New Win For AstroTurf®~ Citrus Bowl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.