(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.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL HITS THE ASTROTURF
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
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
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
VAN HORN BRINGS HOME FOOTBALL ON NEW ASTROTURF®
(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.
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.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
RAMS BEAT SEAHAWKS ON NEW ASTROTURF® FIELD
(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.
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.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
SOYBEANS USED TO MAKE ASTROTURF® FIELDS
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.
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.
Friday, September 17, 2010
DON AND GERRY OLESON HONORED FOR MAKING $1 MILLION ASTROTURF® DONATION FOR THIRLBY FIELD IN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN
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."
Thursday, September 16, 2010
MAYOR RICHARD M. DALEY DEDICATES NEW ASTROTURF® FIELD AT CHICAGO'S CALUMET PARK
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.
Friday, September 10, 2010
FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA SHOWS FOOTBALL SKILLS ON ASTROTURF®
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."
Thursday, September 9, 2010
DUKE BLUE DEVILS BASEBALL TEAM SET TO PLAY ON A NEW ASTROTURF® FIELD
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
MORE TEAMS DEBUT ON ASTROTURF® WITH VICTORIES
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.
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.
Friday, September 3, 2010
BRENHAM OPENS ON NEW ASTROTURF® FIELD TONIGHT
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.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
SCHOOLS WITH NEW ASTROTURF® FIELDS KICK OFF SEASON WITH VICTORIES
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY INCREASES PLAYING TIME WITH NEW MULTI-PURPOSE ASTROTURF® FIELD
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.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
MULESHOE HIGH SCHOOL KICKS INTO HIGH GEAR WITH ASTROTURF®
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Mount Lebanon High School in Pennsylvania Gets Fourth AstroTurf® Field in 37 Years
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.
Monday, August 2, 2010
JOI PHILPOTT SERVES AS GENERAL COUNSEL FOR ASTROTURF®
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.
Friday, July 30, 2010
ASTROTURF® INSTALLATION IN FULL SWING AT FLORIDA CITRUS BOWL STADIUM
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.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY - ENTIRE STUDENT BODY TO BENEFIT FROM NEW ASTROTURF® FIELD
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
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.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
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
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
Monday, June 14, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
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®.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)