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.

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."

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.