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.
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