”

Matthew Hatchette, who played eight years in the NFL, cited AstroTurf and the NFLPA for hosting this game and providing an opportunity for players to make it to the NFL.

Hatchette attended Langston University, where he said only two scouts came to see him play. He also said he had to make his own highlight films and be persistent in making calls and writing letters before getting his shot at a professional career. He said the game provides a perfect opportunity for players from smaller schools and those that are late bloomers, physically.

The game will take place on January 21st at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles. The Home Depot Center is a world-class facility with several sporting venues, including a 27,000-seat stadium which is home to the LA Galaxy professional soccer team.

The new AstroTurf field was installed in only six days, and features new AstroBase technology, a series of 15,000 structural panels, which provide the base system for the field.

The field surface is all new AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60 Extreme. The field combines a monofilament Horseshoe fiber with a slit film product. The Horseshoe fiber has an Omega-shape, which is more resilient and bounces back, staying upright longer. It also reflects less light and heat. The slit film offers the ultimate in durability.

The field also has a face weight of 60 ounces of fiber per square yard, the highest in the industry. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape.

In extensive testing, AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems perform most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.

The field features AstroFlect heat reduction technology, which can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.

The field also has RootZone, a thatch layer which holds the sand and rubber infill in place for less splash and migration, making for a more consistent playing surface.

The field will be used next weekend to host all five state championship football games of the California Interscholastic Federation. It will also host a number of other sporting events before being removed in February and being made available for sale to a school or organization looking to utilize a state-of-the-art synthetic playing surface.

The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be broadcast on NBC Sport Network, which will be rebranded from Versus on January 2nd.

The teams will be coaches by NFL coaching legends Dick Vermeil and Tom Flores. The two last faced each other in Super Bowl XV. Flores’ Oakland Raiders defeated Vermeil’s Philadelphia Eagles 27-10.

The night before the game, the NFLPA will host their annual PULSE Awards at Club Nokia at LA Live. Some of the celebrity presenters will include Joe Manganiello, Ed Asner, Jaime Pressly, Holly Robinson Peete and Hill Harper. The event will honor many active and former NFL players.

About AstroTurf
For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

CALIFORNIA (CIF) STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP BOWL GAMES TO BE PLAYED ON ASTROTURF

2011-11-30T11:58:00.008-05:00

(CARSON, California) - Earlier this month, the NFL Players Association announced that AEG Facilities’ The Home Depot Center in Carson, will host the inaugural AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, a college football all-star game.

AstroTurf, the inventor of synthetic turf, will install a brand new synthetic surface for the game, which will be removed and sold following the game. In planning for the event, AstroTurf and The Home Depot Center arranged the installation of the field prior to the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games.

“We’re excited that the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games will be played on AstroTurf, and look forward to hosting high school and collegiate athletes on our playing surface, which is considered to be the finest synthetic surface in the world,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf.

This year’s state championship games are scheduled for December 16-17. The Home Depot Center’s sod removal began last week, and the installation of the new AstroTurf field will be complete by December 10th.

“This marks the first time in our facility’s history that synthetic turf has been installed in our stadium, and through our partnership with AstroTurf and the NFLPA, we’re pleased to be able to offer a state-of-the-art artificial field for the high school athletes playing in the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games this month,” said Kyle Waters, Vice President of Events and Operations at The Home Depot Center.

“We appreciate the efforts of AstroTurf and The Home Depot Center in enhancing the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games experience,” said Marie Ishida, Executive Director of the CIF. “Knowing that our student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete on a top-of-the-line field surface, makes for a great championship environment.”

The field surface will be the all new AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60 Extreme. The field combines a monofilament Horseshoe fiber with a slit film product. The Horseshoe fiber has an Omega-shape, which is more resilient and bounces back, staying upright longer. It also reflects less light and heat. The slit film offers the ultimate in durability.

The field also has a face weight of 60 ounces of fiber per square yard, the highest in the industry. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape.

In extensive testing, AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems perform most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.

The field features AstroFlect heat reduction technology, which can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.

The field also has RootZone, a thatch layer which holds the sand and rubber infill in place for less splash and migration, making for a more consistent playing surface.

The AstroTurf will be filled with approximately 325,000 pounds of a manufacturer’s blend of silica sand and ambient rubber. The AstroTurf surface will cover about 81,000 square feet.

The CIF State Championships begin Friday, December 16th. The Division IV game will start at 4:00 p.m. and will be followed by the Division I game at 8:00 p.m.

There will be three games on Saturday, December 17th. The Division III game kicks off at noon and will be followed by the Division II game at 4:00 p.m. The final game of the event will determine the Open Division state champion at 8:00 p.m.

The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 21st. Tickets for the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games and the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are available now at www.homedepotcenter.com.

About AstroTurf
For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

ASTROTURF NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL COMING TO LA

2011-11-08T15:48:00.004-05:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the NFL Players Association unveiled its plans to host Southern California’s premier football event – The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held January 21 at the Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University Dominguez Hills in Carson, Calif. Under the direction of Super Bowl-winning coaches Tom Flores and Dick Vermeil, 100 of the country’s top draft prospects will showcase their talent in front of 25,000 fans and pro scouts.

However, the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl experience is much more than a game for participating players.

“Our mission is to provide these young men with an unforgettable all-star game experience but just as importantly with invaluable information for their transition out of college,” said Clark Gaines, NFLPA Assistant Executive Director. “The NFLPA is a player’s primary resource for information on the business of football, and we will educate these players on how to succeed in the NFL and in their post-football careers.”

For one week preceding the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, pro-football players and coaching legends will work with the game’s future stars, giving them first-hand insight on what it takes to win on and off of the field. Flores and Vermeil will provide the players with elite-level practices and playbooks and the players will interact with the community through youth clinics and more.

Tickets are on sale now and start at $15. Visit Ticketmaster.com or HomeDepotCenter.com.

For the latest news on the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, follow twitter.com/NFLPABowl and facebook.com/NFLPACollegiateBowl.

Read more on ESPN.com: http://es.pn/vAm3TJ
https://www.nflplayers.com/Articles/Press-Releases/AstroTurf-NFLPA-Collegiate-Bowl-Announced/

JOSE BAUTISTA'S PLAY ON ASTROTURF RESULTS IN SECOND SILVER SLUGGER AWARD

2011-11-03T11:14:00.005-04:00

(TORONTO) - It looks like Jose Bautista has found a home on the AstroTurf in right field for the Toronto Blue Jays. It also looks like he’s found his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award, given to the best offensive player at each position.

Bautista, from the Dominican Republic, has been in the big leagues since 2004, when he was on the rosters of four different teams. Since then, he has played six different positions.

2010 became a true breakout year for Bautista. Playing right field full time, Bautista belted a league-leading 54 home runs, making him the 26th member of the 50 home run club. He was selected to the All Star team and won the Hank Aaron Award and the Silver Slugger Award.

Bautista was just as impressive in 2011. He hit 43 home runs and became the first player since Mark McGwire (1998-99) to lead the lead in home runs over two consecutive years. In July, he set a record for the most All Star votes ever for a single player, with 7,454,753. That surpassed the previous record set in 1994 by Ken Griffey, Jr.

Yesterday, the league announced that Bautista was a recipient of the Silver Slugger Award for the second consecutive year. He also won a second consecutive Hank Aaron Award for his efforts this season.

Bautista’s coming into his own has paid off in handsome dividends for the slugger. The Blue Jays, in order to make sure he is still playing on the AstroTurf in the Rogers Centre, awarded him with a new contract this past February. The deal extended his contract for five seasons and was valued at $64 million.

The Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays are the two Major League Baseball teams which play on AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D systems. AstroTurf is The Official Synthetic Turf of Major League Baseball.

AstroTurf is becoming more widely used in baseball due to the realistic, grass-like looks and performance it provides players and teams. Recently, many college programs have added AstroTurf baseball fields, including Kansas, Kansas State, Wichita State, Ohio State, Duke, and Wake Forest. The Virginia Tech Hokies are currently installing a new AstroTurf playing surface.

“Jose Bautista is one of the most exciting players in the game and we’re proud that he plays on a great surface like AstroTurf,” said Bryan Peeples, president of AstroTurf. “We are also proud that so many players who will have an impact in the future are able to play on our fields, as more and more teams make the change.”

About AstroTurf
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf include GameDay Grass 3D with RootZone, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

PENBERTHY REC SPORTS COMPLEX AT TAMU REOPENS WITH NEW ASTROTURF FIELDS

2011-10-24T14:59:00.004-04:00

(COLLEGE STATION, Texas) - Texas A&M University recently hosted a grand opening ceremony for the newly renovated Penberthy Rec Sports Complex.

Several new AstroTurf fields, as well as a maintenance building and a pavilion were constructed. The complex also features new lights, a new parking area, a new area to check out sports equipment, and new bathrooms and showers with changing areas. The total cost of the project was nearly $9 million.

“The Texas A&M student body deserves outdoor facilities that are on par with the indoor facilities, said Dennis Corrington, the Executive Director of Rec Sports. “Not only do we meet that expectation, but now we have one of the top collegiate recreational facilities in the nation.”

Texas A&M enlisted the help of AstroTurf to create more playing opportunities for the approximately 15,000 students who participate in intramural sports and sport clubs at the College Station school.

The Penberthy Rec Sports Complex is a 48-acre facility which plays host to the outdoor intramural and sport clubs programs for Aggie students. The complex was named for W.L. Penberthy, the father of intramural sports at Texas A&M.

Over 463,500 square feet of that facility was being converted to AstroTurf. Construction is complete and students are now using the center.

“We knew we needed to make a change to synthetic turf,” said Rick Hall, Senior Associate Director of Rec Sports. “We talked with several turf companies and educated ourselves throughout the process. AstroTurf is the one that impressed us. We feel like we’re getting the best turf system at a very affordable price.”

Hall, along with other representatives from Texas A&M, visited Brenham High School’s Cub Stadium field and the eight AstroTurf fields at West Texas A&M University during the process, and came away knowing that AstroTurf was the right decision.

The fields are constructed of AstroTurf GameDay Grass Extreme. The new surface contains the all new Horseshoe fiber. Horseshoe, is an Omega-shaped fiber which has better mechanical memory and remains upright longer, has a more grass-like ball roll, and offers the best aesthetics of any field. It is combined with the AstroTurf XP fiber. XP is a slit-film product which offers better infill encapsulation, best resistance to wear, and great pile density. The product also features texturized RootZone. RootZone® is a fiber which acts as a thatch layer, creating minimal rubber splash, uniform energy return, and better shock absorbency, while encapsulating the infill and reducing migration.

Burnside Services handled all base and drainage work on the project, as well as all driveways and parking lots. Burnside is operated by Tommy, Dayle, and Jake Burnside, all of whom attended Texas A&M.

“This is, by far, the largest athletic field project we have worked on,” said Tommy Burnside. “This is about 11 acres of turf and we moved 50,000 yards of dirt.”

Two of the fields are 150 yards X 100 yards and will primarily host intramural sports events such as flag football and soccer. Each field can accommodate two flag football fields or modified soccer fields. Each field can also be converted to full-size fields for soccer, lacrosse, and ultimate.

“We have one of the largest intramural sports and sport clubs programs in the country,” said Hall. “Athletes use those fields from 6:00 p.m. until midnight, five days a week and we were wearing out our fields by the sheer volume of play.”

The weather didn’t help either. According to Hall, from September to the end of January in 2008, they had seven inches of rain and 20 lost rain days. In the same period, from September 2009 until January 2010, they had nearly 20 inches of rain with 44 lost rain days. They needed an alternative.

“With AstroTurf® we are getting surfaces which are not affected by the weather,” said Hall. “Also, it allows us to implement some field rotation to help keep our natural grass fields in great shape. Rotation was a luxury we didn’t have before.”

Intramural sports, first brought to college campuses in 1913, continue to grow in both popularity and importance. According to the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), 75% of students who attend school offering recreational sports programs and facilities, participate in or use them. That numbers equals approximately 5.3 million students.

A 2006 study published in Recreational Sports Journal said 31% of students reported that an intramural sports program was an important factor in attending the college, and over 37% said those same programs were important in deciding to stay at the school. 83% of students said they participate in recreation sports on a weekly basis, and 93% said they would like to.

“We have a lot of prospective students and parents who look at our indoor and outdoor rec sports facilities,” said Hall. “I have no doubt it influences their decisions. It is a key factor in the development of life skills and wellness. It also has some effect on the recruiting of faculty and staff members.”

The other two fields are 150 yards X 85 yards and host the university’s sport club programs such as lacrosse, soccer, ultimate, and rugby.

Sport clubs are also an important part of the collegiate recreational landscape. Over 80 sports are offered for sport clubs at colleges across the country and nearly 11,000 sport clubs are registered and active at NIRSA member institutions.

While the Texas A&M project is a large one by most standards, it is just part of a growing trend toward recreational sports development. In 2008, NIRSA estimated nearly $4 billion in recreational sports
facility construction between 2008-2013. Those project estimates were for 96 new construction projects, 62 expansion projects, and 62 renovation projects, with an average project price of about $21 million and covering about 90,000 square feet.

The growth in projects such as this will make Texas A&M a showcase facility for others looking at similar projects. Hall said they will be hosting regional workshops for other schools and anticipates spending a lot of time showing the new AstroTurf fields and touting the positive benefits of having them. He is also expecting calls from other high schools and municipalities which are exploring the benefits of synthetic turf.

The fields at Penberthy also have an added environmental and economic impact. In 2010, BASF did a study comparing AstroTurf fields to natural grass fields. In 11 environmental categories, AstroTurf had a lower environmental footprint than natural grass. Factors contributing to this include reduced maintenance and mowing, which cause a variety of emissions. Other factors include elimination of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the need for water. AstroTurf fields also use soy-based polyols in the backing of products, reducing their dependence on foreign oil.

From an economic standpoint, over 20 years, AstroTurf fields are 15% less expensive than natural grass fields, even when the cost of turf replacement is considered.

“We are proud to be a part of this enormous project at Texas A&M University,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf. “Recreational and club sports are so important and these fields will allow Texas A&M to provide the very best surfaces available, while ensuring the growth of their programs over the years to come.”

About AstroTurf
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf include GameDay Grass 3D with RootZone, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

RECORD-SETTING RAINFALL DOESN’T AFFECT TEAMS PLAYING ON ASTROTURF®

2011-09-21T11:40:00.004-04:00

(CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee) - On Monday, September 5th, remnants of Tropical Storm Lee created a deluge that set all-time, one-day rainfall records throughout Chattanooga, Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.

Over 10 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period, surpassing the record of 7.61 inches, set in 1886.

The rain closed schools and businesses, while creating flooding throughout the area. The rain, however, did nothing to diminish the playability of AstroTurf fields serving area sports teams.

“We practiced on the AstroTurf on Monday,” said Mark Mariakis, head coach of Ridgeland High School in Rossville, Georgia. “We have a game to prepare for. It was business as usual for us.”

Playability and availability, as it relates to weather, have always been key selling points for any synthetic turf system. Many companies make claims about drainage rates, but few ever have the opportunity to showcase field performance in an extreme weather situation like Monday’s.

Ridgeland has an AstroTurf GameDay Grass™ 3D60H system. McCallie and Gordon Lee have the AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60 Extreme system.

All AstroTurf GameDay Grass fields have extensive drainage systems in the base work and the turf features 5/16-inch perforations on four-inch centers throughout the field. These systems are designed to drain over 30 inches per hour.

The McCallie School in Chattanooga did not practice on the field Monday because school was out, but Coach Bubba Simmons kept tabs on how the field was doing.

“It drained just like it was supposed to,” he said. “On Tuesday, we practiced and had two games on the field.”

It was much the same for Kevin McElhaney, head coach at Gordon Lee High School in nearby Chickamauga, Georgia.

“We practiced inside because the rain was coming down so hard,” he said. “But the field was ready and available. We were right back out there on Tuesday with no problems at all.”

Synthetic turf fields offer over four times the availability of natural grass fields for play and practice. Natural grass fields, when besieged by this type of weather, can be muddy and can have areas of standing water. Most schools, in this situation, will limit practice and play for safety reasons and aesthetic reasons.

“I can say that if this happened two years ago when we were still playing on grass, we probably wouldn’t have been able to even host home games for several weeks,” said Mariakis.

Kansas Jayhawks head baseball coach Ritch Price faced a similar situation before installing an AstroTurf playing field.

Kansas suffers through extreme weather in winter and early spring. Just the residual effects of weather can keep the team off the field. In a conference with powerhouses such as Texas and Oklahoma, which don’t typically undergo the same effects of bad weather, decreased practice time can have a major affect on a team’s performance.

In their last season playing on natural grass, Kansas missed 19 practice days because of weather effects on the field. Since converting to AstroTurf, Kansas hasn’t had to deal with the effects of weather as they did in the past.

It’s made a difference in the Chattanooga area, too.

“The only problem we faced in the rain was the ball being wet,” said Simmons, of McCallie’s experience with the downpour. “I told our kids that they are very lucky and should be thankful that they attend a school where support for the program allows them to be able to play on a surface like AstroTurf.”

McElhaney echoed those sentiments.

“Having this AstroTurf field is going to lead to better practice, better game performance, and increased support for our program,” he said.

Yet, while it was nice not having to miss practice and playing time, all three coaches agreed that they’d rather not see another 10-inch torrential downpour this season.

This Friday, Ridgeland faces Cedartown, McCallie plays Tyner, and Gordon Lee has an off week.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

MADISON SOUTHERN TEAMS WITH ASTROTURF® TO BEGIN NEW TRADITION

2011-08-19T14:38:00.000-04:00

(BEREA, Kentucky) - At some point, every team goes through a rebuilding year. It’s rare, though, to see a team have to rebuild an entire program.

Madison Southern High School in Berea, Kentucky is starting at square one and the poster for Friday night’s scrimmage and dedication ceremony says it all.

“New coach. New field. New helmet. New uniforms. New attitude. New beginning.”

“This program looked just like our field did before,” said new head coach Jon Clark. “It was tattered and torn.”

At the end of last season, the football team had 25 kids. In four seasons, the team had won 3 games. The school board decided to make a number of improvements, including hiring a new coach. The team now has around 80 players.

“We’ve changed it from the ground up,” said Clark.

The change at the ground level came with the addition of the recently completed AstroTurf® field.

“This has been a great project,” said AstroTurf President Bryan Peeples. “It’s always exciting to watch the transformation of a new AstroTurf field and it’s exciting to watch the transformation in this program and the newfound pride that goes along with it.”

Principal David Gilliam said the school chose AstroTurf because of aesthetic appeal, ease of maintenance, and increased field availability. Gilliam said the addition of the AstroTurf has gone beyond their original goals.

“This is the whole package,” he said. “The whole town is buzzing. People have been driving by to watch and to stop and take pictures. Everywhere I go people ask me about the AstroTurf.”

“This is a town of 14,000 people,” said Clark. “So, it’s a big deal.”

Gilliam says the students are excited, the players are excited, and the band is as excited as anyone. They will now be able to practice on the field and host competitions. It’s a win-win for everyone.

The new winning attitude began earlier this year. Clark arrived in February and brought an all new coaching staff. He started with about 30 kids and implemented a 6:30 a.m. workout program. Clark has also implemented a program emphasizing character development and leadership. He has started a study hall and players know that if they don’t make the grades they don’t practice or play.

Students have responded to Clark’s leadership and the team wound up with so many players that the school had to buy new equipment.

Under Armour sponsored the team’s new uniforms and they got new helmets, as well. Through dedicated boosters, they have raised money to help improve the facilities, with the most visible symbol of the changes taking place being the new AstroTurf field.

AstroTurf is no stranger to making big changes.

The company invented the synthetic turf industry in 1965 and installed the first field in the Houston Astrodome in 1966. The company continues to change the synthetic turf industry and the world of sports by developing the most technologically advanced playing surfaces in the world. AstroTurf offers fields that play more like natural grass than any other surface and are safe for athletes.

AstroTurf has invested millions of dollars into research programs to create safer and better performing fields. They funded the Center for Athletic Field Safety at the University of Tennessee, which opened in July.

Recent installations of AstroTurf surfaces include practice fields at the University of Tennessee, Auburn University, and the University of Georgia. Kansas State University will play its football games on AstroTurf this fall.

AstroTurf is the Official Synthetic Turf of Major League Baseball and is in use by the Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays. Collegiately, recent AstroTurf installations for baseball include Ohio State University, Duke University, Wake Forest University, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University.

Madison Southern is among the newest AstroTurf installations and hopes to establish a tradition of excellence on the new field. The past is in the rearview mirror.

“It’s a new start,” said Clark. We’re 0-0 on this field.”

The new playing field will see its first action on Friday night as the Eagles participate in a preseason scrimmage. The field will be dedicated in a celebration that will involve thousands of people and will include the U.S. Army parachuting the game ball in the stadium from 10,000 feet.

The first regular season game will be at home versus Bourbon County on August 26th.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

CARDINAL GIBBONS HIGH SCHOOL ASTROTURF® SET TO DEBUT

2011-08-19T09:56:00.002-04:00

(RALEIGH, NC) - Three years after completion of stadium upgrades at Cardinal Gibbons High School, officials decided to install a new, state-of-the-art AstroTurf® field, which is making its debut this football season.

That’s not a minute too soon for Principal Jason Curtis.

“We have 1,200 students at Cardinal Gibbons and 800 are involved in athletics,” said Curtis. “We’ve been blessed with great student athletes and great programs. The new AstroTurf field will allow us to do so many things.”

Cardinal Gibbons teams have begun a return to prominence in recent years and that has sparked resurgence in interest and participation. The school is over 100 years old, but was the first integrated high school in the state of North Carolina. It became a challenge because many teams refused to play them. It was a sad situation that took years to overcome and the athletic program suffered, as well.

Cardinal Gibbons officials had been talking about the possibilities of synthetic turf for several years, but as participation increased, so did the need for practice space and time.

“Our grass was taking a beating,” said Curtis. “We also faced weather delays and cancellations.”

The new grass, though, is AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D52H, and will be able to provide Cardinal Gibbons with more field availability and fewer worries about the weather.

Curtis said they chose AstroTurf because of the positive relationship, the company history, and the fact that the company stands behind the product.

“We’re proud to partner with Cardinal Gibbons for this tremendous project,” said AstroTurf President Bryan Peeples. “It’s exciting to be able to work a school with such a proud tradition and such awesome growth prospects for the future. We are looking forward to many W’s in the Cardinal Gibbons win column.”

The field will feature the revolutionary new Horseshoe™ fiber. This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape. The fiber is an “Omega” shape with two end columns with a thicker diameter. The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine. The Horseshoe™ fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.

The field also has a face weight of 52 ounces of fiber per square yard, one of the highest in the industry. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape.

In extensive testing, the Horseshoe® fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide
resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.

The Horseshoe fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface. That, in combination with AstroFlect™ heat reduction technology, can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.

The Horseshoe™ fiber was introduced in 2010 and is already in use on practice fields at schools such as Stanford and the University of Tennessee; baseball game fields for the Tampa Bay Rays, Ohio State University, Wake Forest, Duke; and numerous high school and college football fields around the country, including Kansas State University.

The field will also have a nylon RootZone™, a thatch layer which holds sand and rubber infill in place for less splash and migration, making for a more consistent playing surface.

According to Curtis, having a technologically advanced field such as this will help the teams get better because they will have more opportunities to practice. He also says more kids will want to participate.

“Not only are our students and parents excited,” said Curtis. “But, we have several elementary and middle schools from which we draw our students and those kids are excited, too.”

The new field will begin hosting events next Thursday, August 18, as Cardinal Gibbons takes on Panther Creek. The game will start with a “Blessing of the Field” and a “First Run”, in which students 8th grade and below will get to run the length of the field and receive a commemorative t-shirt.

The following night, the Crusaders will attempt to capitalize on an impressive 11-3 mark in football as they kickoff the new season under new head coach Steven Wright against Clayton.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

PETE’S POOL FIELD AT ENUMCLAW NEARING COMPLETION OF ASTROTURF® UPGRADE

2011-08-16T11:46:00.000-04:00

(ENUMCLAW, Washington) - When a team is forced to play its homecoming game as a road game, you can almost bet there is a problem with the field.

That’s a pretty safe bet if you’re Enumclaw High School and the field is Pete’s Pool at the Enumclaw Expo Center.

The solution is nearing completion and it is coming in the form of an AstroTurf® field. The project has been guided by Erik Sweet of SLA Landscape Architecture in Renton.

For many Enumclaw residents, the upgrade is long overdue and will allow area athletes to play on a first-class field. Until now, the field was in no better condition than the dormant landfill which once occupied the land the field was built on.

Pete’s Pool was named after Pete Chorak, who owned a tavern/motel near the site of the field. The field was constructed by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

The main use of the field was for the games of the Enumclaw Silver Barons, a semi-pro team made up of area loggers and farmers.

In the early 1990s, while the facility was still owned by King County, Rick Bathum and Sheldon Thiel formed the YEAS (Your Enumclaw Area Stadium) Improvement committee to push for needed improvements.

After the improvements were made, the group was dissolved, but was reformed in 2009, because of the condition of the field and other needed facility repairs and upgrades.

Since that time, the usage of the stadium has skyrocketed. Prior to the reformation of the YEAS group, the field hosted about five games per week. Then the field began seeing usage from Green River Community College for games and practice, as well as from area youth sports organizations. The total number of games jumped to nearly 50 games per week, not counting the hours of practice that occurred on a daily basis.

All the play, combined with the wet weather of the Pacific Northwest, the poor drainage of the field, and the high crown of the field, created a perfect storm of sorts.

In 2010, Enumclaw High School played its final two home games in Orting, in Pierce County. Over 90 years, the team had never played a home game outside of Enumclaw, and in one season they missed two, including homecoming.

“Enumclaw is a very proud and independent community,” said Rick Bathum, one of the co-founders of YEAS. “To this community, it affords a belated sense of progress. It presents an opportunity for all existing athletic programs to have a reliable place to compete.”

According the Bathum, this move will allow all games played there to be decided on the field and not by the field.

This means Enumclaw will no longer be the only high school in King County that does not play its games on a synthetic turf field.

In fact, King County holds a special place in the history of synthetic turf. AstroTurf was installed in the Astrodome in Houston in 1966, giving birth to artificial playing surfaces. In 1967, Seattle’s Memorial Stadium became the third installation and the first field used by high school teams. That field was removable and lay over an asphalt base. Following football season each year, the AstroTurf was removed and the asphalt was used for parking.

The new Enumclaw field will be AstroTurf MT 42H, featuring the revolutionary new Horseshoe fiber.

This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape. The fiber is an “Omega” shape with two end columns with a thicker diameter. The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine. The Horseshoe fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.

“We’re excited about the new field at Enumclaw,” said AstroTurf President Bryan Peeples. “This is going to be a great source of pride for the community and a tremendous boost to athletic programs at all age levels.”

Support for the new field has been widespread, thanks to the efforts of YEAS. Individual donations have ranged from $5-$10,000. The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe donated $15,000 and Mutual of Enumclaw donated $50,000.

The organization has also raised significant grant money, including $200,000 from the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks, as well as a $300,000 from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

Installation will be complete in time for football season and the first game will be the Enumclaw Hornets vs. the Yelm Tornadoes.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

ASTROTURF ASSURES CLIENTS ON-TIME DELIVERY

2011-07-28T13:34:00.002-04:00

(DALTON, Georgia) - Not only is AstroTurf® the leading innovator for sports turf systems, it is also best positioned to supply customers with guaranteed on-time delivery of AstroTurf® fields, even with its wide array of turf fiber colors, textures and shapes. This is especially important during the summer's busy installation period.

Through in-house extrusion, knitting, tufting, logo-cutting, urethane coating, and by working closely with well-established, dependable suppliers, AstroTurf® is fully capable of meeting deadlines without having to resort to component substitutions or incompatible fiber mixtures. According to AstroTurf®, fiber shortages, even in white and light green, are simply not part of its business model.

"We have the resources, skills, and experience to meet almost any supply challenge," said AstroTurf® President, Bryan Peeples. "In fact, we are so well-prepared that we can easily pick up the slack of others--to step in right now if competitors fall short-- and get projects done on time."

In terms of faster installation, one of AstroTurf®’s key advantages is its ability to prefabricate entire fields; that is, to inlay in the factory, most game lines, numerals, arrows, hash marks and end zone letters.

"This patented prefabrication process enables us to speed up installations significantly, sometimes by weeks, while improving finished quality," continued Peeples.

While other companies are dependent on components shipped from abroad, especially fiber, AstroTurf® is American-owned and American-managed, with most, if not all, components made in the USA.

"We haven't had to inform our sales reps that we can't provide certain fiber styles or colors that have been promised to their customers," said Peeples. "We plan better than that."

AstroTurf® makes most of its fibers and backings in its Georgia production facility and sometimes buys from an industry supplier within 100 miles. This allows AstroTurf® to easily provide things like multiple colors for lines, letters and logos; light and dark green for alternating turf panels (to simulate mown fields; and even tweeds (multiple colors in the same tufting needle).

But the last thing AstroTurf® wants to do is improperly mix fibers. This is a major turf sin, at least to Peeples. "Some companies think it's okay to make colored lines and other markings out of one kind of fiber, while praising the characteristics of and using a different fiber for the green turf,” he said. “We don't."

Fibers that wear at different rates can spell disaster. "Frankly," said Peeples, "if the green fiber is a different shape, and made with a different resin, it will resist wear and sunlight differently from the white, yellow, red or other fiber. Anyone who has had a turf field with 'disappearing white lines' knows exactly what I am talking about."

At AstroTurf®, quality and performance are more important than marketing hype. And so is proper planning and execution.

"We know that clients want a positive experience buying and building their turf field," concluded Peeples. "And getting what they actually paid for is certainly a key part of that experience."

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. AstroTurf® offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging a vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com. You can also check out AstroTurf® on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AstroTurf/124352067595110.

The University of Tennessee and AstroTurf Open Center for Athletic Field Safety

2011-07-19T09:54:00.008-04:00

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) – From the little leagues to the big leagues, injury prevention and performance are key issues in today’s sports world. Turfgrass scientists at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AstroTurf® have partnered on a research program to address these problems.

The University of Tennessee and AstroTurf® dedicated the Center for Athletic Field Safety (CAFS) this week. The center is a one-of-a-kind facility dedicated to researching the performance and safety of natural and synthetic turf surfaces used on athletic fields. It represents the single largest athletic field research effort ever undertaken. Ceremonies were held at the research site located at the UT Institute of Agriculture’s East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“Great universities and public/private partnerships provide ideal solutions that make a difference in people’s lives; in this case, the lives of athletes,” Dr. Joe DiPietro, President of the University of Tennessee told a capacity crowd as they overlooked 60 to-scale miniature athletic fields. “We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the Peeples family and AstroTurf®,” he said.

“This is a very important day for me and my family,” Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®, said. “Involvement in the center gets to the core of what we are all about. Like UT, we are in the solutions business for the textile and synthetic turf industries. As soon as we can get these research findings out, AstroTurf® and others on the open market can use this information to make safer fields for athletes.”

University of Tennessee Head Football Coach Derek Dooley was on hand and echoed Peeples’ sentiments.

"I think it's a real tribute to what our university's all about," Dooley said. "It's finding solutions, taking your intellectual capacity, using the university to find solutions for America, and that's what we're doing."

“Our goal is to make fields safer at all levels of play. This center is a canvas for collaboration, affecting not only turfgrass study but areas of study such as biomechanics and human kinetics on a national level,” said Dr. John Sorochan, Co-Investigator and Associate Professor of Plant Science.

The two-acre Center for Athletic Field Safety aims to make a long-term difference. While determining the safety and performance of synthetic turf products compared to various natural turfgrass systems, UT turfgrass scientists will also monitor these relationships over time. Additionally, they will evaluate the

environmental impacts of each system. The research should lead to the development of new, more accurate methods for testing the safety and performance of all synthetic turf systems.

“Injuries are a huge concern in all athletics. The CDC has shown in studies that $49 billion is spent every year in medical and legal expenses due to injuries affecting children under 14,” said Dr. Jim Brosnan, Co-Investigator and Assistant Professor of Plant Science.

“Studies have shown that 25 percent of injuries that occur in athletics are potentially related to the conditions of the playing surface, while others have shown 50 percent of all sports injuries are preventable. We need to learn more about how athletes interact with playing surfaces.”

Natural surfaces are planted with Bermuda grass, Kentucky bluegrass and others. Both mechanical and human studies will be performed to create “real play” conditions. The research will be scientifically based for statistical analysis. In addition, the geographic location of the site will enable scientists to conduct research on a variety of surfaces from both cool- and warm-season climates. The unique outdoor research facility comprises 60 small-scale athletic research fields constructed from a variety of playing surfaces. UT turfgrass scientists will compare the safety and performance of synthetic playing surfaces to natural grass surfaces. Field qualities will range from those employed for professional–level sports to surfaces used by schools, public parks and recreation fields.

The UT Center for Athletic Field Safety will also further education for University of Tennessee students, enabling UT Plant Sciences faculty to add another level to the curriculum to train and educate future sports turf practitioners.

It was clear that this center will have a much anticipated impact. The event was attended by dignitaries such as Coach Dooley, Washington Nationals Vice President Bob Boone, and NFL Players Association Assistant Executive Director Clark Gaines, among others.

The importance of this research was underscored by concluding remarks from NFL player Eric Berry.

“As a football player, I trust the fields that I play on to respond to my movement, stops and changes of direction. As I’ve learned first-hand, an unsafe field can quickly result in loss of performance or injury. When I partnered with AstroTurf® in the summer of 2010, I learned about what makes a safe surface from the soil up. Whether natural turf or artificial, researching safer playing surfaces is something I believe in whole-heartedly. With the support of the University of Tennessee and AstroTurf®, I can’t wait to see how students and faculty are able to advance the safety of athletic surfaces. Congratulations on dedicating this one of a kind facility,” said Berry.

About The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; the UT College of Veterinary Medicine; UT AgResearch, including its system of 10 research and education centers; and UT Extension with offices in all 95 Tennessee counties. The Tennessee Turfgrass team members have developed turfgrass management programs for sports field managers and have served as consultants to the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the PGA of America and professional soccer teams. They advise and consult internationally with sports field managers for cricket, soccer, football, golf, baseball and Olympic venues. For more information on UT’s turfgrass program, visit http://www.turf.tennessee.edu/ or http://www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org/

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the iconic AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging a truly vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; and AstroFlect™ technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com

Go here and "like" the AstroTurf Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AstroTurf/124352067595110

If you would like additional photographs, please email Connie Geddings at geddin00@utk.edu

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY BASEBALL TEAM SELECTS ASTROTURF

2011-07-11T08:42:00.004-04:00

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - “THE” Ohio State University has decided to play its baseball games on “THE” premiere surface in all of sports.

The Buckeyes will be playing on an all new AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D52 Extreme surface beginning in 2012.

Head Coach Greg Beals, in announcing the decision, said the two primary reasons were to be able to practice and play more often in more types of weather. Other factors influencing the decision were the playability and consistency of the artificial surface.

Beals said the Big Ten school has no practice field, so the game field at Bill Davis Stadium also served as the practice field.

“The new AstroTurf® field will allow us to get that much-needed practice time and be able to play in virtually any condition.”

Beals, who became the Buckeyes head coach last June, said he became an expert on artificial surfaces during the process. OSU facilities staff assisted in the process, but ultimately, Beals made the decision.

The coach and staff visited several fields made by different companies, but selected AstroTurf® after visiting the baseball field at Duke University and the infield practice surface at the Port Charlotte, Florida facility which serves as the Spring Training base for the Tampa Bay Rays.

“I noticed that when I talked to coaches who played on AstroTurf®, they talked about why they liked the brand. Coaches who had other types of fields liked those fields, but just talked about the field and not the company,” said Beals. “Rich Jordan and Matthew Boggs from AstroTurf® listened first and that was the key. They didn’t try to sell us a standard field. They built a field around our specific needs.”

The new surface will feature an all-new fiber combination called Extreme. The field will combine a monofilament Horseshoe fiber with a slit film product. The Horseshoe fiber has an Omega-shape, which is more resilient and bounces back, staying upright longer. It also reflects less light and heat. The slit film offers the ultimate in durability. The field features 52 ounces of fiber per square yard.

The field will also have a nylon RootZone™, a thatch layer which holds the sand and rubber infill in place for less splash and migration, making for a more consistent playing surface.

“The look and feel of grass, the encapsulation of the infill, and the speed and play provided by the fiber weight made this the best product for us,” said Beals.

The decision by the Buckeyes is part of a growing trend toward synthetic turf in baseball. OSU joins Duke, Wake Forest, Wichita State, and others with AstroTurf® fields. AstroTurf® is the Official Synthetic Turf of Major League Baseball and is used by the Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Buckeyes were able to get the field, thanks in part to a generous donation from New York Yankees star Nick Swisher, a former Buckeye. While there, Swisher was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2000, won two Big Ten Championships, and was a two-time All Big Ten selection. He was the number one draft pick of the Oakland As. Swisher has been an All-Star and won a World Series in 2009 with the Yankees.

The new field will be called Nick Swisher Field.

“Nick is all about player development and guys getting on the field to make themselves better,” said Beals. “He is as excited as we are about the new AstroTurf® field.”

Swisher’s excitement, though, is surpassed by that of Beals. Beals, according to The Ohio State University athletic department, had a lifelong dream to coach at OSU, which bordered on passion.

He played four years at Kent State University and three years in the New York Mets farm system. He served as an assistant at Kent State for nine years and as head coach at Ball State for eight years, where he won 243 games, three Mid American Conference West Division titles, and one MAC tournament championship. Appointed to his current post in June 2010, he is described as a tireless recruiter and coach, focusing on player development.

“This field will help bring us the best players and will help us develop into the best team we can be,” said Beals. “We have big goals here and this is a major step in our reaching those goals.”

Other benefits of the field are environmental in nature. The field will save as much as 500,000-1,000,000 gallons of water each year and will eliminate maintenance costs and harmful effects of fertilizers, pesticides, and emissions.

Also, Universal Textile Technologies, which supplies the backing on AstroTurf® systems, has replaced much of the petroleum-based backing with backing utilizing polyols from soybeans, a rapidly renewable resource.

Construction on the new Nick Swisher Field will begin ¬¬¬in August.

Meanwhile, Beals is already preparing for the future by recruiting new players. Current players are preparing for next throughout the summer. Fourteen players from Ohio State are playing in collegiate wood bat leagues this summer.

“The level of commitment by Coach Beals and the folks at The Ohio State University is amazing,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “They have a commitment to being the best and we are committed to providing them with the best playing field available.”

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

ASTROTURF A BIG HIT LOCALLY

2011-07-06T14:06:00.003-04:00

By Lindsey Young / Chattanooga Times Free Press

The AstroTurf® field at Ridgeland High School turns a year old in a few weeks, and though no party will be held on its behalf, head football coach Mark Mariakis would buy it a present and take it to dinner if he could.

Mariakis’ wife, Debbie, who coaches only from the stands, would chip in as well.

For the first time in recent memory, the Mariakis' took off for vacation last week without having to make arrangements for someone to take over field maintenance duties. Make that fields. With the nearly maintenance-free (AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D) field in place, Mark Mariakis no longer has to spend several hours each week taking care of the main field AND practice field.

That's just one of the many reasons the veteran coach has no regrets in pushing for the installation of the synthetic field, the top of the line product from Dalton-based AstroTurf® that has become a selling point for the company. When a college, or country, inquires about purchasing a field, a trip to Rossville often follows.

“They said they would make it a showcase field and they did,” Mariakis said. “We had folks in from Boston College recently and within the past two months we've had people fly in from Europe, Australia and Sweden. I knew the field would be a major improvement, but I it's been better than we could ever expect.”

Walker County neighbor Gordon Lee will have an AstroTurf®-installed field ready for the 2011 season, joining Ridgeland, Calhoun, Baylor and McCallie as Chattanooga-area high schools with synthetic fields. To a person, those who have the fields find it difficult to find anything negative to say about them.

“When people hear you're going to spend half-a-million dollars on a field, especially in this economy, it draws some concern,” Calhoun coach and athletic director Hal Lamb said. “But it has been more than worth it with us. Our field had terrible drainage problems and it was often unusable after it rained. We don't have to worry about that any longer and we don't have to have a practice field.”

Two other factors play into the fields' feasibility: schools actually save thousands of dollars each season on field maintenance and the fields can be used much more often than grass fields.

“For what it does for this school and community, it's irreplaceable,” said Mariakis, whose field, like Calhoun's, was a drainage nightmare. “Not only does it give us a great surface to play on, we also have a lined practice field that makes our practices so much cleaner and sharper.

“Also, it's getting used. We can play junior varsity and middle school games on it. The band practices on it and our soccer teams finally had some home games and nearly every Saturday our recreational program uses it. Those are priceless moments for kids to get to play on that field and you can see it in their eyes.”

Mariakis says the school system was spending several thousands of dollars each year to water, fertilize, mow, edge and line. “All that for a field used at most 10 times a year,” he said.

Baylor had its turf installed before the 2009 season and head coach Phil Massey, like Mariakis and Lamb, did so out of necessity. Massey also acknowledges that there is no gauging how much the peace of mind knowing the field will always be playable is worth.

“With playing lacrosse and middle school football there, it had gotten too tough trying to maintain the grass,” he said. “It's been a great investment for us and the kids seem to like it. It's pretty soft. You can still get a little bit of a carpet burn, but its nothing like the old [artificial] surfaces from the 1980s and early 1990s. Its a good cushion for the legs, you don't get the pounding and injuries. We do all our agility work on the field.”

AstroTurf®'s Todd Britton, who is also a veteran football official in northwest Georgia, estimates a typical grass field costs anywhere from $50,000 to $60,000 annually to maintain, making the decision to install the synthetic fields easier for even cash-strapped communities.

“When you consider a field takes between a half-million and a million gallons of water each year to go along with fertilizer and pesticides and gas for mowing, it all adds up,” said Britton, who recently returned from Tampa, where AstroTurf® installed the new Rays' field. “In the long run, even when you have to replace the field one time [in approximately 10 years at an estimated one-fifth of the original cost], they pay for themselves.”

There are even fields that make money right away. Rome's Barron Stadium is the annual host of the NAIA Football Championship, but because of its poor playing surface the NAIA was seeking alternative sites for the game, something that would have cost the Rome area a good deal of money.

An AstroTurf® field was installed and the NAIA and Rome officials recently signed an extension to keep the game at Barron through 2015.

Football fields are still the most popular form of synthetic fields due to the heavier wear and tear of football and soccer, but Britton says baseball fields are quickly gaining, due in large part to the larger number of times each year a baseball field is used. McCallie had an AstroTurf® Extreme surface installed in its baseball infield last year.

“Baseball is huge right now,” Britton said. “We've done a number of college fields, including Duke, Wake Forest and Kansas, and we're doing Ohio State soon. We're the official turf of Major League Baseball. I expect more high schools to get [synthetic] baseball fields in the coming years.”

More will definitely go the synthetic route in football, likely beginning with Ringgold as it rebuilds its stadium after it was heavily damaged by April's tornado. And, as usual, Mark Mariakis will continue to sing his field's praises, especially when allowed to spend a carefree week away on vacation.

“Man, the hours you don't have to spend working on the field are priceless,” he beamed. “At this time of the year we would be cutting four times a week, applying fertilizer and always, always edging it. I don't miss it.”

The coach did, however, come up with a negative to having his one-year-old field.

“There is something I've thought about,” he smiled. “The younger kids coming up in our system probably won't understand how good they've got it.”

RICHMOND SPIDERS FIELD HOCKEY TEAM GETTING NEW ASTROTURF

2011-05-27T10:43:00.001-04:00

(RICHMOND, Virginia) – Crenshaw Field at the University of Richmond is getting a facelift with a new AstroTurf® System 12 field.

While Crenshaw Field serves many of Richmond’s athletic teams for practice, the Spiders field hockey team plays its home games there. The team is gaining a reputation as one of the premier teams in the country and will benefit from the new field surface.

“In our economic times, putting in a top water-based turf product might seem out of reach for many athletic budgets,” said Richmond Head Coach Gina Lucido. “AstroTurf® was able to come to the table and meet all of my needs to install an elite playing surface. I am thrilled the Richmond field hockey program will benefit from the installation of AstroTurf® in Fall 2011, and many years to come. I look forward to the collaboration between AstroTurf® and my staff and their commitment to lasting excellence.”

Lucido will be entering her fifth year at the helm of the Richmond field hockey program. While at Richmond, she has built a successful program which will be a contender in NCAA field hockey in years to come.

In her second year as head coach, Lucido advanced to the Atlantic 10 title game. In 2009, the Spiders won the Atlantic 10 regular season championship and the Atlantic 10 tournament championship. The Spiders advanced to the NCAA tournament and finished with a national ranking of 19th.

Lucido was a standout player at Ball State University, where she was also an Academic All-American. In February 2006, Lucido was inducted into the Ball State University Hall of Fame.

She began her coaching career at Bucknell University, aiding both field hockey and lacrosse programs. Lucido then spent time at Susquehanna University coaching field hockey and lacrosse before joining the start-up program at Indiana University. During her six-year career as an assistant field hockey coach at Indiana, Lucido helped guide the Hoosiers to an NCAA Final 8 appearance in 2005.

The new field will be an AstroTurf® 12 synthetic turf system. The field will be engineered with a premium knitted nylon system designed to provide uniform traction and consistent footing. It will improve playability when it is wet and absorbs water to maintain wet conditions longer.

AstroTurf® 12 systems were first used in an international field hockey event in 1975 in Montreal. The same field hosted the Olympics in 1976. Since then, they have become the preferred surface for field hockey events around the globe.

AstroTurf® surfaces were also used in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The AstroTurf® 12 system has also seen play in the Pan Am games, World Cup and numerous other field hockey events. The U.S. National team trains on AstroTurf® in Chula Vista, California, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Also, a new AstroTurf® 12 system is used by the University of Maryland, 2011 NCAA Division I Champions. To date, all NCAA Division I National Championships have been played on AstroTurf® fields. The 2011 event will be held at the University of Louisville, on a new AstroTurf® 12 surface just like the ones the Spiders will be playing on.

“Gina is an outstanding coach and the program is gaining momentum,” said Pam Hixon, hall of fame field hockey coach and Field Hockey Ambassador for AstroTurf®. “With momentum come increased expectations. Having a championship AstroTurf® field will help the Spiders exceed those expectations under Coach Lucido.”

The Spiders will begin their 2011 campaign at home against James Madison University, on September 17th.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. AstroTurf® offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging a vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com. You can also check out AstroTurf® on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AstroTurf/124352067595110.

COMPETITIVE EDGE SPORTS (CES) DOES IT ON ASTROTURF

2011-05-25T10:58:00.004-04:00

Competitive Edge Sports (CES) in Atlanta trains more prospective and current NFL players than any other private facility in the country. A lot of the training takes place on an indoor AstroTurf® field.

The company is getting ready to open a facility in Houston and they are trying to make a big splash this summer.

They have already been doing physicals at Reliant Stadium and will be hosting 7-on-7 passing camps and performance camps this summer. To promote their new facility, they are showcasing some of the things they do on AstroTurf®. The best part is they are doing it on a piece of turf with our logo.

Here is a photo that was taken this past weekend of the floor setup at a Reliant Stadium event.

CARL SMITH STADIUM AT UVA-WISE GETTING NEW ASTROTURF FIELD

2011-05-25T10:53:00.003-04:00

(WISE, Virginia) - Despite the rain and unseasonably cool temperatures just a couple of days ago, it would be just about impossible to wipe the smile from Danny Sterling’s face.

Sterling, the athletic director at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, is happy because the process is underway to install an all new AstroTurf® field at Carl Smith Stadium.

The Highland Cavaliers have played their last 12 seasons on an AstroTurf® System 12 field, and while the field was still in great shape, the school wanted to bring a new championship-caliber surface to the
stadium. The new field will be AstroTurf® GameDay™ Grass 3D52H.

“To say that excitement is the word would be an understatement,” said Sterling. “We can’t wait for the new field. The quality of this product won us over. We looked at other AstroTurf® installations at places like Old Dominion and Wake Forest and there was no question. We also have a long history and relationship with AstroTurf®, so that made the decision an easy one.”

The field will feature the revolutionary new Horseshoe™ fiber. This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape. The fiber is an “Omega” shape with two end columns with a thicker diameter. The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine. The Horseshoe™ fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.

The field also has a face weight of 52 ounces of fiber per square yard. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape. Further enhancing the durability and safety of the field is the proprietary RootZone®, a dense sub-layer of texturized fibers which act as an infill stabilizer system to prevent migration and splash of the rubber granule infill.

In extensive testing, the Horseshoe® fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll and slide resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.

The Horseshoe® fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface. That, in combination with AstroFlect™ heat reduction technology, can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.

The Horseshoe™ fiber was introduced in 2010 and is already in use on practice fields at schools such as Stanford and the University of Tennessee; baseball game fields for the Tampa Bay Rays, Wake Forest, Duke; and numerous high school football fields around the country.

“We are excited about the partnership with UVA-Wise,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “Installing a championship-caliber field is a testimony to the commitment to the program. It’s also a game-changer when it comes to the pride young athletes, and the community at-large, take in the school.”

According to Sterling, the field will have a huge impact on the current student-athletes at the school, as well as influencing the decisions of potential Highland Cavaliers in the future.

The field at UVA-Wise will also allow the school to host, not only football games, but provide help in weather-related practice situations for the baseball and softball teams, and special events such as intramural championship games and other campus events.

Additionally, the field will play a large role in the community and will host little league games, as well as high school games, band camps, and summer camps.

Another impact the field will have is to make the Highland Cavaliers the envy of the Mid-South Conference, where the football team competes in the NAIA.

One Mid-South Conference school, Shorter University, started playing its home games last season on a new AstroTurf® field at Barron Stadium in Rome, Georgia. That stadium also happens to be the host stadium for the NAIA National Championship game. So, while the Highland Cavaliers are looking forward to playing their home games this year on their own AstroTurf®, it’s probably a safe bet to say they would like to be in a position to play on the AstroTurf® in Rome, Georgia in December.

The team will get its chance for a march on Georgia when they kick off the 2011 season at home on their new AstroTurf® on September 3rd against Webber International.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. AstroTurf® offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging a vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com. You can also check out AstroTurf® on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AstroTurf/124352067595110.

TEXAS A&M DEPARTMENT OF RECREATIONAL SPORTS ADDS ASTROTURF® FIELDS

2011-05-18T15:29:00.001-04:00

(COLLEGE STATION, Texas) - Texas A&M University has enlisted the help of AstroTurf® to create more playing opportunities for the approximately 15,000 students who participate in intramural sports and sport clubs at the College Station school.

The Penberthy Rec Sports Complex is a 48-acre facility which plays host to the outdoor intramural and sport clubs programs for Aggie students. The complex was named for W.L. Penberthy, the father of intramural sports at Texas A&M.

Over 463,500 square feet of that facility is being converted to AstroTurf®. Construction is underway and all fields are scheduled for completion by August.

“We knew we needed to make a change to synthetic turf,” said Rick Hall, Senior Associate Director of Rec Sports. “We talked with several turf companies and educated ourselves throughout the process. AstroTurf® is the one that impressed us. We feel like we’re getting the best turf system at a very affordable price.”

Hall, along with other representatives from Texas A&M, visited Brenham High School’s Cub Stadium field and the eight AstroTurf® fields at West Texas A&M University during the process, and came away knowing that AstroTurf® was the right decision.

The fields will be constructed of AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ Extreme. The new surface contains the all new Horseshoe™ fiber. Horseshoe™, is an Omega-shaped fiber which has better mechanical memory and remains upright longer, has a more grass-like ball roll, and offers the best aesthetics of any field. It is combined with the AstroTurf® XP fiber. XP is a slit-film product which offers better infill encapsulation, best resistance to wear, and great pile density. The product also features texturized RootZone®. RootZone® is a fiber which acts as a thatch layer, creating minimal rubber splash, uniform energy return, and better shock absorbency, while encapsulating the infill and reducing migration.

Burnside Services is handling all base and drainage work on the project, as well as all driveways and parking lots. Burnside is operated by Tommy, Dayle, and Jake Burnside, all of whom attended Texas A&M.

“This is, by far, the largest athletic field project we have worked on,” said Tommy Burnside. “This is about 11 acres of turf and we will be moving 50,000 yards of dirt.”

Two of the fields will be 150 yards X 100 yards and will primarily host intramural sports events such as flag football and soccer. Each field can accommodate two flag football fields or modified soccer fields. Each field will also be able to be converted to full-size fields for soccer, lacrosse, and ultimate.

“We have one of the largest intramural sports and sport clubs programs in the country,” said Hall. “Athletes use those fields from 6:00 p.m. until midnight, five days a week and we were wearing out our fields by the sheer volume of play.”

The weather didn’t help either. According to Hall, from September to the end of January in 2008, they had 7 inches of rain and 20 lost rain days. In the same period, from September 2009 until January 2010, they had nearly 20 inches of rain with 44 lost rain days. They needed an alternative.

“With AstroTurf® we are getting surfaces which are not affected by the weather,” said Hall. “Also, it allows us to implement some field rotation to help keep our natural grass fields in great shape. Rotation was a luxury we didn’t have before.”

Intramural sports, first brought to college campuses in 1913, continue to grow in both popularity and importance. According to the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), 75% of students who attend school offering recreational sports programs and facilities, participate in or use them. That numbers equals approximately 5.3 million students.

A 2006 study published in Recreational Sports Journal said 31% of students reported that an intramural sports program was an important factor in attending the college, and over 37% said those same programs were important in deciding to stay at the school. 83% of students said they participate in recreation sports on a weekly basis, and 93% said they would like to.

“We have a lot of prospective students and parents who look at our indoor and outdoor rec sports facilities,” said Hall. “I have no doubt it influences their decisions. It is a key factor in the development of life skills and wellness. It also has some effect on the recruiting of faculty and staff members.”

The other two fields will be 150 yards X 85 yards and will host the university’s sport club programs such as lacrosse, soccer, ultimate, and rugby.

Sport clubs are also an important part of the collegiate recreational landscape. Over 80 sports are offered for sport clubs at colleges across the country and nearly 11,000 sport clubs are registered and active at NIRSA member institutions.

While the Texas A&M project is a large one by most standards, it is just part of a growing trend toward recreational sports development. In 2008, NIRSA estimated nearly $4 billion in recreational sports facility construction between 2008-2013. Those project estimates were for 96 new construction projects, 62 expansion projects, and 62 renovation projects, with an average project price of about $21 million and covering about 90,000 square feet.

The growth in projects such as this will make Texas A&M a showcase facility for others looking at similar projects. Hall said they will be hosting regional workshops for other schools later in the year and anticipates spending a lot of time showing the new AstroTurf® fields and touting the positive benefits of having them. He is also expecting calls from other high schools and municipalities which are exploring the benefits of synthetic turf.

The fields at Penberthy will also have an added environmental and economic impact. In 2010, BASF did a study comparing AstroTurf® fields to natural grass fields. In 11 environmental categories, AstroTurf® had a lower environmental footprint than natural grass. Factors contributing to this include reduced maintenance and mowing, which cause a variety of emissions. Other factors include elimination of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the need for water. AstroTurf® fields also use soy-based polyols in the backing of products, reducing their dependence on foreign oil.

From an economic standpoint, over 20 years, AstroTurf® fields are 15% less expensive than natural grass fields, even when the cost of turf replacement is considered.

“We are proud to be a part of this enormous project at Texas A&M University,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “Recreational and club sports are so important and these fields will allow Texas A&M to provide the very best surfaces available, while ensuring the growth of their programs over the years to come.”

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

MEMORIAL STADIUM IN DALHART, TEXAS GETS NEW ASTROTURF FIELD

2011-05-18T15:26:00.003-04:00

(DALHART, Texas) - Dalhart High School and Dalhart Junior High School will soon be playing their home games in a completely revamped Memorial Stadium.

Part of the process includes the installation of a new AstroTurf® field, which is now underway. The overall project, which is being funded by a nearly $5 million Qualified School Construction Bond, with no tax rate increase, will cover a variety of projects.

The project will completely renovate Memorial Stadium, adding an eight-lane track and AstroTurf® field, as well as a new field house, concession stand, and public restrooms. It will also provide playground space and equipment at Dalhart Intermediate School, repair of damage to the intermediate and elementary schools, and completion of the Spirit Trail.

“We are thrilled about the new field,” said Dalhart ISD Superintendent David Foote. “This is the best thing for our kids. Our students are excited and the people in the community are excited. We’ve needed this for a long time.”

According to Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Stephen Young, much of the decision to go to synthetic turf was based on three major factors.

“First, we faced costs such as water, fertilizer, pesticides, and mowing, said Young. “Second, we deal with a large number of weather-related issues. We could have 12 inches of snow or be facing a drought. Finally, the overall facility was in disrepair. It has been around since 1943 and it is just time.”

Foote, Young, and others looked at turf surfaces offered by a variety of companies. The Golden Wolves play on a couple of synthetic turf surfaces during the year, but the AstroTurf® field at Muleshoe High School helped seal the deal.

The new field, like the one at Muleshoe, will feature AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D60H. This surface features the all new Horseshoe fiber. This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape. The fiber is an “Omega” shape with two end columns with a thicker diameter. The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine. The Horseshoe™ fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.

The field also has a face weight of 60 ounces of fiber per square yard, the highest in the industry. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape.

In extensive testing, the Horseshoe® fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide
resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.

The Horseshoe® fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface. That, in combination with AstroFlect™ heat reduction technology, can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.

The Horseshoe™ fiber was introduced in 2010 and is already in use on practice fields at schools such as Stanford and the University of Tennessee; baseball game fields for the Tampa Bay Rays, Wake Forest, Duke; and numerous high school football fields around the country.

“This is a playing surface that is second-to-none,” said AstroTurf® President Bryan Peeples. “We are extremely proud of this surface and we know that students and people of Dalhart will be, too. There is nothing like the pride and spirit that comes with having a playing field like the one Dalhart is building.”

The field at Dalhart will also have an added environmental and economic impact. In 2010, BASF did a study comparing AstroTurf® fields to natural grass fields. In 11 environmental categories, AstroTurf® had a lower environmental footprint than natural grass. Factors contributing to this include reduced maintenance and mowing, which cause a variety of emissions. Other factors include elimination of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the need for water. AstroTurf® fields also use soy-based polyols in the backing of products, reducing their dependence on foreign oil.

From an economic standpoint, over 20 years, AstroTurf® fields are 15% less expensive than natural grass fields, even when the cost of turf replacement is considered.

“We can’t wait to play on this field,” said Young. “We had a good team last year and I wish they could have played on it. But, I’ve told our kids who are coming back that the baton has been passed and this is their opportunity to perform and to perform on a championship-caliber field.”

The Golden Wolves will get that opportunity at home on September 9th, against Brownfield.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGE GETTING NEW ASTORTURF FIELD HOCKEY SURFACE

2011-05-12T14:33:00.000-04:00

(GENEVA, New York) - For the William Smith Herons field hockey team, it’s AstroTurf®……again.

The highly successful NCAA Division III program has announced the selection of an AstroTurf® 12 system to replace the current AstroTurf® system at H.J. McCooey Memorial Field.

The team, coached by longtime veteran Sally Scatton has made an undeniable impact on collegiate field hockey. In her 22 years at the helm, the Herons have won NCAA Division III titles in 1992, 1997, and 2000, with 20 post-season appearances. Under Scatton, the Herons have never had a losing season. The team has also won the Liberty League title 9 times since it was formed in 1995.

Scatton has chaired the NCAA Division III Field Hockey Committee and was selected as the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Regional and National Coach of the Year three times. Scatton is a graduate of Ithaca College, where she played field hockey and lacrosse for four years, and basketball for three years. In 1997, she was inducted into the Ithaca College Sports Hall of Fame. In 2007, she was inducted into the William Smith Heron Hall of Honor, and on January 9, 2010, Scatton was inducted into the NFHCA Hall of Fame.

The successful pedigree of Scatton and her team are also reflected in the stadium where they play. H.J. McCooey Memorial Field seats 1,500 and features an AstroTurf® 12 field which was installed in 2000. The field has hosted three NCAA Championships; the 2002 NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championship, the 2006 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship, and the 2007 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship.

“When it came time to replace our current AstroTurf® surface, it quickly became clear that a new AstroTurf® system was the right choice for William Smith,” said Coach Scatton. “For the past 10 years, our team has practiced and competed on AstroTurf® and I love the quality and durability of the product. The approval by our president and Board of Trustees to install AstroTurf® 12 reinforced our commitment to providing the best possible playing experience for our student-athletes. This project will allow us to continue to have one of the finest collegiate field hockey facilities in the nation.”

The new surface will also be an AstroTurf® 12 system. The field will be engineered with a proven, premium knitted nylon fiber designed to provide uniform traction and consistent footing. It will improve playability when it’s wet and absorbs water to maintain wet conditions longer.

Construction is under way and will be completed by early July.

“William Smith has truly made a mark in collegiate field hockey,” said Pam Hixon, hall of fame field hockey coach and Field Hockey Ambassador with AstroTurf®. “Coach Scatton, the athletes, and the support of the college have made this program so successful. That success is also in no small part due to the AstroTurf® field they play on. It’s the finest surface in the world. Having a brand new AstroTurf® surface for next season will, no doubt, make the program even more successful.”

AstroTurf® 12 systems were first used in an international field hockey event in 1975 in Montreal. The same field hosted the Olympics in 1976. Since then, they have become the preferred surface for field hockey events around the globe.

AstroTurf® surfaces were also used in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The AstroTurf® 12 system has also seen play in the Pan Am games, World Cup and numerous other field hockey events. The U.S. National team trains on AstroTurf® in Chula Vista, California, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Also, a new AstroTurf® 12 system is used by the University of Maryland, 2011 NCAA Division I Champions. To date, all NCAA Division I National Championships have been played on AstroTurf® fields. The 2011 event will be held at the University of Louisville, on a new AstroTurf® 12 surface just like the ones the Herons will be playing on.

The Herons will open their season on the new AstroTurf® field on September 1, 2011, when they face Oswego State.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

LOUISVILLE CARDINALS FIELD HOCKEY TEAM SELECTS ASTROTURF AT TRAGER STADIUM

2011-04-22T13:19:00.003-04:00

(LOUISVILLE, Kentucky) - The University of Louisville is gaining a reputation as a world-class program under a new world-class coach. In 2011, the Cardinals will play on a new world-class AstroTurf® surface.

The Cardinals, under first-year head coach Justine Sowry, were 13-7 and ranked 14th in the nation in 2010.

The program will also get a boost this year when they host the NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championships for the fourth time since 2002 at Trager Stadium.

“As the new head coach, the installation of the new AstroTurf® is exciting for us,” said Justine Sowry, head coach of the Louisville field hockey team. “This is a new chapter for our program and a chance to establish our own culture, vision, and goals. Part of that comes from having the best facilities in the country and a tremendous step in that direction is having a world-class field.”

Sowry, a native of Australia, previously coached for four years at the University of Massachusetts, where she won three Atlantic 10 Championships and made three NCAA appearances. Sowry was at Louisville as an assistant coach from 1998-2002. She has also been an assistant at Stanford University and for the U.S. National Team.

As a player, Sowry was a member of the Australian National Team and made 128 international appearances. She represented Australia from 1993-2001, and won gold medals in the World Cup in 1994 and 1998.

In her experience as a player and coach, she has been all over the world. Sowry says she played predominantly on AstroTurf® and believes that is the only choice for a great field because it is proven and tested at all levels. She knows it will benefit her team in preparation and games, as well as how it will affect Louisville’s reputation.

“This new field and hosting the NCAA Championships will highlight our program in Division I field hockey circles,” said Sowry.

Sowry and the Cardinals’ program are truly on the move.

“Justine was a great player and is a great coach,” said Pam Hixon, a field hockey hall-of-famer, is a legendary coach and is currently the Field Hockey Ambassador for AstroTurf®. “With her coaching ability, the talent of the Louisville team, and having the finest AstroTurf ® field, means that the Louisville program is on its way to the top.”

Construction is underway on the new AstroTurf® field and will be completed by June 1st.

The field will be an AstroTurf® 12 synthetic turf system. The field will be engineered with a premium knitted nylon system designed to provide uniform traction and consistent footing. It will improve playability when it is wet and absorbs water to maintain wet conditions longer.

“We have a strong program with a very high-profile facility,” said Pete Cautilli, Associate Athletic Director at Louisville. “AstroTurf® 12 is recognized as the industry leader for field hockey playing surfaces. For us, that was the logical choice.”

Upon completion, the field will be utilized for camps and training. The first home game of the year will feature the Cardinals taking on California on August 26th. The 2011 schedule will find the Cardinals facing seven of the Top 20 teams in the country and six teams which participated in the 2010 NCAA Championships. Louisville will play nine home games at Trager Stadium.

The NCAA Championships will take place on the new AstroTurf® at Trager Stadium in November. The semifinals will be held November 18th and the finals will take place on November 20th.

The installation of the new AstroTurf® field is currently underway and you can watch it live at www.astroturfusa.com.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

ASTROTURF FIELD DEDICATED TO FALLEN 9-11 HERO CHUCK MARGIOTTA

2011-04-22T13:14:00.003-04:00

(STATEN ISLAND, New York) - There is always one kid who is the last to be picked when it comes to athletic contests. Inevitably, when Chuck Margiotta was the captain, he would make that kid his first choice.

“Chuck was always a champion of the underdog,” said his brother Mike.

It was that spirit that led Chuck Margiotta to make a fateful decision. Chuck, a 20-year veteran of the NYFD serving with Battalion 22, had volunteered to fill a shift for a fellow firefighter in Brooklyn. Following the shift, Chuck was on his way home to Staten Island early on the morning of September 11, 2001.

He learned of the attacks on the World Trade Center on his car radio and turned around and headed for the nearest fire station. He caught a ride with Rescue 5 near the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and went into the devastation to help. Chuck made a last call to his mother, Molly, and said, “Ma, it’s bad.”

Chuck, along with another 342 firefighters, lost his life that day. None of the 11 men on board the truck with Chuck that day ever returned home.

On Monday, April 18, his daughter’s 23rd birthday, Chuck Margiotta was honored when a new AstroTurf® field at Prall Playground and IS 27 was dedicated in his name. His brother Mike is a teacher at the school.

Although Margiotta has been honored many times over the past decade, naming a field after him is a fitting tribute.

“That’s where I want his name,” said his father, Charlie, Sr. “It’s an honor for our family and for Chuck to be associated with anything like this that is for the kids.”

Mike found out two years ago that city planners were planning to renovate the field and got involved with the project on an almost daily basis. The decision was made to name the field in honor of Chuck.

“This is the perfect place,” said Mike. “He was a tremendous athlete, a great coach, and a great educator. As a brother, I couldn’t be more proud.”

Chuck was a star athlete at Monsignor Farrell and went on to play football at Brown University, where they won the Ivy League Championship in 1976. In addition to a 20-year career as a firefighter, Chuck was a 20-year substitute teacher, a private investigator, and had small roles in movies such as Frequency and Hannibal.

Margiotta also served as the director of basketball for St. Rita’s parish and coached any number of sports from basketball to softball to soccer. Despite the gruff voice and burly physique, everyone took to Chuck. One friend said he was the nicest tough guy ever.

Now, a new generation of young athletes and sports enthusiasts will be able to play on the new field and will always be reminded of Chuck Margiotta’s sacrifice when they are at Lieutenant Charles Margiotta Field.

“We are so proud to have been selected to provide the AstroTurf® for this field, said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “But we are more proud of the fact that it has been named in honor of a true American hero, a family man, and a community leader dedicated to giving his all. God Bless Chuck Margiotta.”

“Chuck believed it was his obligation to life, to fill it up,” said lifelong friend Steve Gallira.

Because of the new AstroTurf® at Lieutenant Charles Margiotta Field, hundreds of people will be able to fill their lives with the joy of competition. And you can bet that Chuck Margiotta will be looking down, rooting for the underdog.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY SELECTS ASTROTURF AT BILL SNYDER FAMILY STADIUM

2011-04-22T13:10:00.002-04:00

(MANHATTAN, Kansas) - Bill Snyder and the Kansas State Wildcats are on a quest for greatness. This year, that quest will play out on the greatest synthetic surface in the world of sports.

The Wildcats recently announced that they have selected AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D60H to replace the current turf at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Construction of the new field will be guided by Mid-America Golf and Landscape of Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

“We are pleased to have a new field,” said Head Coach Bill Snyder. “The AstroTurf® people have been very responsive to our needs and were able to provide us with what we wanted in a very timely manner.”

The new AstroTurf® system provides several benefits for the growing Wildcat football program that led to the choice.

“After looking at numerous options, we felt AstroTurf® and its GameDay Grass™ 3D60H system was the best choice for us at K-State," said Associate Head Coach and Director of Football Operations, Sean Snyder. "Some of the top professional and collegiate stadiums and practice facilities in the country utilize this surface and we are excited about becoming the first FBS football program to install GameDay Grass™ 3D60H in its stadium. The fibers and technologies used by AstroTurf® will provide our student-athletes with a state-of-the art product that focuses on player performance and safety.”

The field will feature the revolutionary new Horseshoe™ fiber. This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape. The fiber is an “Omega” shape with two end columns with a thicker diameter. The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine. The Horseshoe™ fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.

The field also has a face weight of 60 ounces of fiber per square yard, the highest in the industry. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape.

In extensive testing, the Horseshoe® fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide

resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.

The Horseshoe® fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface. That, in combination with AstroFlect™ heat reduction technology, can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.

The Horseshoe™ fiber was introduced in 2010 and is already in use on practice fields at schools such as Stanford and the University of Tennessee; baseball game fields for the Tampa Bay Rays, Wake Forest, Duke, and Kansas; and numerous high school football fields around the country.

“We can’t wait for the team to get to play on this new AstroTurf® surface,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “This state-of-the-art field and the program that has been developing at Kansas State over the past few years is going to be a great combination, making the Wildcats a perennial threat in the Big 12 and the BCS.”

Since 1993, Kansas State University has won 141 games and is one of only two teams in the nation to win 11 games six times in a seven-year stretch. Snyder engineered the turnaround of the Kansas State football program, where he coached from 1989 until he retired in 2005. He returned to the helm of the program in 2009. His 149 victories are more that his 11 predecessors combined from 1935-1988. Snyder is a six-time national Coach of the Year award winner.

This year, the Wildcats will kick off their football campaign with their first game on the new AstroTurf® at home versus Eastern Kentucky on September 3. They will also face some stiff competition on the AstroTurf®, with home games against Kent State (September 17), Baylor (October 1), Missouri (October 8), Oklahoma (October 29), Texas A&M (November 12), and Iowa State (November 26).

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

ASTROTURF PARTNERS WITH THE NATIONAL FIELD HOCKEY COACHES ASSOCIATION

2011-04-19T10:19:00.003-04:00

(DALTON, GA) - It’s never been a secret that AstroTurf® is the preferred surface for field hockey pitches around the world.

Now, at least from a coaching perspective, it’s official.

In an announcement from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, AstroTurf® has been named the Official Artificial Surface Provider of the organization.

“We’re excited about our partnership with AstroTurf®,” said NFHCA Executive Director Jenn Goodrich. “There is no other surface to compare with AstroTurf® System 12. AstroTurf® fields are durable and consistent, just like the company that makes them. Their fields outperform other fields and those are the kinds of partnerships which help the development of our great sport.”

The NFHCA serves field hockey coaches and supporters across the United States. Its goal is to stimulate the professional development of coaching leadership. It also serves as a presence and voice regarding legislative matters of the sport, as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs.

AstroTurf® was first used in an international field hockey event in 1975 in Montreal. The same field hosted the Olympics in 1976. AstroTurf® surfaces also played host to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Closer to home, AstroTurf® surfaces are utilized by all the elite collegiate field hockey teams. In fact, last fall, the University of Maryland, under coach Missy Meharg, captured the NCAA title on a new AstroTurf® pitch.

“I can’t remember the last time an NCAA Division I Championship was not played on AstroTurf®,” said Pam Hixon, NFHCA Hall of Fame coach and Field Hockey Ambassador for AstroTurf®.

Hixson, who is heavily involved with the development of the sport, believes the partnership between the NFHCA and AstroTurf® is a valuable one.

“I am member of the NFHCA and a part of the AstroTurf® organization,” said Hixon. “The NFHCA is committed to the development and growth of the sport. From an AstroTurf® standpoint, a premier pitch is a tremendous part of growing young athletes and competitive programs. This is going to have a huge impact on our sport.”

AstroTurf® System 12 pitches are made of a short-pile, knitted nylon product which conform the sport’s need for high degrees of planarity, extremely tight tolerances, and sophisticated drainage systems. AstroTurf® System 12 pitches provide uniform traction and consistent footing. The fibers are UV-resistant, have a low-glare surface, and reduce the need for watering and maintenance costs.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

INDUSTRY VETERAN C.J. COLLINS JOINS ASTROTURF®

2011-04-18T11:24:00.003-04:00

(DALTON, GA) - AstroTurf®, the leader of the sports turf industry, has added industry veteran C.J. Collins to its staff in California.

Collins, from Santa Rosa, joins AstroTurf® after years of experience selling synthetic turf in California, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon. In his new role, he will be responsible for sales in Northern California.

“C.J. brings tremendous depth of experience to our team,” said Bryan Peeples. “He will be an asset to our team, but more importantly, C.J. will be a valuable resource and advisor to schools and communities who are navigating the process of selecting, buying, and installing the best synthetic turf system.”

Collins has displayed a unique ability to work with clients and grow his territory like few other sales representatives. During an eight year period, Collins increased the amount of synthetic turf installed in his territory by 1,200%.

AstroTurf®, the inventor of the industry, is currently riding the crest of a similar wave, growing by nearly 300% in 2010. Among the latest major wins for the venerable company are Tropicana Field in Tampa, Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, and fields at Stanford and Oregon State.

“I am proud to be part of an organization with the incredible history AstroTurf® has,” said Collins. “They have a proven track record, and because of their superior product lines, the most potential of any company in the industry.”
About AstroTurf®

ABOUT ASTROTURF®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

TWO FROM ASTROTURF RECEIVE CERTIFIED FIELD BUILDER DESIGNATION

2011-03-18T10:25:00.003-04:00

(DALTON, Georgia) - In an ongoing commitment to provide the best sports fields in the world, two AstroTurf® construction managers have attained the designation of Certified Field Builder.

John McSweeney, Director of Construction in the Midwest Region, and Craig Shonk, Director of Construction in the Central Region, earned the designation from the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) for passing a comprehensive exam on field building and maintenance and fulfilling prescribed standards of experience through a high level of experience in field construction.

The designation was created by the ASBA to help raise standards of field construction.

“We are proud of the work by John and Craig,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “Through their dedication and commitment to building the perfect field, AstroTurf® is setting the bar as the leader in the sports field industry.”

McSweeney joined AstroTurf® in April 2009. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Lawrence Technological University. McSweeney has over 20 years experience in all aspects of the construction industry and lives in Trenton, Michigan.

Shonk has been with AstroTurf® since July 2008. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Central Missouri State University. He brings over 15 years of general contracting and construction management experience and lives in Grain Valley, Missouri.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

ASTROTURF RECOGNIZES WAKE FOREST COACH TOM WALTER AS A COACH, MENTOR, AND HERO

2011-02-09T19:34:00.004-05:00

(WINSTON-SALEM, NC) - For any ballplayer in any sport, coaches represent some of the most influential role models. Some even transcend that label and become heroes to those they coach.

Tom Walter is one of those special coaches.

Walter, the head baseball coach at Wake Forest University, took the helm in Winston-Salem in 2009. He made a commitment to help build a championship team.

In 2010, Walter’s diligence led him to become an expert on synthetic turf, and he chose AstroTurf® as the surface that would help take his team to the next level.

Right around the time the new AstroTurf® field was being installed, Walter displayed that same diligence in making a life-changing decision in order to help save a life.

Kevin Jordan, a highly-touted outfielder from Columbus, Georgia, was one of the first players Walter recruited when he came to Wake Forest.

During the winter of senior year in high school, Jordan still battled the lingering effects of the flu. He lost over 20 pounds.

After visiting doctors at Emory University, Jordan learned that his kidney was functioning at only 15-20% of capacity. He was still drafted by the New York Yankees, but by the time he entered Wake Forest, he was undergoing dialysis treatments three days a week.

A Wake Forest physician found that Kevin’s kidney function had dropped to 8%, and with the help of the training staff at Wake Forest, he was taught to self-administer the dialysis treatments.

Kevin was eventually diagnosed with ANCA Vasculitis, a type of autoimmune swelling caused by autoantibodies.

Doctors informed Kevin that a kidney transplant would be the next step, but none of his family members matched.

Coach Walter had taken time to learn about the disease and offered to undergo compatibility testing in December. On January 28, which was the first day of spring baseball practice, Coach Walter got the call that he was a match.

So, on Monday, January 7, when most people were reliving the Super Bowl and talking about the commercials, Tom Walter was donating a kidney in Atlanta to help save Kevin Jordan.

"First and foremost, Kevin even showing up on our campus I thought was a courageous act on his part, certainly far more courageous than anything I'm doing," said Walter "For him to be a freshman in college, not knowing anybody on campus, and having to be in a room on dialysis, I think just took an incredible . . . the word I keep coming back to is courage. When we recruit our guys, we talk about family and we talk about making sacrifices for one another, for our teammates. So, it's something we take very seriously. And I think this is something anybody would do for a family member. So long as I had the support of my family, which I have had great support from them, the support of (athletic director) Ron Wellman and Wake Forest University. And they have been nothing but great. Ron was very receptive to this. And my team. Those were the three factors. Once I had the support of my family, Wake Forest and Ron Wellman and my players, it was a no-brainer."

Walter downplayed his sacrifice as a decision to be made without question.

"I would do anything to help any one of my players and any one of my family members," said Walter. "Anything that I could do in my power that I could do to give them a better quality of life, is something I want to do. Maybe it's something as little as helping mentor them in their academic pursuits or help them choose a major, or something of a greater magnitude like this. But my number one priorities in life are my family and my team and I will do anything to help any one of those people."

Both patients are doing well and are expecting to fully recover. Walter will miss a couple of early scrimmage games, but will be there as soon as he is able.

Jordan hopes to start swinging a bat in a couple of months and work from there. If all goes well, he plans to re-enter school during the summer in preparation for the Fall.

”Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin, Tom, and their families,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “We are so proud to be able to work with people like this. Beyond being a great athlete and a great coach, they are great human beings.”

Wake Forest will play its first home game on the AstroTurf® in Winston-Salem on February 22, against Western Carolina.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY PRODUCES TOP PROSPECTS WHO HAVE ACHIEVED ON ASTROTURF

2011-02-03T11:21:00.004-05:00

(DALTON, GEORGIA) - National Signing Day is the equivalent of Christmas morning for the college football fan.

The 2011 version did not disappoint.

According to rivals.com, the top 10 recruiting classes for 2011 were Alabama, Florida State, Texas, USC, Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Ohio State.

Of those, four schools either currently utilize AstroTurf® practice fields or will utilize them to prepare for the 2011 football season.

Literally hundreds of recruits who signed letters of intent today played their high school football on AstroTurf® playing fields.

Among those, were some players wielding significant playing skills.

Jeoffrey Pagan, a highly touted defensive end out of Asheville High School in North Carolina signed with Alabama as a member of the nation’s highest rated recruiting class.

Paul Lang, a tight end out of Mount Lebanon High School in Pennsylvania inked his papers with Michigan State University. Also signing with Michigan State was Jack Allen from Hinsdale Central in Illinois.

Muleshoe, Texas, standout Copper Washington had committed to Oklahoma as early as a year ago, but changed his mind and signed with the Red Raiders of Texas, Tech.

Keenan Hale, a wide receiver from the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has committed to play for the Syracuse Orangemen.

Ridgeland High School in Georgia produced two big SEC recruits. Receiver Devin Bowman has signed with the Georgia Bulldogs and defensive end Mason Harris will play for Steve Spurrier at the University of South Carolina.

David Helton, a star linebacker at The Baylor School in Tennessee, will play for the Duke Blue Devils.

Texas powerhouse Brenham High School produced five players who signed scholarships. Among them were defensive end Brandon Alexander who will attend Texas A&M, Rodney Hubert an SMU signee, and John Poehlmann, who will play for Rice.

AstroTurf® is proud to have been a part of their high school playing careers and is excited to see which top performers will emerge as a result of practicing and playing on AstroTurf® at the college level.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

TAMPA BAY RAYS SELECT ASTROTURF® FOR NEW PLAYING SURFACE AT TROPICANA FIELD

2011-01-27T09:20:00.006-05:00

(ST. PETERSBURG, FL) - Attempting to improve on winning two American League East titles in the past three seasons, the Tampa Bay Rays are not only building a championship team, they are building a championship field.

The Rays announced that they have begun installation of a new, American-made, AstroTurf® field at the 1.1 million square foot Tropicana Field.
“The AstroTurf® fiber and in-fill systems contain the very latest technology and will provide our players the best playing surface available,” said Rays President Matt Silverman. “Our players had the opportunity to work out on the new turf, and their opinions contributed to our decision to install AstroTurf®.”
The Rays played on synthetic turf surfaces since their inaugural season in 1998, but the change to AstroTurf® means they will be playing on the most advanced surface in the world today.

The AstroTurf® installation at Tropicana Field has already begun and will be ready for play when the Rays open the season against the Baltimore Orioles on April 1st.

AstroTurf® is the Official Synthetic Turf for Major League Baseball and is also used by the Toronto Blue Jays.

“To receive such a designation comes with requirements,” said Howard Smith, Senior Vice President, Licensing, Major League Baseball. “AstroTurf® produces a very high quality product, and we’re glad to see the Rays get a brand new, top of the line field.”

The field will be AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D60H. GameDay Grass™, in an independent study at Michigan State University and funded by NFL Charities, was determined to perform more like natural grass than other synthetic surface tested.

It also features the innovative, fully-tested Horseshoe fiber. The Horseshoe shape, an Omega or “C”, with a dual-column design, imparts unrivaled mechanical memory to the fiber. The fiber remains “upright” longer. The Horseshoe fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, providing players with a grass-like, uniform, predictable playing field.

An upright fiber has the best aesthetics and playability.

-Fibers that tend to lay over, wear out sooner. The Horseshoe is thicker and stronger, not just at the spine. This creates a more durable field.

-The Horseshoe fiber is made with the “XQ” polymer. It is tough, but not on athletes. The XQ polymer has been used successfully for years around the globe, and when in combination with proper field fiber density and infill height, has never failed. The same cannot be said for the many failures associated with non-QX polymer, “spined” field fields, especially in high UV areas.

-Light is properly reflected, resulting in better looking field, both live an on film.

-Ball roll is similar in performance to natural grass.

-Low slide resistance is assured, eliminating rug burns.

-Footing is uniform and predictable.

-Cleats penetrate and “release” properly for good biomechanical function.
In addition to the strength of the fiber, the AstroTurf® 3D60H system features 60 ounces of fiber per square yard, the most of any synthetic surface.

Further enhancing the durability and safety of the field is the proprietary RootZone®, a dense sub-layer of nylon fibers which act as an infill stabilizer system to prevent migration and splash of the rubber granule infill.

Many collegiate and high school teams, as well as municipalities, are making the change to AstroTurf® baseball fields, all of which have the Major League Baseball endorsement. In addition to Toronto, some of those include Wichita State, Duke, Kansas, James Madison University, and Wake Forest.

“We are proud to be working with the Rays organization,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “Our hope is that this field will be a source of pride for players and fans and that the team excels at playing on such an incredible field.”

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. AstroTurf® offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging a vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com. You can also check out AstroTurf® on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AstroTurf/124352067595110.

ALABAMA AND MICHIGAN STATE SET TO SQUARE OFF ON ASTROTURF AT THE CAPITAL ONE BOWL

2010-12-29T11:08:00.008-05:00

(ORLANDO, Fl) – During last year’s Capital One Bowl between Penn State and LSU, a field that is utilized to full capacity showed the effects of both wear and weather by virtually disintegrating on national television and turned into a mud pit. Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium has since undergone significant renovations, including the addition of a new AstroTurf® field.

Below are facts about the new surface that Alabama and Michigan State will play on at this year’s Capital One Bowl.

Following are some facts and figures about AstroTurf® and the GameDay Grass™ surface they will be playing on.

Facts About AstroTurf®

• Astroturf® originated synthetic turf in 1965.

• AstroTurf® is the first vertically integrated turf company, supervising the product from raw material selection through installation.

• The rubber infill system uses recycled tires, keeping about 20,000 tires per field from being placed in landfills.

• TurfAide™ is a factory-applied microbial protection for AstroTurf® systems, protecting against MRSA and other bacteria.

• AstroFlect™ reduces surface temperatures of AstroTurf® fields by as much as 20% compared to other synthetic fields.

• AstroTurf® fields save between 500,000 – 1,000,000 gallons of water usage per year.

• AstroTurf® fields can accommodate 3-4 times the amount of play of natural grass fields, with little or no downtime for maintenance.

• AstroTurf® fields reduce maintenance costs, man-hours, and use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals.

• AstroTurf® provides 60 lb. pile-weight fields, the heaviest in the industry.

• An independent study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL charities, determined AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ performs most like natural grass.

• AstroTurf® fields are safe. An NCAA study found injury rates of 4.4% on natural grass and 3.5% on synthetic turf during practice. Rates for games were 11.5% and 11.4%, respectively.

• In 2010, BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, completed an eco-efficiency analysis which compared AstroTurf® and natural grass over 20 years in terms of 11 environmental impact categories and life cycle costs. The study found that AstroTurf® has less of an environmental impact than any natural grass fields. The only natural grass fields which tested better were those that could host over 140 events per year, a virtually unheard of number. Also, costs over 20 years, even factoring in turf replacement, were 15% less with AstroTurf® fields.

• AstroTurf® took a major step for the industry in 2010 by formally partnering with the University of Tennessee to open the $1.5 million dollar Center for Safer Athletic Fields, a research and testing facility.

AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D60X Features:

• The Game Day Grass™ 3D “Extreme” surface is a combination of three styles of fiber; two polyethylene fibers for superior aesthetics and play and a nylon RootZone®.

• The system includes parallel-fibrillated slit-film polyethylene fiber technology, the toughest in the industry, and:

• Horseshoe fiber for grass-like looks and playability. The Horseshoe fiber design, introduced in 2010, is a dual-post, thick monofilament fiber, which is very resilient. The Horseshoe design improves fiber memory and allows for a higher tuft bind, resulting in less fiber slippage. The fibers also absorb less heat from sunlight, lowering surface temperatures.

• Patented nylon RootZone®, providing better shock absorbency while minimizing infill migration. RootZone® is a dense fiber sub-layer that traps the rubber infill granules. This minimizes rubber ‘splash’, providing a more uniform, predictable and safer field of play.

• Coated with an industry-best polyurethane secondary backing system, featuring BioCel™ technology, for superior tuft lock and dimensional strength. BioCel™ utilizes soybean-based polyols, reducing dependence on foreign oils.

CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL HITS THE ASTROTURF

2010-12-28T09:34:00.003-05:00

Check out North Carolina State facing off against West Virginia on the AstroTurf at the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando. 6:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.

Here is a link to an article in today's Orlando paper about the game.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/os-citrus-bowl-second-chance-1228-20101227,0,6970777.story

VAN HORN BRINGS HOME FOOTBALL ON NEW ASTROTURF®

2010-10-06T19:32:00.001-04:00

(Independence, Missouri) - Some players on the Van Horn High School football team weren’t even alive when the Falcons last hosted a home game on their own field.

That will all change this Saturday, October 9, at noon, as Van Horn hosts Maranatha Academy for homecoming on the new AstroTurf® field.

Being able to host games, football practices, soccer practices and games, band practice, and physical education classes were some of the reasons prompting the installation of the new field. With a grass field, it’s impossible to host that many events.

Van Horn has a new AstroTurf® field, and a second AstroTurf® field has just been completed for use by the junior high schools.

“We did a lot of comparison shopping,” said Assistant Superintendent Jason Dial. “And we felt AstroTurf® provided the best product for the money.”

Dial cited the professionalism and hard work of the installation crew during the oppressive summer heat. He also said the material, workmanship, and quality of the field were second-to-none.

While Dial is excited about the product, he’s also excited about what else the field will do for Van Horn High School.

“This field is something for the community to rally behind,” said Dial. “Not only can we now host home games, it gives the school a new face and a new culture. It will allow the community to be a part of the school.”

The new field at Van Horn High School is AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D, the most state-of-the-art synthetic field system on the market today.

In addition to a consistent and durable surface, AstroTurf® also provides an environmentally friendly surface.

GameDay Grass™ 3D utilizes a rubber infill system, composed of highly-durable rubber, extracted from post-consumer recycled tires by certified recyclers all across the U.S., keeping up to 20,000 tires from being placed in landfills. These materials have been rigorously tested by the international scientific communities for both environmental and human health hazards and have been found to pose no risks.

The super-stable, multi-ply primary backing systems are covered with a heavy polyurethane, environmentally-friendly BioCel™ coating for uniformity, consistency and precise performance across the entire field. The BioCel™ system provides further environmental benefits in that it employs highly-refined coal fly ash and bio-based polyols from soybeans.

The typical, well-maintained grass field can use anywhere from 500,000-1,000,000 gallons of water per year. The AstroTurf® field eliminates that need, as well as the need for pesticides and other chemicals.

AstroTurf® has made an investment in furthering research on synthetic turf and natural grass fields and partnered with the University of Tennessee to create The Center for Safer Athletic Fields. Additionally, in a study at Michigan State University funded by NFL Charities, an AstroTurf® product was determined to perform most like natural grass.

AstroTurf® is also the only synthetic turf company that makes the product from start to finish, making it the only vertically integrated company in the industry.

“We are proud of our partnership with the Independence School District and Van Horn High School,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “The athletes who play there will now represent their sport on the gold standard of synthetic playing fields. We are happy to be part of the future Van Horn’s athletic success.”

About AstroTurf®
AstroTurf® is the world leader in synthetic turf. For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

RAMS BEAT SEAHAWKS ON NEW ASTROTURF® FIELD

2010-10-05T09:27:00.002-04:00

(ST. LOUIS, Missouri) - The St. Louis Rams defeated the Seattle Seahawks 20-3 on the brand new AstroTurf® field at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

The Rams are 2-1 at home and 2-2 on the season, winning back-to-back games for the first time since 2008.

The Rams’ new field is AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D60H, the most advanced synthetic turf system on the market today. The surface most closely resembles and plays like natural grass, and is the most durable field available.

The Edward Jones Dome also features the new Magic Carpet™ II system. The field features 73,000 square feet of AstroTurf®, weighing 100,000 pounds. Many times, staff at the Edward Jones Dome has to convert the facility a football setup to host events such as concerts.

The Magic Carpet II system features a hydraulic winch system in the pit of the floor. Blowers blow air between the floor and the AstroTurf®, reducing friction when rolling up the one-piece field. The field can be stored or rolled out in about an hour.

The Rams did a little Magic Carpet work of their own on Sunday.

Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford was 23-41 with 289 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, to lead the Rams offense.

The big story, though, was the accomplishment of seven-year Rams running back Steven Jackson.

Jackson, who was questionable for the game, had 70 yards on 22 carries. In his effort, he overtook Marshall Faulk as the Rams’ number two all-time rusher.

Jackson reached 6,991 yards, leaving him just behind Hall-of-Famer Eric Dickerson, who had 7,245 yards from 1983-87.

The St. Louis defense provided much-needed help, shutting down the Seahawks. The defense had four sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble.

The Rams are on the road next week as they face the Lions in Detroit.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and astroflect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

SOYBEANS USED TO MAKE ASTROTURF® FIELDS

2010-09-30T15:18:00.006-04:00

This story appeared this week on the Wisconsin Ag Connection web page.

As many professional and college football players step onto the field this fall, they will trod on soy, even if they don't know it. Many professional and college football teams have switched to AstroTurf® that features soy-based backing. The use of soy replaces petrochemicals, providing a safer product to handle during installation and offering flame-retardant qualities over the turf's lifetime. The new AstroTurf® product, known as GameDay Grass™ 3-D, uses soy-based backing material made by Universal Textile Technologies in Georgia.

For example, this soy-based product was installed at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, home of the St. Louis Rams. Other teams that play on fields using the soybeans grown in U.S. fields include the Buffalo Bills and Duke and Wichita State University baseball teams. In addition to athletic fields for sports like football, soccer and field hockey, the artificial turf is gaining popularity on golf courses and for residential uses.

The soy-based turf includes AstroTurf® with BioCel™ technology, a soy-based unitary polyurethane backing system developed with help from the United Soybean Board (USB). BioCel technology utilizes soybean oil to replace petroleum-based polymers with soybean oil, which can help reduce dependence on foreign petrochemicals and provide environmental benefits.

Soy plays a crucial role in the performance of the turf. The soy polyurethane backing is unaffected by moisture and can be perforated for enhanced drainage. The turf backing has low volatile organic compounds. Soy polymers, like the ones used in turf backing to replace petrochemicals, represent one large potential market for soybeans.

This year, all of the industrial uses for soybeans will use between 1.15 and 1.35 billion pounds of soybean oil, or the oil from nearly 120 million bushels. That's up from 80 million bushels used in 2006.

DON AND GERRY OLESON HONORED FOR MAKING $1 MILLION ASTROTURF® DONATION FOR THIRLBY FIELD IN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

2010-09-17T09:42:00.007-04:00

By James Cook Traverse City Record-Eagle

TRAVERSE CITY — Two football games were played at Thirlby Field on Friday, but it could be said that the biggest happening of the night came between the contests.

That's when Don and Gerry Oleson were honored at the 50-yard line for their donation of approximately $1 million to install (AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ MT) artificial turf at Thirlby Field and finish renovations to the stadium.

With the Central, West and St. Francis bands playing, the pair were presented framed aerial photos of the refurbished facility with swaths of artificial turf under the picture. They also received letters of appreciation from the city and lifetime sports passes from Traverse City Area Public Schools.

TC West coach Tim Wooer said the (AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ MT) artificial surface is great now, but will be appreciated even more as the season progresses when Thirlby Field typically turned to mud.

"We love it," Wooer said. "We'll love it more each week. It'll be a lot nicer week nine than it is week three. We're very fortunate to have the Oleson family in our community. They do so much more than just turf for our community."

MAYOR RICHARD M. DALEY DEDICATES NEW ASTROTURF® FIELD AT CHICAGO'S CALUMET PARK

2010-09-16T09:56:00.003-04:00

CHICAGO, IL – Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Tim Mitchell, 10th Ward Alderman John A. Pope and representatives of the Parkways Foundation joined members of the community today in dedicating the new (AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ XPe) artificial turf athletic field in Calumet Park, 9801 S. Avenue G.

"We are excited about this new athletic field because it offers the youth and families of this community a state-of-the-art place to play and view games," said Mayor Daley. "Having safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities to engage children and adolescents throughout the year is so important in keeping our young people off of the street."

The new field at Calumet Park, which cost approximately $940,000, is just one example of successful public-private partnerships occurring throughout the city to renovate and improve recreational facilities and programs for Chicago's youth.

"In these uncertain economic times, the completion of new facilities would not be possible without the assistance of great partners such as the Parkways Foundation," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent Tim Mitchell.

The construction and design costs were supported in part by the Parkways Foundation, which contributes funds for Chicago Park District's artificial turf program. Parkways Foundation is the philanthropic partner of the Chicago Park District that works to enhance and improve Chicago's neighborhood parks through capital improvements, funding youth programs and historic preservation.

The new field measures at 340' x 225' and is marked so that it can be broken up into two smaller soccer fields to accommodate two games for smaller children.

The construction along the perimeter will also serve as a back ground for fans to sit on and watch the game in a setting similar to a stadium atmosphere.

The Chicago Park District currently has 11 full-size artificial turf regulation athletic fields, 11 junior-size artificial turf fields, with two more planned for next year. Athletic fields at North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., and Marquette Park, 6734 S. Kedzie Ave., are scheduled for rehabilitation later this season.

With such heavily utilized fields, the Chicago Park District benefits greatly from constructing artificial turf athletic fields. The fields save maintenance costs by eliminating the use of harmful pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides and decrease the amount of mowing and reseeding. They also conserve water as a typical soccer or football field can use between 2.5 and 3.5 million gallons of water annually.

Finally, (AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ XPe) artificial turf is engineered to play and feel like natural grass. It is designed to be stable, firm, not spongy, non-abrasive and uniform in traction, so it could actually help decrease the frequency of injuries to players.

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA SHOWS FOOTBALL SKILLS ON ASTROTURF®

2010-09-10T15:58:00.006-04:00

NEW ORLEANS – The newest football star to play on an AstroTurf® field is First Lady Michelle Obama.

The NFL’s Play 60 campaign made a stop at Brock Elementary School in New Orleans last Wednesday. The event boasted such luminaries as the First Lady, Taylor Swift, Eddie George, and Deuce McAllister.

The Play 60 campaign is designed to tackle childhood obesity by getting kids active through in-school, afterschool and team-based programs, online-targeted outreach on NFLRUSH.com, and many partnerships with like-minded organizations.

AstroTurf®, the leader in the synthetic turf industry, created the field that accompanies the Play 60 program on visits throughout the country.

“We’re proud to have been associated with such a great program that is making a difference in the lives of children throughout our country,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “It’s also pretty cool that Mrs. Obama showed some nifty moves on the field and encouraged the kids.”

Mrs. Obama played football with the kids in attendance and gave them some words of wisdom regarding a healthy lifestyle.

"We want you guys to grow up strong and healthy," Mrs. Obama told the children. "Anyone can be smart and funny, but if you're not in good health, we know that you will have a hard way to go."

DUKE BLUE DEVILS BASEBALL TEAM SET TO PLAY ON A NEW ASTROTURF® FIELD

2010-09-09T16:10:00.010-04:00

Durham N.C. (September 3, 2010) - The transformation has begun at Duke University’s Jack Coombs Field to replace the natural grass field with a new, state-of-the-art AstroTurf® surface.

Duke is joining the current trend that many other baseball teams are moving toward. In fact, AstroTurf® has installed a field for the Toronto Blue Jays this year and is The Official Turf for Major League Baseball. Wake Forest University is also in the process of installing a new AstroTurf® field.

The Blue Devils made the decision to replace the natural grass field with AstroTurf® to prevent future problems with drainage, to require less maintenance and provide a better playing surface.

After five years of mostly dry weather, the issue finally came to the surface, resulting in a need for additional options.

“This past winter and spring brought many drainage problems with the rain and cold temperatures,” explained Brad Berndt, Baseball Administrator and Associate Athletic Director. “The field became unplayable with just a trace of rain and we had to move and reschedule practices and games.”

After narrowing it down to three synthetic surface companies, Duke selected AstroTurf®.

“AstroTurf® made us feel like we were an individual client instead of a number,” said Berndt. “AstroTurf® was the most receptive and responsive to what we needed for our field, including the timeline we had to complete the project.”

For many of the players on the Duke University baseball team, it will not be the first time they have stepped foot on an AstroTurf® field.

“Some players from the current team have already played on synthetic turf and have had nothing but positive reactions,” said Berndt.

AstroTurf® will give Duke all the benefits that they were seeking, including year round playability, low maintenance and better drainage.

In addition, Duke hopes to gain a competitive advantage with a new field worthy of a championship team.

The new Jack Coombs Field will be AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D60H. The Horseshoe fiber in the field is a stronger, more durable fiber. The field will also include nylon RootZone® fibers which help to decrease infill migration over time. GameDay Grass™ provides a safer, more consistent surface and has been found by a study at Michigan State University to perform most like real grass.

Construction is now underway, with a completion date of October 27th.

MORE TEAMS DEBUT ON ASTROTURF® WITH VICTORIES

2010-09-07T10:53:00.006-04:00

DALTON, GA – Pom-Poms, whistles, bands, and the crash of pads……..football season is finally in full swing at most schools around the country.

Several more high school celebrated the debut of new AstroTurf® fields with their first home game this past Friday.

Among the many winners were five programs celebrating big home opener victories.

Texas high school powerhouse, Brenham, defeated Lamar Consolidated 28-3. Running back Troy Green had 135 yards and two TDs, following up last week’s performance of 144 yards and two TDs.

Mount Lebanon High School in Pennsylvania has played on AstroTurf® surfaces at home for 37 years. They started off the right way on their new field with a 34-22 victory over Pine-Richland.

Another Texas power, Muleshoe High School, played their first game on AstroTurf®, defeating Portales, New Mexico 49-8. Muleshoe racked up over 500 yards in total offense.

Ramona High School in California wasted little time putting their AstroTurf® field to good use. They returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown in a 34-17 win over Serra.

Science Hill High School in Tennessee, may be most famous as the alma mater of the Evil Genius, Steve Spurrier. The school christened a new AstorTurf® field last Friday, as the Hilltoppers beat Volunteer High School 49-13.

In college action, Jacksonville University in Florida is coached by Florida great Kerwin Bell. While they have yet to play on their new AstroTurf® field, they did secure the victory on another AstroTurf® field by beating Old Dominion 35-25.

The Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium’s new AstroTurf® field was recently completed and hosted this weekend’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge between Southern University and Delaware State University. Southern University rose to the challenge, winning 37-27.

BRENHAM OPENS ON NEW ASTROTURF® FIELD TONIGHT

2010-09-03T10:29:00.012-04:00

BRENHAM, TEXAS - If synthetic turf fields were jewels, the new AstroTurf® field at Cub Stadium in Brenham would be the Hope Diamond.

Just ask Coach Glen West.

The new surface, which was signed off on last Wednesday, began hosting practices and junior varsity games right away.

“It’s amazing,” said Coach West. “This is like a perfect grass field. It looks as close to natural grass as I’ve ever seen. “

Coach West has seen his share of artificial turf fields. In fact, his team will not play at all on growing grass this year. He says there are good companies that make good fields, but nothing compares to the Cubs’ new field.

The field is made of AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D60H, the most state-of-the-art field available. The turf offers several unique features.

First, the 60-ounce pile weight is the highest in the industry. Second, the Horeshoe fibers are a dual-post, stronger, cross-section fiber. The fiber reduces fiber stacking and allows for a higher tuft bind, resulting in less fiber slippage.

For the Cubs, this means they will be playing on a safer, more consistent field which looks and performs more like growing grass than any other surface.

Coach West has noticed some other things, as well.

“I’ve been surprised at the fact that flyout of the crumb rubber infill has been absolutely minimal,” he said. “The ball bounces more closely resemble what you would see on natural grass.”

He is also happy with what the field has meant in practice.

“Anytime you’re on something that’s perfectly done, it’s easier to be in precision,” he said. “With receiver routes based on landmarks, the field is perfectly lined, so we have landmarks that don’t change. If you’re telling your defensive backs to drop to the numbers, the placement of the numbers is consistent all over the field.”

He also says that weather doesn’t worry him as much during practice anymore. If it looks like it’s going to rain too much, he can still practice on the AstroTurf®

In addition to the benefits for the program and its athletes, AstroTurf® can also provide the Cubs and other organizations with several benefits of an environmental nature.

According to the Synthetic Turf Council, a typical, well-maintained grass field can use anywhere from 500,000 – 1,000,000 gallons of water per year. The AstroTurf® field eliminates that need, as well as the need for pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals.

AstroTurf® fields utilize a high-performance, polyurethane backing system called BioCel™, which employs highly refined coal fly ash, a by-product of coal-fired power plants, and bio-based polyols from soybeans.

The technology in AstroTurf® products can provide an additional 18 points toward LEED Certification.

Also, the crumb rubber infill systems used in AstroTurf® fields can keep 20,000 tires out of landfills.

Two other strong features of some AstroTurf® fields are TurfAide™, a non-chemical, antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures.

“AstroTurf® systems are developed with the athlete in mind, while developing the science behind the sport,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®.

AstroTurf® has made an investment in furthering research on synthetic turf fields and partnered with the University of Tennessee to create The Center for Safer Athletic Fields.

Additionally, in a study at Michigan State University funded by NFL Charities, an AstroTurf® product was determined to perform most like natural grass.

“We are excited about participating in the Cub Stadium project with the people of Brenham,” said Peeples. “We want to see the athletes perform at peak levels and see the growth of sports in the area because of this field.”

The first varsity game will be tonight, Friday, September 3, when the Cubs host Lamar Consolidated.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

SCHOOLS WITH NEW ASTROTURF® FIELDS KICK OFF SEASON WITH VICTORIES

2010-08-31T09:41:00.012-04:00

For several high schools around the country, this past weekend was special for a few reasons.

First, it marked the first game of the 2010 season. Second, it marked the opening game on brand new, state-of-the-art AstroTurf® fields. Finally, it was all topped off with a victory celebration.

“It’s great to see these schools come out victorious,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “They made a commitment to install the finest playing surface on the planet, and it looks like they’ve also made a commitment to win.”

Baltimore area private school Calvert Hall College High School kicked it all off at Kelly Field with a victory over St. John’s D.C. 24-7. Calvert Hall was one of the first schools in the Baltimore area to have a synthetic turf field, but recently replaced the older surface thanks to a generous donation from Senator Francis X. Kelly.

In Missouri, Lee’s Summit West High School was victorious on the AstroTurf® in their first game. The Titans defeated Raymore-Peculiar by a score of 21-13.

Lovejoy High School christened the new field at Tara Stadium in Jonesboro, Georgia, with a victory over Mundy’s Mill by a score of 27-0.

Following a true test against a tough opponent, Pius X High School in Lincoln, Nebraska chalked up a victory. In a double-overtime thriller, the Thunderbolts completed a two-yard pass to defeat Omaha Gross 14-7.

Ridgeland High School in Rossville, Georgia, dedicated their new field Friday night with great expectations for the winners of two consecutive region championships. Down 19-16 to Adairsville, with a little over four minutes to play, the Panthers converted two touchdowns to come back and win 30-19.

Rome High School, another Georgia school now playing on AstroTurf®, opened on a new field with a new coach against a new high school and came out on top over John’s Creek High School 10-0.

Troy High School in Michigan cruised to an easy win over Romeo by a score of 31-7. Another Troy school, Troy Athens High School won its first home game in two years by defeating Warren Mott 31-19.

This weekend will mark even more debut games for schools with new AstroTurf® fields and, hopefully, they will all come away with a big win.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with Root Zone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and astroflect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY INCREASES PLAYING TIME WITH NEW MULTI-PURPOSE ASTROTURF® FIELD

2010-08-25T16:43:00.007-04:00

ALLENDALE, Michigan - With 19 varsity teams participating in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Grand Valley State University boasts over 24,000 students. And all of those students need a place to play.

Varsity sports usually get all the attention and publicity, but providing for the sports needs of the student body as a whole is a major focus at places like GVSU.

This fall, students will be using an all-new AstroTurf® field recently installed on the campus. The field will be utilized for soccer, rugby and lacrosse. The all new GameDay Grass™ that they will be playing on will benefit a growing number of students.

“We had 196 dedicated bookings with an average of about 50 people on the field before it was artificial,” said Scott Whisler, Project Manager at GVSU. “All 24,000 GVSU students will have access to the field, as well as camps for outside schools and organizations. With the new AstroTurf® field, playing time will be extended as far as daytime hours and longer seasons.

The Synthetic Turf Council has stated that most turf grass facility managers recommend a limit of 680-816 hours of use per year during a three-season window on natural grass fields. With synthetic turf, those fields can be utilized up to 3,000 hours per year without any downtime on the field.

Whisler also said that the old field didn’t drain well and weather was a factor, combined with wear-and-tear after heavy use. Lower maintenance and a safer playing surface for students were also major factors in necessitating a change.

When it came to the field surface, AstroTurf® was selected over several competitors in a competitive bid process.

“The GVSU design committee spent a lot of time evaluating and comparing several products and narrowed our product selections to three bidders, “said Whisler. “AstroTurf® was selected as a bidder because we were impressed with the manufacturing process, as well as the look and feel of the product. Positive references from the construction manager were also an influence.”

“We’re proud to partner with Grand Valley State University in this project,” said Rich Jordan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with AstroTurf®. “This is an opportunity to provide more access for more people on the finest playing surface available.”

So, while GVSU’s varsity teams work toward championship programs, the entire student body has won in the effort to create better recreational opportunities.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and astroflect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

MULESHOE HIGH SCHOOL KICKS INTO HIGH GEAR WITH ASTROTURF®

2010-08-10T14:36:00.005-04:00

To say that high school football in Texas is big is an understatement. To have played high school football in Texas is special and something one never forgets.

In the words of one of the fictional players from the movie “Friday Night Lights”, “It carries you forever.”

The memories of the players at Muleshoe High School will be cemented forever this fall as they take the field on the new AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™3D playing surface.

This year’s senior class carries an impressive record of 35-3, with a state championship in 2008, into the 2010 season. Their expectations for the 2010 season and the field are equally high.

In addition to expectations, there is a tremendous level of excitement.

“The kids are excited and the community is excited,” said Head Coach and Athletic Director David Wood. “We’ve played on a lot of turf fields, but none like this one.”

Wood said there were several reasons for selecting AstroTurf®.

First, according to Wood, there is a trend in Texas toward schools making the change to synthetic surfaces and they wanted the best product available.

Second, Wood says he expects fewer injuries. The NCAA conducted a study with schools across the country that compared injury rates between natural and synthetic turf. The injury rate in practice was 4.4% on natural turf, and 3.5% on synthetic turf. The rates during games were 11.5% and 11.4%, respectively. AstroTurf® has proven to be a safe surface and according to a Michigan State University study funded by NFL Charities, AstroTurf® performs most like natural grass.

Weather was another factor. Wood says that practices missed due to weather can set the program back in its development. AstroTurf® fields don’t have that problem.

Finally, location played a major role. The water table in the Texas panhandle is lower, so water usage to keep a field in pristine playing condition is limited. According to the Synthetic Turf Council, a well-maintained field can use 500,000 to one million gallons of water per year. AstroTurf® eliminates that need.

“We are proud to be partners with Muleshoe High School in providing this field for such a great team,” said Chad Feris, Director of Sales for AstroTurf®. “They are getting the best field on the market and we are looking forward to seeing the Mules achieve even greater success.”

The field and new track are expected to be completed in the next few days and Wood says he and his players can’t wait. As soon as the field is complete, he plans to have the Mules practicing on the surface for their next state championship.

The road to that title begins the last week in August and the Mules will play on their new AstroTurf® field for the first time against Portales, New Mexico, on September 6th.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and astroflect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

Mount Lebanon High School in Pennsylvania Gets Fourth AstroTurf® Field in 37 Years

2010-08-03T21:37:00.004-04:00

At Mount Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh, the athletic directors don’t measure their tenure in years served, but in the number of AstroTurf® fields their teams have played on.

For 37 years, Mount Lebanon football players have played on AstroTurf ® surfaces. That makes the Blue Devils one of the longest running relationships with AstroTurf® in the world of high school sports.

The latest incarnation of the field, and the fourth in school history, has just been installed and will be ready for action as the Blue Devils take the field against Pine-Richland on September 3rd.

The field is GameDay Grass™ and includes a unique combination of AstroTurf® diamond and horseshoe monofilament fibers designed by AstroTurf® to meet the specific needs of Mount Lebanon.

John Grogan, Athletic Director, has been at Mount Lebanon for 10 years and is excited about being there for his second AstroTurf® field, the most state-of-the-art field on the market.

“We’ve always had AstroTurf® fields,” said Grogan. “But a new field always creates excitement with the kids, the coaches and the community.”

Despite the history, AstroTurf® wasn’t a sure-thing. According to Grogan, the committee looked at several manufacturers, but ultimately chose AstroTurf® as the best option for the kids.

“We looked at every option,” said Grogan. “We looked at the fibers, infill, backing, safety issues and more. Everything, even the size of the fibers, made a difference.”

The new field also provides growth opportunities for the program.

“This is a quality product,” said Grogan. It’s extremely safe, it adds to the performance of our young athletes and it adds to their enjoyment of the game. That will cause our program to grow and see continued success.”

The success of Mount Lebanon is equally important to the people at AstroTurf®

“We are partners,” said Shamus Petrucelli, the AstroTurf® sales representative for Pennsylvania. “Over 37 years and four football fields, Mount Lebanon has selected our product as the best the industry has to offer. That is testimony to the commitment to excellence we have as a company and they have as a school. It’s a great partnership.”

It’s also a partnership Petrucelli hopes to see carried on for another 37 years.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and astroflect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

JOI PHILPOTT SERVES AS GENERAL COUNSEL FOR ASTROTURF®

2010-08-02T13:19:00.003-04:00

Joiava (“Joi”) Thomas Philpott serves as General Counsel for AstroTurf®, the inventor of and leader in synthetic athletic and landscape turf. She advises on intellectual property matters, business litigation, operations, manufacturing, international transactions and employment law.

In her position with AstroTurf®, Ms. Philpott deals with issues impacting a wide range of AstroTurf® customers including the St. Louis Rams, Major League Baseball and The Wynn in Las Vegas.

Prior to joining AstroTurf®, Ms. Philpott was Corporate Vice President and Senior Counsel at Charter Communications, where she oversaw compliance of franchise assets exceeding $9 billion. She graduated magna cum laude from Hampton University with a B.S. in business management. She then earned a J.D. and M.B.A. from American University. Most recently, Ms. Philpott completed an Executive Education Program at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government.

ASTROTURF® INSTALLATION IN FULL SWING AT FLORIDA CITRUS BOWL STADIUM

2010-07-30T12:14:00.006-04:00

The long-and-storied tradition of Orlando’s Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium will now see its future played out on AstroTurf®.

On June 21st, the Orlando City Council approved negotiations to allow the new, state-of-the-art AstroTurf® playing field to be installed. The installation process is well underway and is scheduled to be complete by September 5th for the Southern vs. Delaware State football game. You can see live video of the installation by going to www.astroturfusa.com.

“We at AstroTurf® are very pleased to have been chosen as the turf supplier for the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium,” said Rusty Russell, Southeastern Regional Sales Manager for AstroTurf®. “Their need for a championship playing field, coupled with the multiple-use needs of this facility required AstroTurf® to engineer the best surface solution for these unique demands.”

The Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium has hosted events ranging from the Capital One Bowl to high school championship games, major concerts and motorcross races, so the change to AstroTurf® is a critical component of keeping the stadium viable.

According to Russell, the company worked closely with Stantec, one of the world’s premier turf management and design firms and experts, to understand and respond to demanding performance requirements of the stadium’s surface.

AstroTurf® allows facilities the flexibility to host more events with less downtime and maintenance. Additionally, weather and its effect on the field play a reduced role. Ultimately, this translates into economic impact for the City of Orlando.

“This new AstroTurf® field is part of the City of Orlando’s $10 million investment in phase one improvements this year at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium,” said Orlando Venues Executive Director Allen Johnson. “These renovations will help the stadium remain competitive and allow us to sustain economic, educational and cultural opportunities here in Orlando for our residents and visitors.”

Florida Citrus Sports, an organization which hosts major events at the stadium, including the Capital One Bowl and the Champs Sports Bowl, will be one of the organizations which will benefit from the new field.

"We have been staging major events in the stadium for over 60 years where the athlete experience is of premium importance," said Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan. "A large number of events in a very short window have challenged the ability to provide optimum field conditions and paint schemes needed for national television. We are very excited about our ability to provide one of the safest, most technologically-advanced playing surfaces in the industry to our customer."

The Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium will employ AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D, the synthetic turf industry’s latest and most-advanced product in the evolution of sports playing surfaces.

GameDay Grass™ 3D utilizes a rubber infill system, composed of highly-durable rubber, extracted from post-consumer recycled tires by certified recyclers all across the U.S., keeping up to 20,000 tires from being placed in landfills. These materials have been rigorously tested by the international scientific communities for both environmental and human health hazards and have been found to pose no risks.

The super-stable, multi-ply primary backing systems are covered with a heavy polyurethane, environmentally-friendly BioCel™ coating for uniformity, consistency and precise performance across the entire field. The BioCel™ system provides further environmental benefits in that it employs highly-refined coal fly ash and bio-based polyols from soybeans.

The typical, well-maintained grass field can use anywhere from 500,000-1,000,000 gallons of water per year. The AstroTurf® field eliminates that need, as well as the need for pesticides and other chemicals.

The Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium turf will also feature astroflect™ technology, significantly reducing field surface temperatures.

AstroTurf® has made an investment in furthering research on synthetic turf and natural grass fields and partnered with the University of Tennessee to create The Center for Safer Athletic Fields. Additionally, in a study at Michigan State University funded by NFL Charities, an AstroTurf® product was determined to perform most like natural grass.

AstroTurf® is also the only synthetic turf company that makes the product from start to finish, making it the only vertically integrated company in the industry.

“We are proud of our partnership with the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “The athletes who play there will now represent their sport on the gold standard of synthetic playing fields. We are happy to be part of the future of the stadium.”

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and astroflect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

About Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium
Orlando’s Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium opened in 1936. The stadium currently seats 65,438, but can expand to accommodate more than 70,000 fans. The Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium hosts the Capital One Bowl, Champs Sports Bowl, neutral-site college football games, the UFL’s Florida Tuskers and Florida high school football state championships. In the past, the stadium has hosted the Tangerine Bowl, several professional football teams, NFL preseason games, World Cup and Olympic soccer matches and Wrestlemania.

JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY - ENTIRE STUDENT BODY TO BENEFIT FROM NEW ASTROTURF® FIELD

2010-07-29T11:48:00.004-04:00

As the Jacksonville Dolphins football team returns to D.B. Milne field this fall to play on the new AstroTurf® surface, there will be some very interested athletes watching.

The men’s and women’s lacrosse teams, as well as a variety of intramural athletes will be waiting their turn to play on the surface beginning in 2011.

“Putting in AstroTurf® helped us in a lot of ways,” said Alan Verlander, Director of Athletics. “Most importantly, it gives us greater flexibility with our fields and will assist in the development of the entire athletic program.”

The field is not only expected to aid in the recruiting of athletes for the football and lacrosse teams, Verlander expects it to have an impact on student recruitment, as well.

“This is going to impact the admissions office,” said Verlander. “Intramurals are important for a school our size and the field is going to be appealing to those students.”

Football coach Kerwin Bell is already learning the value the field has in recruiting players.

“When you tell kids about what this facility will be, the consistent reaction is that their ears perk up,” said Bell. “They are excited about the opportunity to play on this type of surface.”

Bell sees other advantages to the AstroTurf® field in comparison to the grass field. He cites weather, overuse of fields, and injuries as three major factors affecting the team. Verlander points to the size of the school and the fact that budgets don’t allow for five to eight people on a grounds crew like other places. The AstroTurf® surface should alleviate those concerns.

For Verlander and Bell, the biggest positives are going to be less maintenance, a more consistent level of play, the ability for other teams and students to use the field, and the possibility of a high school football game of the week and other events being played here.

Verlander says that the school chose AstroTurf® because, “They provide the best service and most flexibility in design and cost. We trust the people and the brand. At the end of the day, we feel as though they are head and shoulders above everyone else. They were not just looking to make a sale. They worked to give us what we wanted and continue to do so.”

In addition to the benefits for the program and its athletes, AstroTurf® can also provide Jacksonville and other organizations with several benefits of an environmental nature.

The typical, well-maintained grass field can use anywhere from 500,000 – 1,000,000 gallons of water per year. The AstroTurf® field eliminates that need, as well as the need for pesticides and other chemicals.

AstroTurf® fields utilize a high-performance, polyurethane backing system called BioCel™, which employs highly refined coal fly ash and bio-based polyols from soybeans. The technology in AstroTurf® products can provide an additional 12 points toward LEED Certification. Also, the infill systems used in AstroTurf® fields can keep up to 25,000 tires out of landfills.

Two other strong features of AstroTurf® are TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and astroflect™ technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures.

“AstroTurf® systems are developed with the athlete in mind, while developing the science behind the sport,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®.

AstroTurf® has made an investment in furthering research on synthetic turf fields and partnered with the University of Tennessee to create The Center for Safer Athletic Fields. Additionally, in a study at Michigan State University funded by NFL Charities, an AstroTurf® product was determined to perform most like natural grass.

“We are excited about entering into this project with Jacksonville University,” said Peeples. “We want to see the athletes perform at peak levels and see the university grow because of the quality of athletic facilities. Go Dolphins!”

About Jacksonville University
Florida’s Jacksonville University was founded in 1934. Over 3,500 students attend the school. The colors are green and white and the mascot is a Dolphin, making JU the first school in the nation to choose that mascot. Sports teams at JU participate in NCAA Division I athletics in the Atlantic Sun Conference, except for football, which plays in the Division I FCS Pioneer Football League. The President is Dr. Kerry D. Romesburg and the Athletic Director is Alan Verlander. Coaches for the football and men’s and women’s lacrosse teams are Kerwin Bell, Matt Kerwick and Mindy McCord, respectively.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the iconic AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and astroflect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.

TED HENDRICKS MEMORIAL STADIUM STILL REAPING THE BENFITS OF AN ASTROTURF® FIELD

2010-07-29T08:33:00.010-04:00

Just four short years ago, the management of Ted Hendricks Stadium in Hialeah, Florida, near Miami, had to limit the use of the field just to maintain its quality.

That meant fewer teams had the opportunity to utilize the field, revenues at the stadium did not live up to their potential and field quality was an ever-present concern.

Fast forward a little over three years into life with an AstroTurf® field. Playing time has increased, costs are down and revenues are up.

“Before AstroTurf®, we had lots of downtime,” according to Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Reggie Betancourt. “We needed it to get the field ready for every event. We literally had to bring it back to life.”

Those efforts were just during the season. It took as much as five to six months of post-season downtime to properly care for the field.

According to the Synthetic Turf Council, a grass field can use as much as 500,000-1,000,000 gallons of water per year. With synthetic turf, that part of the field maintenance effort is eliminated and that water can be conserved in the community.

The STC also says that most grass fields can accommodate 680-816 hours of play per year during a three-season window.

Synthetic turf can accommodate up to 3,000 hours of play each year with no down time, that’s the equivalent of 3-4 well-maintained grass fields.

In Dade County, that additional playing time is a must. There are currently 28 high schools in Dade County which play their football games in three different stadiums. In 2009, eight of those schools used Ted Hendricks Stadium for over 30 games. The stadium also hosts numerous soccer games, as well as the Copa Latina Soccer Tournament and numerous other athletic and community events.

Having those events at Ted Hendricks Stadium is now a source of community pride, according to Manny Ferrera, Parks and Recreation Director.

“This field is top notch compared to others,” according to Ferrera. “AstroTurf® was very professional, informative and attentive to our needs. We are happy with the results. We would recommend AstroTurf® to anyone wanting a turf field.”

AstroTurf® is the brand which invented the synthetic turf industry and has reinvented itself through products that perform more like natural grass.

“We have over 160,000,000 square feet of AstroTurf® in use all over the world,” according to AstroTurf® President Bryan Peeples. “We’re happy to be the company that installed the field at Ted Hendricks Stadium but we are even more knowing that field has contributed greatly to the development of young athletes in South Florida.”

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the iconic AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and Astroflect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures.

New Win For AstroTurf®~ Citrus Bowl

2010-06-22T09:14:00.005-04:00

AstroTurf® is really excited to bring their turf to the Citrus Bowl in Florida. Congratulations to AstroTurf® and to Orlando Parks and Recreation.

AstroTurf coming to Citrus Bowl

By Mark Schlueb, Orlando Sentinel
5:22 p.m. EDT, June 21, 2010

Grass is out and AstroTurf is going in at the Citrus Bowl stadium.

The Orlando City Council voted Monday to negotiate a contract with AstroTurf to install the artificial turf pioneer's fake grass at the Citrus Bowl stadium. The deal isn't final, but the vote all but guarantees that AstroTurf — rather than a competing artificial surface — will soon be underfoot at the stadium.

The decision follows a nationally televised debacle during the most recent Capital One and Champs Sports bowls, when players slid around on loose sod that had recently been laid down and was then deluged by heavy rainfs.

City officials say artificial turf is more durable and can handle multiple days of heavy use without the maintenance required by natural grass. Modern artificial turf isn't injury-prone like early incarnations, they said.

A competing company, Field Turf, complained that AstroTurf does not hold a Florida general contractor's license. But AstroTurf was the company recommended by Orlando's turf consultant.
Venues Director Allen Johnson said the company will work with a licensed contractor to put down the turf. "They'll have to meet whatever requirements there are to install the product on the field," Johnson said.

Negotiations will determine the final price, but it can't exceed the budget of $1.5 million, he said. The work is expected to be done by Sept. 1.

Follow this link to get the original story.

Ripken Experience to Add New Field

2010-06-16T15:33:00.001-04:00

MYRTLE BEACH – Extra Bases LLC, a joint venture between Ripken Baseball and Burroughs & Chapin, today announced plans to construct an additional 90-foot baseball diamond during the 2010 season at The Ripken Experience.

The field will be named Forbes Field after the historic former home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Chris Flannery, President of Ripken Baseball, Inc. said, “When we constructed The Ripken Experience we did it with the idea of continued growth.

Adding an additional 90-foot diamond allows us to host more young ballplayers and continue to enhance our programming.”

Forbes Field will be the complex’s third 90-foot diamond that is used for groups from 13 year old and up.

The two other 90-foot diamonds, Griffith Field and the Polo Grounds, have hosted over 2,000 games during their 5-year history.

The Ripken Experience operates youth baseball tournaments along with specialty programming.

The complex celebrated its 5,000th game during the 2009 season and was recognized by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce for its impact on sports tourism in Myrtle Beach.

“Today is a very proud day for Ripken Baseball and our partners at Burroughs & Chapin”, commented Ripken Experience General Manger Bobby Holland. “For years we have been turning away between 50 – 150 teams a year in our older age group programming due to space limitations at our complex. The addition of Forbes Field is going to afford more teams, players and families the opportunity to play at our complex and visit Myrtle Beach; it’s a win in every scenario.”

Construction of Forbes Field will begin this summer and the project will take approximately 2 months to complete.

The playing surface will be composed of a new synthetic surface known as Astroturf GameDay Grass 3D. The 40-year old company has over 160,000,000 square feet of turf in use worldwide.

Currently such professional and collegiate facilities using the material include the Toronto Blue Jays, Buffalo Bills and Old Dominion University to name a few.

Information Found at scnow.com

McBroom, West Texas A&M Favor AstroTurf® for New Fields

2010-06-14T11:18:00.003-04:00

This isn’t your grandfather’s AstroTurf.

And it’s not FieldTurf, either.

The artificial turf being laid down at West Texas A&M’s new athletic complex will include more than 700,000 square feet of AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D, a far cry from the carpetlike surface used to cover the old Houston Astrodome in 1966.
Though AstroTurf was the first company to produce synthetic turf for athletic fields with the Astrodome, FieldTurf – which was introduced at Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium in 1999 – has been the maker of choice in Texas for many college and high school fields, including the Texas Longhorns’ Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
But when WT Athletic Director Michael McBroom was trying to decide which company to supply the turf for the university’s $21.8 million complex, he was open to all options.
“You name the company, and we looked at it,” McBroom said.
He also looked to old friends for help.
One of them was former WT quarterback Keith Null, now a quarterback with the St. Louis Rams.
The Rams’ practice facilities feature the new AstroTurf 3D, and McBroom said Null gave the turf a great review.
The product was recently installed at Wichita State’s baseball facility, Eck Stadium. McBroom heard nothing but good things about that field.
McBroom said those two inquiries helped him pick WT’s new artificial turf, which was manufactured in Georgia and trucked to Canyon.
“It’s great stuff,” McBroom said. “We really think it’s going to be good for our athletes and for the students who use the intramural fields, too.”

McBroom, WT favor AstroTurf for new fields Follow this link to see the original article.

Field at Burnaby Lake West first infill artificial turf to be replaced

2010-06-01T15:46:00.001-04:00

Excerpts from Burnaby Newsleader

One of the first infill artificial turf fields in the Lower Mainland is set to be replaced if Burnaby council gives its approval.

Field is hard
“We know it’s experienced compaction over the years, it’s pretty hard,” said parks director Dave Ellenwood.
It will be the first of the three original such fields at the complex to be replaced, at a cost of $365,000 to remove the existing turf and prepare the site and more than $525,000 for a new synthetic turf field by AstroTurf®.
The original producers of infill artificial turf, FieldTurf, had its patent expire a few years ago so several suppliers are now available, Ellenwood explained.

More advanced
The replacement field will be a more advanced, newer generation of the product that will result in more even distribution of the infill and an extended lifespan. The infill is also designed to not float to the surface during heavy rains as the current field has a tendency to do.

Astroturf, a family-owned business, is the only 100% vertically integrated synthetic turf manufacturer. Astroturf has the most experienced management team in the industry as well the most diverse product range. Another victory for Burnaby and Astro Turf®.

Synthetic Grass Greener with Soy Backing

2010-06-01T15:23:00.004-04:00

Synthetic lawn and turf may not actually grow, but its popularity continues to develop, due to concerns about water usage and increased interest in urban areas. That growth comes with the backing of soy, as Universal Textile (UTT) uses its BioCel and EnviroCel backing on a number of turf products. The United Soybean Board and the soybean check off helped develop soy based polyols which, UTT used to develop their carpet backing system from the beginning to develop the backing products, which UTT also uses for carpet-backing. UTT began using soy-based technology on synthetic turf in 2007, with the goal of providing sustainability to the synthetic turf industry before customers demanded it, says Doug Giles, UTT. Sustainability wasn't the only attribute, as soy-based turf backing also performs well."Performance-based polyurethanes replaced the traditional latex backing systems earlier," says Mike King with Synlawn, a manufacturer of synthetic landscape grass. "With the soy-based polyurethanes from BioCel and EnviroCel, we are able to meet federal and state requirements, as well as demand for an environmentally friendly product.""Soy-backed turf incorporates all of the performance attributes previously associated with traditional polyurethane," says Giles. "Advantages include price stability, a reduction of carbon emission and improved air quality by planting more soybeans with every yard of product sold."Landscaping represents a major industry, with water restrictions in many Western states. Synthetic turf can be used for putting greens, playgrounds, rooftops, airports, pet kennels and other areas. One of Synlawn's sister companies, AstroTurf® , a manufacturer of synthetic sports fields, uses BioCel technology as well. Synthetic lawn and turf use soybeans in hotels, casinos and churches across the country Lowe’s home improvement stores offer Synlawn products across the country for consumers interested in installing their own synthetic turf. The company also has distributors across the country.

This article provided by BioBased Solution May 2010 Issue - Interactive New Uses for Soy.

2009 NCAA Field Hockey Tournament Set, Every game to be played on AstroTurf

2009-11-11T10:12:00.003-05:00

The field for the 2009 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship is now set and once again, it is dominated by teams that train and play on AstroTurf®. 15 of the 16 teams that will compete for the National Championship play their home games on AstroTurf 12®, the premium surface for field hockey in the world.

In addition, every game of the 2009 Tournament will played on AstroTurf 12™, including the Final Four and Championship games at Wake Forest University’s Kentner Stadium.
The facility houses permanent seating for nearly 4,000 spectators as well as a press box, upper-level viewing area, restrooms, lights, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, and concession facilities in addition to the state-of-the-art AstroTurf 12 surface that was installed in 2004.

AstroTurf 12™ is a short-pile, knitted nylon product recognized worldwide as the preferred surface for field hockey pitches, which require high degrees of planarity, extremely tight tolerances and sophisticated drainage systems. Endorsed by the International Field Hockey Federation (FIH) and USA Field Hockey, AstroTurf 12™ provides uniform traction and consistent footing, is UV resistant, has a low-glare surface and reduces watering and maintenance costs. AstroTurf 12™ has a storied reputation as the best surface, bar none, for field hockey. It started in the summer of 1976 in Montreal at the Olympics and for decades, from Argentina to Europe, from the Indian Subcontinent to South Africa – and throughout the U.S. and Canada – AstroTurf has been the surface of choice for hockey clubs, school programs, tournaments and organizations.

The NCAA Division I Field Hockey Committee announced the field of 16 teams for the 2009 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship on Tuesday. Five conferences were awarded automatic qualification. In addition, six conferences competed for three play-in berths and the remaining eight teams were selected at large.

The following conferences and their representatives received automatic qualification:

Atlantic Coast Conference - University of Maryland, College Park
Big East Conference - University of Connecticut
Big Ten Conference - Michigan State University
Colonial Athletic Association - University of Delaware
Ivy Group - Princeton University

The teams winning the play-in berths were American University from the Patriot League, the University of Richmond from the Atlantic 10 Conference and Stanford University from the Northern Pacific Field Hockey Conference.

In 2008, Maryland claimed its sixth NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship title with a 4-2 victory over Wake Forest at Trager Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.

Click here to follow the 2009 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Tournament

WSU Eck Stadium Installation nearly complete

2009-09-17T16:45:00.002-04:00

The new GameDay Grass 3D installation in Eck Stadium at Wichita State University is nearing completion. The enormous "Wu-Man” logo is now in place in centerfield with the WSU logos soon to be placed along the basepaths.

The Wichita State baseball program will be playing an intrasquad baseball game on Sat., Sept. 26 at 2:30 p.m. at Eck Stadium. It will be the first opportunity for fans to see the new field.

You can follow construction at Eck Stadium as it happens on our live webcam

9/11

2009-09-11T10:02:00.001-04:00

It’s still strange to not see those two towers glistening in the sunlight when I fly into JFK. I can still remember exactly where I was when I first heard about the attack on the World Trade Center. Today marks the 8 year anniversary of that horrific day, and for someone who grew up in New York, I think about it often. I was lucky not to have personally lost anyone on that fateful day. Many people never returned home that day; husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, children and friends. Nearly 3,000 people lost, on a day that was supposed to change our culture, our thinking and our way of life. For most, the only time we truly reflect on that day is today.

Let’s honor the lives lost that day today and take their memory with us everyday, living our lives to the fullest and taking nothing for granted. That is best way we can honor those who are no longer with us. Take a few moments today to reflect and pray for the families that are incomplete today.

“New York, Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, There’s nothing you can’t do. Now you’re in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you, let’s hear it for New York”. – Jay-Z “Empire State of Mind”

Eck Stadium begins upgrade for field

2009-08-13T08:55:00.003-04:00

By Paul Suellentrop
The Wichita Eagle

Wichita State baseball coach Gene Stephenson has words of comfort for the traditionalists who wants baseball played on grass.

Grass is on its way out at Eck Stadium. Stephenson believes players and fans won't see much of a difference with AstroTurf GameDay Grass.

"You run your hand over this stuff, you will think it's grass," he said. "If you had your eyes closed, you would think 'man, this feels like grass.' "

Eck Stadium's transformation to an all-turf playing surface began Tuesday afternoon.

By Wednesday, crews scraped off half of the outfield grass, dismantled the outfield fence and began tearing up the old infield turf.

By the end of September, the synthetic turf will cover the entire playing surface. The pitcher's mound will be the only dirt on the field.

The sliding pits, batters box and base paths will be dirt-colored turf. The turf in those areas will be shorter than the infield and outfield, in order to simulate the look and play of a dirt and grass infield. The batters box will feature removable pieces, held by Velcro, to keep that area looking fresh. The turf features a component, called AstroFlect, that will keep it cooler than other synthetic turfs, West said.

"This will play a lot more like grass and look like natural grass," said Mark West, AstroTurf director of sales. "We feel it replicates grass as closely as it can be replicated."

Stephenson expects the surface to play faster than turf infields at schools such as Kansas State and Texas. West said WSU is the first stadium to use GameDay Grass.

"It will be faster than other turf that's out there, because of the nature of how it's filled," Stephenson said. "But it will be slower than the turf we currently have."

The new turf replaces the old AstroTurf infield, installed after the 1999 season. West said maintenance is minimal. WSU will need to groom the field every 30 days, depending on the amount of use.

"It's going to be fun to play on," Stephenson said. "I think it will be on the cutting edge of new fields for all of baseball."

A construction cam will be up and running in the next few weeks at www.AstroTurfUSA.com. Follow all the progress as the Shockers new state-of-the-art GameDay Grass field is installed.

AstroTurf's Michael Dennis on Fox News Channel

2009-08-06T21:51:00.003-04:00

Check out AstroTurf's Michael Dennis was featured on Your World with Neil Cavuto on Fox News Channel this afternoon.

New turf field gives Rams more practice options

2009-08-01T19:28:00.002-04:00

By Bill Coats
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The money that the St. Louis Rams spent in the offseason to put AstroTurf on one of their three practice fields began to pay dividends Saturday. After steady rains struck Rams Park following the morning practice, the grass fields were too soggy for use. So coach Steve Spagnuolo simply used the turf field for the entire afternoon workout, which ran about 1 hour 45 minutes.

As one team official put it, “If we would’ve had to go inside (to the indoor facility) with 80 players, it would’ve been hot and really uncomfortable.”

The players were in shorts and shells after going through an intense, hard-hitting morning practice in full pads.

New look Rams ready to hit the field

2009-07-27T09:22:00.006-04:00

There is no time of the year I look forward to more than when the NFL off-season officially ends as teams report for training camp. Thousands of NFL players descend on practice facilities and small town colleges and universities for two-a-days, cafeteria food, film study and team bonding.

This season, the St. Louis Rams will bring their training camp back home to Earth City, Missouri to the Russell Athletic Training Center. The 2009 season also marks the return of AstroTurf to the NFL and St. Louis Rams.

Just in time for the start of training camp on Thursday, July 30, the Rams will christen their new GameDay Grass synthetic practice field from AstroTurf at the Russell Athletic Training Center. The nearly 70,000 square foot field is located directly behind the Training Center adjacent to the two natural grass practice fields and is the only outdoor synthetic turf field at the Russell Athletic Training Center.

ATTB will provide the latest photos and videos from Rams Training camp when it kicks off later this week.

What does Michael Vick’s release mean for the NFL?

2009-07-20T14:31:00.002-04:00

Former Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick ended his 23-month federal dogfighting sentence Monday, clearing the way for a possible return to the NFL….maybe.

Before Vick can sign with another team, he must get through NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell. The face to face meeting will happen sometime in the near future as Goddell will assess whether or not the NFL will enforce its own suspension on the former star.

Arguments can be made for both sides. Some people say that Vick has served his time. 18 months behind bars before spending the last two months in home confinement, he should be allowed to return to his profession if the opportunity is there. Others say that what Vick did is unforgivable and he deserves to be suspended by the NFL or possibly not even reinstated back into the league.

Dog fighting is cruel, inhumane and inexcusable. The stories that came out from what was taking place at Vick’s home were utterly disturbing. How could anybody do that to a living animal? How could the NFL’s highest-paid player, making $10 million per season, do such a thing as a hobby? What was he thinking? These are all questions I’m sure the Commish will ask Vick when they sit down.

Earlier this year, Goddell suspended Browns WR Donte Stallworth indefinitely without pay after he plead guilty to DUI manslaughter and was sentenced to just 30 days in jail. One would think that Vick would face at least the same type of treatment.

Either way, Michael Vick is preparing for his comeback. He has hired a world-class trainer to get him back into playing shape should he reinstated for 2009. If this were to happen, you would expect there to be numerous teams that will inquire about the former Pro Bowl Quarterback. The biggest hurdle then will be, is the reward for bring Vick's skills to their team worth the PR hit they are sure to take by signing Michael Vick.

Don't Give up...Don't Ever Give Up...

2009-07-15T09:06:00.005-04:00

Last week I had a meeting with a business associate when they noticed the LIVESTRONG band adorned on my right wrist. With the Tour de France underway, he asked me if I was wearing the bright yellow band in support of Lance Armstrong, who is returning to the Tour for the first time since 2005. I jokingly told him that I was not a big bike racing fan, just a fan against cancer.

A few years ago, I had worn that same band made famous by Armstrong as a fashion statement. Today, the band means much more to me. Last October I received the heartbreaking news that my grandmother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having to wait in gut wrenching agony over the coming days and weeks as countless doctors worked to determine the severity of the disease and the course of action for her treatment was a true test for our family.

My grandmother is the type of person that shows no fear. She is an emotional woman, yet remarkably brave, resilient, strong and steadfast. I knew that if anyone in the world could beat cancer, it was her. We were not nearly as strong as she was. We were concerned, worried, distraught and angry; why would this happen to her? What did she do wrong? She doesn’t deserve this!

The day I learned of the diagnosis, 772 miles separating us, I spoke with her on the phone and told her that I loved her and that WE would all beat this cancer together. I think I told her that more for myself than for her. She knew she could beat it, I was trying to convince myself. After that conversation, I dug through my drawers and pulled out that old LIVESTRONG band. What was once a fashion symbol created by marketing executives was now a symbol of hope and belief.

In the coming weeks, after dozens of tests, doctors visits and scans, we received the news we had all been hoping and praying for: the cancer was in its early form and with aggressive radiation treatment, it could be treated. Even in her late 70’s I knew she would conquer this disease.

Today, the cancer is in remission and she is as healthy as ever. This miracle could not have been possible if not for the generosity of millions of people around the world, donating billions of dollars for cancer research.

Today is the 5th annual Don't Give Up ESPYS V Foundation Auction on ESPN Radio. Hundred of unique experiences are available for auction both online and on ESPN Radio. Even if you are unable to bid on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, please log-on to the V Foundation website or call 1-800-4JIMMYV to donate as much or as little as you can. 100% of your contributions will go directly to cancer research.

And as for that bright yellow LIVESTRONG band on my right wrist, I have not removed it for a second since that fateful day in October. Every time I look down, it reminds my of the strength and resiliency my grandmother has displayed every day since and gives me hope that one day, we will cure this disease forever.

Midsummer Classic

2009-07-13T13:15:00.007-04:00

Sunday marked the final day of the first half to the 2009 MLB regular season. As the stars arrive in St. Louis for tonight’s Home Run Derby and tomorrows All-Star game, we look back at an interesting first half and look forward to the second half. As for a prediction, I believe this is the year the National League gets its revenge and earns its 1st All-Star Game victory since 1996.

National League 6, American League 4

Midseason Awards

NL Team – San Francisco Giants (49-39, 7 GB NL West, NL Wild Card Leader)

Bruce Bochy’s third season in San Francisco is off to a memorable start. Capped on Friday night with Jonathan Sanchez throwing the first no-hitter of the 2009 season, the Giants find themselves two games up on the Rockies in the NL Wild Card standings.

Coming off a forgettable 72-90 campaign in 2008, the Giants are well positioned to make a run at their first trip to the playoffs since 2003.

The Giants are led by one of the best young pitching staffs in baseball, with All-Stars Tim Lincecum (10-2, 2.33 ERA) and Mat Cain (10-2, 2.42 ERA) heading the group. Barry Zito and Randy Johnson have provided solid veteran leadership and solidified the #3 and #4 positions in the rotation with Jonathan Sanchez now guaranteed the final rotation stop.

The offense has been paced by All-Star snub Pablo Sandoval. The 22 year old 3B is batting a team-high .331 with 14 HR and 53 RBI in 80 games. Veteran C Bengie Molina has provided some needed pop behind the plate, with 11 HR and 50 RBI in 78 games.

Ultimately, the Giants will only go as far as their young starting pitchers will carry them. With Lincecum and Cain on top of the rotation, they are set for a run in the 2nd half.

AL Team - Detroit Tigers (48-39, 1st place in Central)

Another team off to a tremendous start after a tumultuous 2008, the Tigers find themselves with a 3.5 game lead in the Central at the break. After a last place finish in 2008, Jim Leyland’s youngsters have the largest lead of any team in the AL at the half way point.

The offense has been lead by 1st time All-Star 3B Brandon Inge (.264, 19 HR, 54 RBI) and All-Star OF Curtis Granderson (.254, 18 HR, 43 RBI, 15 SB). All-Star snub Miguel Cabrera (.322, 17 HR, 48 RBI) continues to put up solid numbers at first base.

The rotation has been a pleasant surprise for Jim Leyland’s squad. All-Star Justin Verlander has led the rotation (9-4, 3.59 ERA) of youngsters and cast-offs through the first half.

The biggest surprise however has been 1st time All-Star Edwin Jackson (7-4, 2.52 ERA). A promising prospect in the Dodgers farm system, Jackson made his MLB debut at the ripe age of 19 in 2003. After making just 14 starts in 3 seasons in LA, the Dodgers shipped Jackson to Tampa Bay, where he spent two full seasons in the rotation, amassing a 19-26 record in 63 starts with a stint in the bullpen during the 2008 playoffs. Jackson was again traded this off-season to Detroit in exchange for Matt Joyce where he has not disappointed.

At the break, Jackson leads the AL in WHIP (1.060), Hits per 9 IP (6.953), and is 2nd in the AL in ERA (2.515).

The Tigers will be in a three team race down the stretch with the White Sox and Twins for the Central division crown. But expect Jim Leyland to pull out all the stops to keep his young team on top of AL Central.

MVP – Albert Pujols 1B, St. Louis Cardinals

At 29, “The Machine” shows no signs of breaking down. After taking home the 2008 NL MVP, Pujols is the leader in the clubhouse for the 2009 crown. When the second half begins, Pujols will begin his attempt to complete the first Triple Crown in MLB since 1967.

Pujols leads the NL in Home Runs (32), RBIs (87) and is 4th in Batting Average (.332), trailing the leader Hanley Ramirez (.349). MLB’s leading vote getter for the All-Star, Pujols will make his 8th appearance in the midsummer classic, starting at 1B in his home ballpark, Busch Stadium.

Second Half Fearless Predictions

Here is how we see the final stretch of the season shaping up:

National League
East – Philadelphia Phillies
Central – Milwaukee Brewers
West – Los Angeles Dodgers
Wild Card – St. Louis Cardinals

American League
East – Boston Red Sox
Central – Minnesota Twins
West – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Wild Card – New York Yankees

World Series – Los Angeles Dodgers over the Boston Red Sox

Enjoy the Home Run Derby tonight and All-Star Game tomorrow, and then buckle your seat belt for an exciting second half.

Manning Passing Academy underway at NSU

2009-07-10T10:09:00.004-04:00

For the 3rd consecutive year, AstroTurf is proud to be a sponsor of the 2009 Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. This years camp will host close to 1,000 football players from around the country to learn from some of football best coaches and players.

The camp is hosted by Archie Manning and his family. "Peyton, Cooper, Eli and me have never missed a minute of these camps, " Archie said. "We try to have a lot of fun with the kids. We do see development. We have kids who come back three or four years, although we're not taking credit for (their improvement)."

The camp runs until Sunday at Manning Field built by AstroTurf at John L. Guidry Stadium. The stadium was renovated in 2007 with GameDay Grass 3D from AstroTurf, one of the most advanced synthetic sports surfaces in the industry.

Click here to learn more about Manning Field built by AstroTurf

Click here to learn more about the Manning Passing Academy

St. Louis Rams Select State-of-the-Art System from AstroTurf(R) for Practice Field

2009-06-22T11:28:00.002-04:00

First NFL team to install an advanced synthetic turf system from AstroTurf®

AstroTurf brings its latest innovation directly to the National Football League. The announcement came today that the St. Louis Rams have selected AstroTurf® for a new synthetic practice field at Rams Park. The joint construction effort between GSV, AstroTurf and Munie Greencare Professionals will begin immediately and the field will be ready in time for the start of training camp in late July.

"After looking at all the different synthetic turf providers available, we felt AstroTurf was the best choice for us," said Kevin Demoff, St. Louis Rams Executive VP of Football Operations/Chief Operating Officer. "AstroTurf’s commitment to player performance and safety was a major factor in our decision. We can’t wait to get going on our new field."

The latest infilled systems from AstroTurf were designed and refined to meet the rigorous demands and performance characteristics required by the NFL. "This is a huge honor to have our state-of-the-art AstroTurf system validated by the Rams and the National Football League," said GSV Chairman Michael Dennis. "To have the greatest athletes in the world train on our system is a testament to years of testing, research and development that have gone into restoring AstroTurf as a leader in the industry. We are grateful to have been selected and proud to debut this fabulous technology with the Rams and the NFL."

The St. Louis Rams enter the 2009 season with a renewed sense of optimism under the leadership of new head coach Steve Spagnuolo, the former New York Giants Defensive Coordinator. "The Rams new AstroTurf practice field will be one of the finest in the NFL," said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf. "Everyone at GSV and AstroTurf are honored to have been selected and look forward to being a part of the St. Louis Rams for many years to come."

Installation of GameDay Grass™ 3D featuring astroflect™ Technology complete at The Meadows School

2009-06-10T15:47:00.004-04:00

The first installation of GameDay Grass™ 3D from AstroTurf® featuring astroflect™ Technology was completed this week at The Meadows School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Celebrating their 25^th anniversary, the school maintains a total commitment to excellence in education. The Meadows School places 100% of its graduates in four-year accredited colleges and universities.

The 104,011 square foot field is composed of GameDay Grass 3D, one of the most advanced synthetic turf products, featuring best-in-class performance and safety benefits, and characteristics that closely mimic the look and feel of natural grass.

“We knew we were getting the best system available in the marketplace today in the GameDay Grass™ 3D surface from AstroTurf,” said Carolyn Goodman, Founder and President of The Meadows School. “When GeneralSports Venue came back to us and offered their new astroflect™ Technology, they reinforced our decision to select them as a partner. In a climate where managing heat is so important, we are thrilled to provide the students and families of The Meadows School with the first surface of its kind in the country.”

The Mustangs football program has a long and storied history of success, claiming six Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association State Championships since 1997, including the 2008 Class 2A Championship. Under the leadership of Head Coach Frank DeSantis, the Mustangs will break in their new GameDay Grass 3D field as they begin defense of their Class 2A Championship September 4^th against Sunrise Mountain in the 2009 season opener.

100 Days until kickoff at ODU

2009-05-28T10:49:00.002-04:00

Our friend Rich Radford at the Virginian-Pilot has this outstanding update this morning. The new GameDay Grass 3D field has arrived and installation will begin any day now. It is an exciting time for AstroTurf, Coach Wilder and everyone at ODU.

Special delivery HamptonRoads.com PilotOnline.com: "Special delivery The carpet is here.

That's right, the rug that will be put in at Foreman Field -- artificial turf, astroturf, whatever you want to call it -- was sitting in the back of an 18-wheeler that had it's engine running as I drove down Bluestone Avenue this morning on my way to work.

I stopped and asked Stan and Fred and Pat and Earl what they had in the back of the truck. The conversation went something like this.
'Hey, what ya got in the back of that truck?'
'Rug.'
'From Georgia?'
'Yep.'
'Is it green and does it have stripes on it?'
'It does, as a matter of fact.'
'When's it going down on the field?'
'Dunno. We just deliver the stuff.'

I looked over Stan's shoulder and the goalpost in the north end zone was standing, waiting for rug to be put down around it. And there was a really big opening in the northwest corner of Foreman Field where they are talking about putting in temporary seats to meet the demand for tickets. Looked like a lot of equipment had been moved from that corner. In fact, when I thought about it, Foreman Field had become overgrown with weeds and little bothersome trees sprouting up wherever they could survive.

Now that football is just around the corner -- did you know today marks 100 days to kickoff? -- the place is really starting to look ... clean."

AstroTurf partners again with NFL Play 60

2009-04-30T13:01:00.008-04:00

AstroTurf is proud to once again be the synthetic turf of choice for the National Football League's Play 60 Youth Football Festival. which was again held this past week before the NFL Draft in Central Park.

Kids of all ages had the opportunity to play with current and future NFL stars. The nine draft prospects invited to New York for the draft, including Matthew Stafford from Georgia, Michael Crabtree from Texas Tech and Aaron Curry from Wake Forest, participated in mini flag football games with hundreds of lucky kids.

Over 20,000 square feet of synthetic turf from AstroTurf set up temporarily in the middle of Central Park provided the backdrop for another unforgettable week.

AstroTurf named official turf of the DSRL

2009-04-13T14:49:00.012-04:00

Oreo® Double Stuf™ Racing League Proudly Announces AstroTurf® as first official sponsor

Iconic Brands Team Up For One-of-A-Kind Sponsorship

The Oreo Double Stuf Racing League (DSRL), which turned the classic Oreo and milk ritual into a brand-new sport announced today that AstroTurf®, the world‟s first synthetic turf system, is now the first official sponsor of this unique licking league. The DSRL, whose members include quarterback brothers Peyton and Eli Manning and tennis star sisters Venus and Serena Williams, is now able to place itself with other popular sports, such as football, baseball and soccer that also play competitively, or in this case, "lick," on AstroTurf.

AstroTurf was designated as the official turf of the DSRL after deep consideration by "league officials."

"Selecting AstroTurf as the "official turf‟ for the DSRL makes perfect sense because it‟s a high quality product that will make it even more exciting for everyone, from professional athletes to consumer fans, to compete and show off their lick racing skills," said Stephen Chriss, director of consumer and customer engagement for Kraft Foods.

In fact, the first Oreo DSRL competition to take place on a custom-made DSRL/AstroTurf field will be a special lick racing event in West Palm Beach, Fla. on April 24, where two teams of finalists will compete for the title of fastest Oreo "twister, licker and dunker" and a $10,000 grand prize. The Manning brothers and Williams sisters will be on hand to help "train" the finalists for the competition.

"In the more than 40 year history of AstroTurf, the decision to support the Oreo Double Stuf Racing League is a milestone for the company," said Rick Horrow, a sports business expert known as "The Sports Professor," and CEO of Horrow Sports Ventures. "This sponsorship is a one-of-a kind opportunity to align with another iconic brand. Together this relationship showcases the credentials of both AstroTurf and Oreo in making it possible for families and friends to engage in a bit of fun competition."

The AstroTurf sponsorship will include co-branded print advertising, inclusion at trade shows, and a co-branded presence on both the astroturfusa.com and dsrl.com Web sites.
History of the DSRL
The DSRL launched in January 2008 when famous quarterback brothers Peyton Manning and Eli Manning announced they were becoming "two sport" athletes by joining the Oreo Double Stuf Racing League. Since then, the League has continued to gain momentum as Venus and Serena Williams become the second set of siblings to take on lick racing.

Earlier this year, the sisters challenged the Mannings for DSRL supremacy, and raced against each other in a national advertising spot in January, which ultimately ended in a draw.
Twisting, Licking and Dunking Tradition
The DSRL is a fun activity that family and friends can enjoy together. The only real "equipment" needed is an Oreo Double Stuf cookie, a single glass of milk and someone to compete against. To start the race, each person twists their cookie open and licks off all the crème. Then, each person shows his or her cookie to their opponent, dunks it, eats it and drinks the glass of milk. The first to finish wins!

For more information on the Oreo Double Stuf Racing League and to become an official member, visit http://www.dsrl.com/ To get the turf, visit http://www.astroturfusa.com/

Major annoncement today from AstroTurf

2009-04-13T09:12:00.001-04:00

Word is there will be a major announcment today from AstroTurf. Stay tuned for further details or visit www.astroturfusa.com

James Laurinaitis credits GameDay Grass with improving 40-yard dash time

2009-03-26T15:54:00.005-04:00

He may be an All-American with a mantle full of awards earned during his four years at Ohio State, but linebacker James Laurinaitis still felt the need to impress scouts at Ohio State’s annual pro day on March 13.

Recent mock drafts have had the former Buckeye standout sliding to a late first round - if not second round - selection. While scouts and analysts will continue to debate Laurinaitis’ future until NFL draft in April, the 2007 Butkus Award is satisfied in knowing he did all he could to impress.

"It's been a long process, and I'm glad to be done," Laurinaitis said.

Laurinaitis’ stock dropped because of underwhelming numbers at the NFL combine in February. He ran a 4.82 40-yard dash, the three-cone drill in 6.93 seconds and the 20-yard shuttle in 4.24 seconds. He has slipped in several mock drafts since then. Scout.com recently ranked Laurinaitis the No. 17 overall prospect and No. 2 insider linebacker. Scout draft analyst Chris Steuber had the Minnesota native going to the New York Giants with the 29th overall pick.

A pair of NFL.com analysts have differing opinions of where Laurinaitis will be selected. Charles Davis has San Diego taking Laurinaitis with the 16th pick, while colleague Pat Kirwan has the 2006 Nagurski winner slipping all the way to the No. 27 pick and the Indianapolis Colts. Another analyst, Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com, has Laurinaitis falling to the Tennessee Titans with the 30th pick. Rob Rang and Chad Reuter of NFLdraftscout.com have Laurinaitis falling out of the first round entirely.

Laurinaitis did what he could to improve his stock by posting faster times on pro day. His 40-yard dash time was reportedly between 4.72 and 4.78 seconds, an measurable improvement from his combine speed. He credited a faster surface at the Woody Hayes Center as one reason for his improvement.

"The combine had a soft, slow surface," Laurinaitis said of the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium. "The goal was to make all the times faster today. That was accomplished. I was happy with that."

The Buckeyes practice on a full-size infilled turf system from AstroTurf in the Woody Hayes Center. This years NFL combine was held at Lucas Oil Stadium on FieldTurf.

Lawrence Unified School District installing eight AstroTurf fields

2009-03-24T16:15:00.002-04:00

Lawrence Unified School District (USD) selected GameDay Grass 3D by AstroTurf for eight district athletic fields. Installation of the new synthetic turf football, soccer, baseball and softball fields at Lawrence High School and Free State High School, is underway by GeneralSports Venue (GSV), the exclusive U.S. licensee of AstroTurf. In addition to the renovation of the athletic fields, GSV will install its XPLODE polyurethane competition track system and new tennis courts at Lawrence High School this summer.

Installation of turf for the football fields is completed, and work on the baseball fields is underway.

“There were a number of factors that proved GameDay Grass 3D was the best product for Lawrence USD,” said Tom Bracciano, division director of operations and facility planning. “The proprietary Root Zone aiding with traction, Sustain all rubber infill eliminating sand that hardens over time and scientific data on player performance and safety made it clear GameDay Grass 3D from AstroTurf was the best choice for our high schools and community.”

“We take great pride in having the opportunity to work with Lawrence Public Schools to provide innovative, durable and safe playing surfaces for the athletes and community groups to use,” said Mark West, GSV Director of Sales – Central Region. “Lawrence made it clear they wanted nothing but the best for all the new sports venues and we are proud they selected the GameDay Grass 3D system by AstroTurf.”

GSV is the approved synthetic turf and athletic supplier of the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance, a nonprofit organization that helps government agencies, school districts (K-12), higher education, and other nonprofits reduce the cost of purchased goods by pooling the purchasing power of public agencies nationwide. As a registered participant of U.S. Communities, Lawrence USD benefited from the variety and quality of products and services offered by GSV.

Work on the new football fields at each high school has wrapped up and installation of the turf for the baseball fields is in progress. All remaining elements of the project including the construction and installation of the track system and tennis courts will be completed this summer.

AstroTurf changes with the times

2009-02-25T08:21:00.003-05:00

Raleigh firm predicts a 25 percent rise in sales this year despite recession

By David Ranii - Staff Writer

Not even the eruption of a public relations nightmare last year could derail the sales growth of GeneralSports Venue, the Raleigh company behind AstroTurf synthetic grass.

So it's no wonder that, despite the recession, CEO Jon Pritchett projects sales will rise 25 percent to $50 million this year.

It helps that GSV is in an industry that enjoyed 20 percent sales growth last year. That's due in part to improvements in the quality of artificial turf and prices that make it feasible for public schools and municipal parks to convert from natural to artificial grass. And many of the fields GSV is installing today were funded before the recession grabbed the economy by the throat.

In addition, the new federal stimulus package could help schools continue to invest in synthetic fields this year.

"I think the industry thinks this will be a difficult year, but it will still be a strong growth year," said Rick Doyle, president of the Synthetic Turf Council, an industry trade group.

Pritchett, meanwhile, expects GSV to continue to outpace the industry through innovation and the introduction of new products – plus the company's anything-but-secret weapon.

"The AstroTurf brand gets us into a lot of doors," he said. "It gets people's attention."

The company also sells other products, such as antimicrobial coating for facilities such as locker rooms, and offers site preparation and construction management services for stadiums and other support venues.

GSV acquired the exclusive North American rights to the AstroTurf brand in 2006. Last fall, the company found itself on the defensive when New Jersey health officials announced the discovery of unsafe lead levels in three old AstroTurf fields. It triggered a media firestorm.

Those fields were installed before GSV licensed the brand, but so what?

"We weren't liable, but the brand was being attacked," Pritchett said.

So the company, which believed the products were safe but lacked the data to prove it, counter-attacked by hiring a team of scientists to study the issue. The results were released at a press conference in New York: The scientists concluded a child would have to eat 23 pounds of AstroTurf to be at risk.

That helped defuse the issue, which fizzled more in July when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that it had concluded that synthetic fields were safe for young children.

"It was quite a PR nightmare for 60 to 90 days," Pritchett said. "Our salespeople had to be educated on how to answer the issue. In every meeting, it was a topic."

But the strategy worked.

"We don't know of any projects that were canceled because of it," Pritchett said."

Last year, GSV's sales hit $40 million, more than one-third better than in 2007. Today the company has 43 employees, including 19 at its headquarters off of Capital Boulevard in North Raleigh.

AstroTurf is manufactured for GSV by Textile Management Associates. The Georgia company acquired the product when the previous owner, Southwest Recreational Industries of Texas, went bankrupt in 2004.

The typical cost of an AstroTurf field is about $325,000 to buy and install, plus $325,000 for engineering, which GeneralSports also offers. That's much more upfront than an all-natural field, but it makes maintenance easier and cheaper. Another synthetic advantage: Teams can practice daily without ruining the surface.

Universities that have purchased AstroTurf in the last year or so include Penn State, Cornell, Dartmouth, James Madison and Michigan State. Local customers include UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke, which installed field hockey surfaces, and Campbell University's football stadium.

GSV was formed in 2003 when a group of investors purchased a small turf installation business in Michigan. That group subsequently convinced Textile Management that it had the sales expertise to resuscitate the brand.

It then "re-launched" AstroTurf in 2006 with retired NFL quarterback Archie Manning -- the father of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning -- acting as its celebrity spokesman.

Since then, Pritchett said, the privately held company has separated itself from the pack to become the clear No. 2 in the industry behind the much larger FieldTurf.

"GSV has been a leader in the industry," Doyle said. "They have been an important innovator."

Among GSV's recent accomplishments:

A Michigan State University study presented at a conference last summer concluded that one variety of AstroTurf, GameDay Grass 3D, came closest to natural grass by one key safety measure. "It looks like [natural grass], it feels like it, it plays like it," said Pritchett.

Last May, a nonprofit that helps more than 30,000 government agencies, school districts and others pool their purchasing power named GSV its exclusive provider for artificial turf and other athletic surfaces. Pritchett estimated the contract accounted for 15 percent of AstroTurf sales last year and projects it will account for 20 percent or more this year.

GSV and athletic shoe maker Reebok announced in December a joint research and development project studying how footwear interacts with artificial turf. "It's basically to improve performance and safety," Pritchett said.

Last year the company cut a deal with a corporate partner that enabled it to sell its own brand of synthetic track surfaces, Xplode. It also became exclusive U.S. distributor for a maker of synthetic tennis and volleyball courts, and this year it will begin selling an automated tarp cover for natural grass fields.

Those deals are part of a diversification strategy that is anchored in the AstroTurf brand and the relationships GSV has forged with its customers.

"We want to be the one offering the newest, the best, the latest technology," Pritchett said.

GENERALSPORTS VENUE

HEADQUARTERS: Raleigh

CEO: Jon Pritchett

2008 REVENUE: $40 million

EMPLOYEES: 43, including 19 in Raleigh

YEAR FOUNDED: 2003

BUSINESS: Sells and installs AstroTurf brand artificial turf. Sells synthetic track and tennis court surfaces and antimicrobial coating for facilities such as locker rooms. Offers site preparation and construction management services for stadiums and other support venues.

Link to News & Observer

GSV Project in Lawrence "getting in shape"

2009-02-20T15:37:00.003-05:00

The Free State High School Firebird is in place on the school’s newly turfed football field, and work on other athletic venues continues to progress in the Lawrence school district.

“It’s been an extremely aggressive schedule,” said Tom Bracciano, the division director of operations and facility planning for the district.

Free State and Lawrence high schools are both getting artificial turf soccer, football, softball and baseball fields. Lawrence High School will also get more parking and new tennis courts. If everything — including lights, bleachers and the parking — is done by the Aug. 15 deadline, the project will have been done in less than a year.

At Free State, existing fields are being renovated with the new turf, while much of the work at LHS involves building new facilities. Free State’s soccer team can use the school’s football field until its own pitch is completed.

“I think we’re in excellent shape,” said Bracciano. “It’s going to be a real tough push to get the baseball field here at Free State done by March 1. Football fields at both schools are right on target and soccer, the tennis courts, everything else is pretty well on track.”

The potential budget cuts from the state do not affect the capital outlay fund, which is paying for the new athletic fields.

“It’s also hard to explain to people that you could have capital projects going on ... in the case now, where we’re putting turf on some fields, that they are unaffected by these cuts because it’s two pools of money,” said Superintendent Randy Weseman. “There are actually two kinds of money in our business — the capital money and the general fund money.”

Bracciano says the project is fiscally responsible because ultimately the fields will save general fund money that would normally go to maintenance and utilities that were spent on grass fields.

“We’re hoping to relieve the pressure on the general fund, so really, for us, it works out real well to have these projects come along at this time,” he said. “These are being paid for with capital outlay dollars, which we can’t use for salaries or operational costs.”

Bracciano also notes the environmentally friendly aspect of going to turf.

“It’s (the turf) got the soy-based backing on it,” he said. “The biggest thing in my mind, too, is no pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer.”

A package for lights should be presented to the board at its next meeting, Feb. 23. Bracciano says the district is also bidding out the bleachers for the fields.

At Free State, work is being done on leveling the baseball field and putting drainage in the soccer field. The softball field will not be touched until the season in over in May.

Lawrence High is getting ready to get turf on its football field and to relevel the softball field. Most of the underground retention for stormwater drainage is in place under the tennis courts at the Lawrence Virtual School site.

“We’ve had some excellent people to work with and it’s just come out beautiful,” said Bracciano.

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