SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY SELECTS ASTROTURF....AGAIN

(SLIPPERY ROCK, Pennsylvania) - Teams at The Rock are ready to roll on an all-new AstroTurf field at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

Slippery Rock, which has utilized an AstroTurf playing surface since 2003, is updating the turf at Bob DeSpirito Field with the most advanced synthetic surface available on the market.

The previous field, which has served The Rock well, is being replaced with the all-new AstroTurf 3D52 Xtreme.

“We looked at eight different companies when it came to replacing the turf,” said Slipper Rock Athletic Director Paul Lueken. “As we looked at the cost and quality of the products, the AstroTurf system rated highest on our list.”

The field will serve the university’s football, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse teams.

“This is a great win for us,” said Shamus Petrucelli, Regional Sales Director at AstroTurf. “Slippery Rock is a great university with a strong tradition, and it speaks volumes that they selected our product again.”

Lueken said that the original installation of an AstroTurf field brought a new dynamic to the Slippery Rock athletic department.

“We weren’t in a position to host a large number of events before,” said Lueken. “AstroTurf has been a great addition and it has allowed us to have a multi-purpose facility where we can host more events and outside events, such as high school football playoff games. We’re excited about the new field and the fact that it allows us to provide our students with the best possible system.”

The new system being installed should be just the ticket for the needs of the school, which participates in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. The AstroTurf system will provide five major benefits. First, they get more time to host more events. Second, the field is designed to provide a more consistent playing surface, regardless of the sport. Third, AstroTurf systems require less maintenance. Fourth, AstroTurf systems are safer. Finally, AstroTurf systems provide a noticeable aesthetic and look great.

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

The field also has a face weight of 52 ounces of fiber per square yard, one of the highest in the industry. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape.
In extensive testing, AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems perform most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.

The field also has RootZone, a thatch layer which holds the sand and rubber infill in place for less splash and migration, making for a more consistent playing surface.
The new AstroTurf 3D52 Xtreme system will be installed this summer and will be ready in time for the football team to begin practice in August.

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

ASTROTURF PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN WHITE HOUSE DIRECTIVE BY PRESIDENT OBAMA

(Bryan Peeples (r), is pictured with Kansas Soybean Commission Chairman Bob Haselwood at a Kansas State football game)

(DALTON, Georgia) - In a directive just handed down by President Obama, synthetic turf products made by AstroTurf and SYNLawn will become an increasingly important resource in federal government purchasing.

President Obama has directed the federal government to dramatically increase the purchase of biobased products over the next two years, which will create jobs and drive innovation where biobased products are grown and manufactured. The decision will also result in a 50 percent increase in the number of new products that are designated as biobased. Biobased products include items like paints, soaps and detergents, synthetic turf, and carpet are developed from farm grown plants, rather than chemicals or petroleum bases. The biobased products sector marries the two most important economic engines for rural America: agriculture and manufacturing.

AstroTurf, a member of the Biobased Products Coalition, makes synthetic turf which features backing made by Universal Textile Technologies and made from soybean based polyols. SYNLawn, the landscape division of AstroTurf, also features soy-based backing in its landscape turf products.

“My administration is committed to using every tool available to promote economic growth and create good jobs in rural America,” said President Obama. “Today’s announcements reflect our continued focus on expanding opportunity for rural Americans and all Americans, including supporting new and innovative businesses, and improving rural health care and education. And the actions we’re taking today are possible thanks to the feedback and ideas I’ve received from hardworking Americans across rural America, including the participants at the White House Rural Economic Forum.”

For AstroTurf and SYNLawn, the decision opens the doors for synthetic turf sports and landscape applications at federal government facilities throughout the country, including military installations.

AstroTurf has worked closely with soybean farmers throughout the country in creating awareness of its synthetic turf products. In 2011, AstroTurf installed the new football field at Kansas State University, where AstroTurf President Bryan Peeples and Kansas Soybean Commission Chairman Bob Haselwood were presented with a game ball and 5,000 fans received samples of the soy-backed AstroTurf.

“This is a monumental decision,” said Peeples. “AstroTurf and SYNLawn are on the cutting edge when it comes to the sustainability movement, and biobased manufacturing has become a huge part of our corporate culture. We are providing the best synthetic turf products available, all while reducing our dependence on foreign oil and helping to create American jobs.”

The Presidential Memo builds on the Congressional support for biobased products established in the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills. Key provisions in the new memorandum include:

•Requiring federal agencies to include goals and milestones for biobased purchasing in their Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans.

•Including biobased purchasing in the scorecard that the Office of Management and Budget uses to rate agencies’ Sustainability/Energy performance.

•Directing a 50 percent increase in the number of new product categories that are designated by USDA as biobased for preferred federal purchasing.

•Requiring new public reporting of federal agencies’ biobased product purchasing.

•Requiring federal agencies to sample and verify that biobased products are being included in purchasing contracts, identified in purchasing catalogs, and integrated in product specifications and contracting procedures.

•Directing the implementation of new biobased purchasing training, education, and outreach efforts to federal buyers.

•Providing assistance to small businesses to improve the selling of biobased products and services to the Federal Government.

•Directing the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare a report to the President on job creation and the economic impact associated with the biobased products industry.

“We know that when biobased products are used, it’s going to create new manufacturing opportunities in rural areas and we also know that it’s going to reduce our reliance on foreign oil,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

The federal biobased initiative is also an important model for state and other governments, such as Ohio, that passed legislation that requires state agencies to buy biobased products that are designated through the federal biobased program. Counties across the nation have started using biobased products as well.

Biobased product manufacturers and allied organizations launched the Biobased Products Coalition, of which AstroTurf is a member, in 2007 to focus and coordinate industry efforts to improve the federal biobased program and promote other favorable federal policies. The BPC provides a forum for biobased manufacturers of all sizes as well as farmer and other trade associations to present a unified industry voice on federal policy.

ASTROTURF FIELD AT THE HOME DEPOT CENTER CALLED THE BEST EVER

(CARSON, California) - The AstroTurf field that many have called the best synthetic turf field ever, has completed its run at The Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.

The field, which marks the first time a field was installed on AstroBase, was installed in December and has hosted the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, the California Interscholastic Federation State Football Championship Bowl games, international soccer matches, and practices for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. The Home Depot Center is home to the L.A. Galaxy of the MLS and must play their games on natural grass, so the field has been removed and is up for sale.

The field is approximately 81,900 square feet and the AstroBase system consists of nearly 15,000 interlocking base panels. The panels are structural and provide all the benefits of a shock pad and drainage system.

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

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

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

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

The field also has RootZone, a thatch layer which holds the sand and rubber infill in place for less splash and migration, making for a more consistent playing surface. The AstroTurf infill is a manufacturer’s blend of silica sand and ambient rubber.

Hundreds of coaches, players, synthetic turf industry professionals, architects, and construction managers had the opportunity to see, inspect, and play on the field. Most said it was the best synthetic playing field that they had ever seen.

Here’s what a number of them had to say about the field:

TOM FLORES – OAKLAND RAIDERS
Flores was most impressed with the fact that with this field, games are decided on the field and not by the field.

“I think the biggest impression has been that there has been no impression. I’ve asked individual players and they’ve all said it’s great. They’ve never experienced playing on turf like this and they’ve all played on some kind of artificial surface.”

In comparing this AstroTurf field to other synthetic turf fields, Flores said, “It’s not even close.”

DICK VERMEIL – RAMS, CHIEFS, EAGLES
“I’ve been very impressed. I haven’t seen one football player slip and that’s impressive in itself. The surface seems to be very close to a natural grass field. The players have been very positive about it, as well.”

DARRELL GREEN – DB – HOF – WASHINGTON REDSKINS
“AstroTurf is more than just a word. It’s more than just a field to play on. Our kids can feel good about the fact that a lot has gone into developing this surface. This is something that’s been well thought through. It has technology behind it. It gives the kids a chance to come out there and be wide open and have fun, yet a greater chance to walk off the field on two feet. It’s important, particularly for a player like me, who played 20 years in some tough conditions throughout the league, to see now that the technology has surpassed what I’ve ever known and the results are there. I think the NFLPA and AstroTurf have done something special here.”

WILL SHIELDS – OL - CHIEFS“I think it’s really cool. It’s a fast turf.”
Shields also discussed safety and other issues, and said, “Safety affects a lot, for the simple fact you can stop worrying about your knees and joints and everything else. It’s nice to know AstroTurf is working to make it even better for players. It also makes upkeep a lot easier and there’s no worrying about emissions. Teams are very fortunate to be able to put this kind of surface in.”

RAY CROCKETT – DB - BRONCOS“Actually, it’s outstanding! I wish I would have been able to play another three or four years on a surface like this, I might have gotten 18 years in.”

Regarding the safety of the field and a pro career, Crockett said, “What you play on saves your life. On this field, you feel secure.”

JACORY HARRIS – QB – UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
“This new AstroTurf surface is unreal! It’s better than regular turf. You can plant, you can cut, you can do whatever you want on this surface. It’s been great for us. The field is just amazing and it definitely helps with performance and safety.”

DELANO HARRIS – LB – BOWIE STATE“It’s smooth, it’s balanced, and the cuts are great. You become very explosive and that’s important, especially for a linebacker. It’s really important. I know the scouts are checking on cuts and to see how explosive you are. With this field it’s just a blessing because it gives you a chance to pick up your speed when you might not be as fast as the next guy. You’ll never be able to tell on a field like this, a surface like this. It’s been a blessing to have AstroTurf as a part of this.”

EDDIE WHITLEY – WR – VIRGINIA TECH“It’s something else. Your cuts are great and you don’t have to worry about impact on the ground. It feels like I can go out there and just have fun. I can just go all out and have a good time.”

DA’JON MCKNIGHT – WR – UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
“It’s smooth, fast, and easy to cut.”

JASON BARNES – WR – UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
“The AstroTurf feels great. It’s great for receivers making cuts and getting in and out of cuts.”

MARK SERVE – OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR – SIERRA CANYON HIGH SCHOOL
“The field was absolutely amazing. My receivers were making cuts that we’re normally not able to make on grass. We prefer AstroTurf because we’re a fast team. That field allows for a fast track. It plays to a team that has speed, which is what we have, so we took advantage of it.”

MAX TUERK – OL – SANTA MARGARITA HIGH SCHOOL
“It was the greatest game of my life. The AstroTurf was amazing. I usually slip, but I never slipped. That stuff has so much traction in it.”

JOHNNY STANTON – QB – SANTA MARGARITA HIGH SCHOOL“It’s one of the best fields I’ve ever played on. I didn’t even think about it the whole game. When you don’t have to think about it, you know you’ve done your job.”

MICHAEL HUTCHINGS – WR – DE LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL“It was a lot better. It was a lot more relaxing. It was a fast surface out there. It’s a little different than our turf at our school. It felt a little more grassy-feeling and I liked playing on it. It was a fast surface and allowed us to perform well.”

EUROPEAN HOCKEY FEDERATION RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH ASTROTURF

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Pictured at the recent signing in Philadelphia were:

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