ASTROTURF SAVES THE DAY AFTER UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE’S FOOTBALL CAMP HAMPERED BY BAD WEATHER

Tennessee Vols Head Coach Derek Dooley and AstroTurf President Bryan Peeples

(JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee) - Last week, the Tennessee Volunteers packed up and moved football camp to tiny Milligan College, just over 100 miles from the Knoxville campus.

The purpose of the move was to bring the team together as they prepare to face competition in the powerhouse Southeastern Conference.

''We wanted to do this to limit ourselves from the distractions and simulate what used to be very common as it relates to team chemistry and getting to know each other, building leadership and togetherness,'' coach Derek Dooley said.

The need for developing those bonds did little to hold off the rains last week.  The rains and field conditions at Milligan forced the Vols to move practices to the AstroTurf field at Science Hill High School in Johnson City.

Tennessee is very familiar with AstroTurf, having installed the surface in its indoor practice facility during the 2010 season.  Tennessee is also the home of the Center for Athletic Field Safety, a facility funded by AstroTurf and dedicated to safety research on synthetic and natural grass fields.

Steve Spurrier Field at Science Hill High School

Science Hill also installed the AstroTurf surface in 2010.  Its ability to host play in virtually any weather condition allowed the Vols to continue practice during and after the inclement weather.  The move to the field at Science Hill was part of the contingency plan for the camp.

All AstroTurf GameDay Grass fields have extensive drainage systems in the base work and the turf features 5/16-inch perforations on four-inch centers throughout the field.  These systems are designed to drain over 30 inches per hour. 

Last September, the Chattanooga, Tennessee area experienced over 10 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period, surpassing the record set in 1886.  Schools and businesses were closed as a result of flooding, but the rain did nothing to diminish the playability of AstroTurf fields in the area.  Teams practiced in the rain and hosted games the next day.

Mark Mariakis, head coach at Ridgeland High School, said of the rain, ”I can say that if this happened two years ago when we were still playing on grass, we probably wouldn’t have been able to even host home games for several weeks.”

The ability of AstroTurf systems to handle a variety of weather conditions, as well as its durability and consistency, are reasons why teams like the Vols are able to prepare according to plan, with no interruption.

The only reason the Vols may not have wanted to prepare at Science Hill would have been because it was on Steve Spurrier Field.  Spurrier, head coach at South Carolina and known as the Evil Genius, played at Science Hill.  He also made a generous donation to the school as it was renovating the stadium and adding AstroTurf.

"I think he is a generous man to give back to his high school, so I commend him for what he has done," Dooley said. "It's a tribute to the fact that he was a great player, a great coach, and made a lot of money. When that happens, you get your name on the field."

The University of Tennessee's Indoor Practice Facility

GROWTH IN ATHLETICS LEADS TO NEW ASTROTURF FIELD AT CENTRE COLLEGE

(DANVILLE, Kentucky) - Centre College is taking a big step toward enhancing its reputation of athletic excellence with the installation of a new AstroTurf field.

Centre is a top 50 liberal arts college, with just over 1,300 students enrolled.  The school boasts 23 intercollegiate teams and teams in 15 intramural sports program.  Within those programs, about 40% of the students participate in intercollegiate athletics and 80% participate in intramural sports.

Within the next few weeks, many of those athletes will be able to practice and play on the finest artificial playing surface in the world.

For years, the school has had to balance practice schedules of multiple teams on a field.  For example, the field hockey team would always have to wait for football practice to end before taking the field.  Now, those scheduling conflicts will no longer be part of the equation.

The new AstroTurf surface will accommodate field hockey, lacrosse, and soccer.  The field will also host early season softball practices and some intramural events.

“For us, the need for field availability was an issue,” said Brian Chafin, Athletic Director.  “The new AstroTurf field provides us with the solution of being able to offer more practice time, as well as a playing surface which is always ready to go and requires very little downtime.”

Chafin and Centre College officials looked at several turf options, but chose AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D52H.  

“The texture, performance, and durability of the field were important aspects,” said Chafin.  “We also looked at aesthetics.  In the end, AstroTurf was the choice for us.”

Most programs installing a synthetic surface look at five major categories when choosing a turf.  Those include availability, performance, maintenance, safety, and aesthetics.

“We understand the demands of all types of athletic programs,” said Pat Davidson, AstroTurf Sales Representative.  “We don’t subscribe to the one-size-fits-all philosophy and we worked hard to meet the individual needs of Centre College.  We’re excited to partner with them on this project and we’re proud to give them the finest playing surface on the market.”

AstroTurf fields offer more than four times the availability of grass fields.  The teams will be able to utilize the surface anytime, in most weather, for practice and games.

From a performance standpoint, the make-up of the AstroTurf system stands out.  This surface features the all new Horseshoe fiber.  This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape.  The fiber’s horseshoe shape features two end columns with a thicker diameter.  The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine.  The Horseshoe fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.

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.

The Horseshoe fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface.  That, in combination with AstroFlect heat reduction technology, 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.

From a maintenance standpoint, the field will require periodic grooming, but maintenance efforts are greatly reduced.  This will be vitally important as it related to the amount of use the new field will get, but will not require the maintenance required by a grass field to accommodate this level of use.

Regarding safety, a study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems had performance values more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, making it the safest option.  In extensive testing, the Horseshoe fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly.  

From an aesthetics standpoint, the fields look amazing.  The Horseshoe fiber is recognized as one of the best looking synthetic surfaces on the market.

There are a couple of added benefits.  One is the environment.  In 2010, BASF did a study comparing AstroTurf fields to natural grass fields.  In 11 environmental categories, AstroTurf had a lower environmental footprint than natural grass.  Factors contributing to this include reduced maintenance and mowing, which cause a variety of emissions.  Other factors include elimination of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the need for water.  AstroTurf fields also use soy-based polyols in the backing of products, reducing their dependence on foreign oil. 

From an economic standpoint, over 20 years, AstroTurf fields are, on average, 15% less expensive than natural grass fields, even when the cost of turf replacement is considered.

Finally, the biggest benefit seen by the most people will be the performance of the Centre College student athletes who use the field.

Sports Construction Management is managing the South Campus Fields project, which also includes a natural grass softball field, at Centre College and installation is expected to be complete by the end of summer.

ASTROTURF BEING ROLLED OUT IN ALUMNI STADIUM AT BOSTON COLLEGE

The new AstroTurf surface is being rolled out today in Alumni Stadium at Boston College.  The all-new AstroTurf replaces the old field turf surface.

Alumni Stadium, which offers a splendid view of the Boston skyline and heightens the excitement and enthusiasm of Boston College football games, will replace its existing artificial surface with an AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60H field.

“We went through an exhaustive search to find the best field available for our needs,” BC Director of Athletics Gene DeFilippo said.  “We were impressed with what AstroTurf had to offer and they stood out as the logical choice.”

BC Senior Associate AD John Kane cited AstroTurf’s products, as well as their history, their vertically integrated manufacturing process, and the fact that the company is family-owned.

“We felt like they came to us more as a partner than just a customer,” Assistant AD for Facilities Joe Shirley said.  “We felt secure because they are family-owned and control the manufacturing process from design through completion.  Another game-changer was their commitment to safety and quality.”

“We’re excited about our future with the great folks at Boston College,” said Dave Wheaton, Northeast Regional Sales Manager for AstroTurf.  “This is not about a single project.  It’s about a long-term relationship.”

Most teams installing a synthetic surface look at five major categories when choosing a turf.  Those include availability, performance, maintenance, safety, and aesthetics.

AstroTurf fields offer more than four times the availability of grass fields and this was a key element for Boston College.  The football team will be able to utilize the surface anytime for practice.  During the winter months, the school will install an inflatable dome over the field.  It can be used for winter workouts for football, as well as other sports like baseball.  It will also serve as a playing surface for several intramural sports programs.

From a performance standpoint, the make-up of the AstroTurf system stands out.  This surface features the all new Horseshoe fiber.  This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape.  The fiber’s horseshoe shape features two end columns with a thicker diameter.  The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine.  The Horseshoe fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.

The field also 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.

The Horseshoe fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface.  That, in combination with AstroFlect heat reduction technology, 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.

From a maintenance standpoint, the field will require periodic grooming, but maintenance efforts are greatly reduced.  This will be vitally important as it related to the amount of use the new field will get, but will not require the maintenance required by a grass field to accommodate this level of use.

Regarding safety, a study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems had performance values more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, making it the safest option.  In extensive testing, the Horseshoe fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly.  

From an aesthetics standpoint, the fields look amazing.  Making it even better is the fact that the football lines and logos are prefabricated and manufactured as part of the field, so the look is consistent.

There are a couple of added benefits.  One is the environment.  In 2010, BASF did a study comparing AstroTurf fields to natural grass fields.  In 11 environmental categories, AstroTurf had a lower environmental footprint than natural grass.  Factors contributing to this include reduced maintenance and mowing, which cause a variety of emissions.  Other factors include elimination of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the need for water.  AstroTurf fields also use soy-based polyols in the backing of products, reducing their dependence on foreign oil. 

From an economic standpoint, over 20 years, AstroTurf fields are, on average, 15% less expensive than natural grass fields, even when the cost of turf replacement is considered.

Finally, the biggest benefit seen by the most people will be the performance of the Boston College football team.

“The AstroTurf field will allow us to better prepare for games, which translates to better performance,” said Head Coach Frank Spaziani.  “It’s also important to recruiting, in that first-class facilities play a large role in recruiting success.  We believe the turf will help us bring the best student-athletes to Boston College.”

Installation of the field will be completed prior to the kickoff of the 2012 season.  Home games featuring the new field will be played against opponents including Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Clemson and Maryland.

BOSTON COLLEGE OFFICIALS VISIT ASTROTURF TO SEE MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR ALUMNI STADIUM FIELD

(DALTON, Georgia) - Boston College officials visited AstroTurf’s manufacturing facilities in Dalton, Georgia today to watch the final phase of the manufacturing process for the all-new field set to be installed at Alumni Stadium.

Tammy Stephens (AstroTurf), Kathy Storey (STR Prefabrication), Heard Smith (AstroTurf), Mike Tinch (AstroTurf), Ed Stokes (Boston College), Dave Wheaton (AstroTurf), John Kane (Boston College), Joe Shirley (Boston College), Bryan Peeples (AstroTurf)

 

On hand were Joe Shirley, Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities; John Kane, Senior Associate Athletic Director; and Ed Stokes, Construction Project Manager at Boston College.  

The field is being completed this week and will be delivered to Boston College on Monday for the installation process.

The group saw the field being tufted, as well as the game-changing AstroTurf prefabrication process for the field.  Prefabricated panels are assembled at the factory and arrive on site with tufted yard lines, inlaid interior hash marks, and inbound lines.  A typical football field has 398 individual inlays inside the field.  This does not include any logos, end zone lettering, or goal line “G”s.  AstroTurf prefabrication eliminates 243 individual inlays from being completed at field installation. 

Each of these inlays is built into an AstroTurf field in a climate-controlled facility and are inspected to ensure full adhesion before it is shipped to the job site.  This means inlays are cut, placed, and glued by the same certified and skilled personnel every time.

Precision templates match STR Fabrication numbers and letters.  This method provides over a 60% reduction in inlaid markings on site.  The process eliminates approximately 145 man hours of work on site, conservatively estimated at 3-4 days of total installation time.  It also results in overall improved quality in the finished field installation.

“It was important for them and for us that they were able to see the manufacturing process,” said Dave Wheaton, Northeast Regional Sales Manager for AstroTurf.  “They want to know that they are getting the best product on the market and we were proud to be able to show them how we make the best fields on the market.”

“We went through an exhaustive search to find the best field available for our needs,” BC Director of Athletics Gene DeFilippo said.  “We were impressed with what AstroTurf had to offer and they stood out as the logical choice.”

BC Senior Associate AD John Kane cited AstroTurf’s products, as well as their history, their vertically integrated manufacturing process, and the fact that the company is family-owned.

Bryan Peeples (AstroTurf), John Kane (Boston College)

“We felt like they came to us more as a partner than just a customer,” Assistant AD for Facilities Joe Shirley said.  “We felt secure because they are family-owned and control the manufacturing process from design through completion.  Another game-changer was their commitment to safety and quality.”

“We’re excited about our future with the great folks at Boston College,” said Wheaton.  “This is not about a single project.  It’s about a long-term relationship.”

Most teams installing a synthetic surface look at five major categories when choosing a turf.  Those include availability, performance, maintenance, safety, and aesthetics.

AstroTurf fields offer more than four times the availability of grass fields and this was a key element for Boston College.  The football team will be able to utilize the surface anytime for practice.  During the winter months, the school will install an inflatable dome over the field.  It can be used for winter workouts for football, as well as other sports like baseball.  It will also serve as a playing surface for several intramural sports programs.

From a performance standpoint, the make-up of the AstroTurf system stands out.  This surface features the all new Horseshoe fiber.  This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape.  The fiber’s horseshoe shape features two end columns with a thicker diameter.  The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine.  The Horseshoe fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.

The field also 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.

The Horseshoe fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface.  That, in combination with AstroFlect heat reduction technology, 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.

From a maintenance standpoint, the field will require periodic grooming, but maintenance efforts are greatly reduced.  This will be vitally important as it related to the amount of use the new field will get, but will not require the maintenance required by a grass field to accommodate this level of use.

Regarding safety, a study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf GameDay Grass systems had performance values more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, making it the safest option.  In extensive testing, the Horseshoe fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly.  

•  

From an aesthetics standpoint, the fields look amazing.  Making it even better is the fact that the football lines and logos are prefabricated and manufactured as part of the field, so the look is consistent.

There are a couple of added benefits.  One is the environment.  In 2010, BASF did a study comparing AstroTurf fields to natural grass fields.  In 11 environmental categories, AstroTurf had a lower environmental footprint than natural grass.  Factors contributing to this include reduced maintenance and mowing, which cause a variety of emissions.  Other factors include elimination of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the need for water.  AstroTurf fields also use soy-based polyols in the backing of products, reducing their dependence on foreign oil. 

From an economic standpoint, over 20 years, AstroTurf fields are, on average, 15% less expensive than natural grass fields, even when the cost of turf replacement is considered.

Finally, the biggest benefit seen by the most people will be the performance of the Boston College football team.

“The AstroTurf field will allow us to better prepare for games, which translates to better performance,” said Head Football Coach Frank Spaziani.  “It’s also important to recruiting, in that first-class facilities play a large role in recruiting success.  We believe the turf will help us bring the best student-athletes to Boston College.”

Installation will begin next week and will be completed prior to the start of football season.