ALABAMA STATE TO DEBUT NEW ASTROTURF FIELD ON THANKSGIVING DAY

(MONTGOMERY, Alabama) - The world’s oldest game between Historically Black Colleges and Universities kicks off on Thanksgiving Day on the newest AstroTurf field in college football.

The 89^th Turkey Day Classic will pit Alabama State against Tuskegee at the all new Hornet Stadium on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. CST.

Over the past week, the Hornets have been preparing for the debut of the new stadium by practicing on the new AstroTurf field.  There is a different kind of excitement in the air and practice has taken on an almost game day atmosphere.  Players have been a bit wide-eyed and in awe of the new 26,500-seat, $62 million stadium, which is part of a $600 million, 5-phase master plan for the university that will be complete in 2035.

The stadium features a new look, new lighting, 20 suites, club seating, party terraces, multiple locker rooms, and many more features.  Ultimately, the field is where the work of the Hornets gets done, and it was a key component in the stadium project.

"When we were looking at the stadium, and all the nice things we were putting in the stadium, the surface was definitely the most important,” said Alabama State Head Coach Reggie Barlow.  “We wanted something that would be great for game day and also durable, so we decided on Astroturf.  I've been blessed to play and coach on several different surfaces. This is by far the best I've ever seen."

Alabama State University is located in Montgomery and has been in existence since 1867.  The Hornets have been playing football since 1901.  ASU has an enrollment of about 5,600 students.  With the addition of the new stadium and the other campus projects, that will definitely change.

“The vision of the ASU administration and their commitment to all facets of university life is a tremendous thing for this university,” said Rusty Russell of AstroTurf.  “Athletically, the addition of the AstroTurf field provides a number of benefits.  They now have a more consistent and durable playing surface that leads to better performance.  It’s a great looking field and helps build support for the program, which leads to more successful recruiting efforts.  This field and this new stadium will also have an effect on student enrollment and the continued growth of the storied tradition of Alabama State.”

From a performance standpoint, the make-up of the AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D52H 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 features a texturized nylon RootZone.  The patented RootZone acts as a thatch layer that encapsulates the rubber infill to provide minimal rubber splash, uniform traction, and better shock absorbency.  

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.  

Specifically, the study discovered that the greatest reduction in torque (the twisting force that contributes to lower limb injuries) was achieved with AstroTurf’s RootZone.  The researchers attributed this statistically significant finding to the fact that AstroTurf required less infill to stabilize the turf system.  With less rubber, the AstroTurf system resisted infill compaction that could lead to cleats locking into the playing surface and exerting excessive torque on lower limbs. 

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. 

The AstroTurf surface is backed with soy-based polymers, which are polyurethane polymers manufactured with a portion of the polyol derived from the soybean plant, a renewable resource.  A typical AstroTurf field will use a significant amount of soybeans for its coating, which helps support the 600,000 soybean farmers in the United States.

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 Alabama State University football team.  The first test for the 7-3 Hornets will be the 9-1 Golden Tigers.

TENNESSEE POWERHOUSE MARYVILLE DEBUTS NEW ASTROTURF FIELD SUNDAY ON ESPN2

(MARYVILLE, Tennessee) - Tennessee football powerhouse Maryville High School added an all-new AstroTurf field this summer.  The team will kickoff their season on the field on Sunday, August 26th at noon (EST) against rival Alcoa on ESPN2.

This year, Coach George Quarles will seek his 10^th state championship title in his 14^th year at the helm.  Quarles’ overall record is 179-13.

The field will be constructed of AstroTurf GameDay Grass Xtreme 60.  The surface contains the Horseshoe fiber, an Omega-shaped fiber which has better mechanical memory and remains upright longer, has a more grass-like ball roll, and offers the best aesthetics of any field.  It is combined with the AstroTurf XP fiber.  XP is a slit-film product which offers better infill encapsulation, best resistance to wear, and great pile density.  

The product also features texturized RootZone.  RootZone is a fiber which acts as a thatch layer, creating minimal rubber splash, uniform energy return, and better shock absorbency, while encapsulating the infill and reducing migration.

The field also has a face weight of 60 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%.

“Maryville is one of the nation’s premier football programs and they are getting the finest synthetic playing surface on the market,” said AstroTurf President Bryan Peeples.  “We are excited that AstroTurf will play a role in continuing the winning tradition of the Rebels and Coach Quarles.”

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

TEXAS’ BRYAN AND RUDDER HIGH SCHOOLS GET NEW ASTROTURF FIELDS AND EXPECT A MULTITUDE OF BENEFITS

(BRYAN, Texas) - Bryan and Rudder High School have now joined the trend of schools converting to AstroTurf sports fields.

Bryan High School, in addition to a new track, has added an all new AstroTurf field at Merrill Green Stadium.  Rudder High School, which is also in the Bryan Independent School District (ISD) has added a 65-yard AstroTurf practice field.

“We were one of the last to convert from natural grass,” said Bryan ISD Athletic Director Harry Francis.  “With AstroTurf, we will get more bang for our buck because we will be able to accommodate more kids and more activities.  We will also be in line to host more playoff games in football.”

The decision to convert was made after a great deal of research, according to Francis.

Burnside Construction strongly recommended AstroTurf.  

“We’ve done a lot of work with Burnside,” said Francis.  “They are very reputable and with us they have always on-task when it comes to project management and they don’t cut corners.  They’ve done a number of high school and collegiate fields, so when they recommended AstroTurf, that meant a lot.”

Francis also cited AstroTurf installations at Texas A&M, Allen Academy, and Brenham High School as playing a role in the decision-making process.

Francis cited a multitude of positives resulting from installation of the two fields.

“We can be on the field every day,” he said.  “This is Texas, and when you consider the weather, your time on a field can be affected.  It’s not always heat.  We’ve had a lot of rain this year.”

Francis said sports teams at the school would benefit, both during the season and in the off-season as a training tool.  He also said the band and other fine arts groups would benefit from use of the fields.

“These fields have created an edge of excitement,” he said.  “It provides momentum for our programs and the possibility to generate additional revenue.  This jumps us back up in the playoff business because we have an 11,000 seat stadium and we’re a mid-point for smaller school districts and communities such as Austin and Houston.”

“There is nothing like Texas when it comes to high school sports,” said Chad Feris, AstroTurf Regional Sales Manager.  “These are great facilities and we are looking forward to watching the programs at Bryan and Rudder grow over these next few years.”

The make-up of the AstroTurf system stands out.  This surface features the Horseshoe fiber.  This 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 Horseshoe fiber is in use on fields in Texas at places like Brenham and Muleshoe.  It’s also featured prominently at Kansas State University and with the Tampa Bay Rays.  Boston College is set to unveil its new field, made from the Horseshoe fiber, this fall.

The field also 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.

Francis has estimated annual field upkeep costs for grass fields in the district at $25,000.  He figures maintenance on the new AstroTurf surfaces to be around $3,000.

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 teams at Bryan and Rudder.

ASTROTURF INSTALLATION UNDERWAY AT MARYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

AstroTurf President Bryan Peeples with Maryville Head Coach George Quarles

 (MARYVILLE, Tennessee) - George Quarles is not a man to shy away from big goals.

In fact, while most high school football coaches set a goal of winning even a single state championship in their career, Quarles starts every season with that goal in mind.

As the head coach of the Maryville Rebels, most would say he’s done pretty well.  This year, he will seek his 10^th state championship title in his 14^th year at the helm of the Tennessee powerhouse.  Quarles’ overall record at the helm is 179-13.

This year, however, will bring a major change.  As Quarles looks out over the football field this morning, crews will be rolling out the all new AstroTurf football field that the team will play on in their quest for another state title.

The change to the new synthetic was born of necessity and a desire to maintain pace with a growing trend.  First among the reasons was use of the field.

“We have an overuse problem,” said Quarles.  “We have, not only the high school using the field, but the middle school teams, our youth league teams, our band practices on it quite a bit, and our PE classes use it.  So, we just have a lot of teams that are using the field and by the end of the season, we don’t have any grass to play on.  We’ve been pretty fortunate that we’ve been playing in November and December, but by then you don’t have grass, just some mud.”

Maryville City Schools Board Member Denny Garner said the amount of use contributed to the deterioration of the field, as well as a drainage problem. 

AstroTurf's Mitchell Truban, Mary City Schools Board Member Denny Garner, AstroTurf's Thomas Mullins, Maryville Head Coach George Quarles

“It was going to cost something like $280,000 to re-drain and put natural grass back on the field,” said Garner.  “Then we started looking at AstroTurf and other products.  We came to the conclusion that we could come out ahead financially by changing to an artificial surface.  We spend about $30,000 a year on our field now for maintenance.  That’s a maintenance fee that will dissolve and go away.  We can put that money back and bank it for re-turfing down the road.”

Quarles also cited other reasons for the change, including aesthetics, a consistent playing surface that’s always available, and development of artificial turf that looks and plays more like natural grass.

Maryville, in the past, has conducted practices at the University of Tennessee’s indoor practice facility, which also has AstroTurf.  That surface caught their attention.  Officials and team members also visited a number of fields during the decision-making process.

“We did a tremendous amount of study and research,” said Garner.  “We decided that AstroTurf was, by far, in our opinion, the best turf product out there at this time.  When you visit a company like this, that pretty much does it all from start to finish, from the build of it to the install, you just feel so much more comfortable with the fact that you’ve seen their manufacturing operations.”

Quarles mentioned a couple of other intangibles in the process.

“We liked the product, for one,” he said.  “But we were really impressed with the people at AstroTurf.  Bryan Peeples, the company president came to our school.  The sales staff and project engineers have been very responsive.  We just developed a good relationship with them.  They were up front with us.  We didn’t hear any negatives about other competitors.  We just heard the good things about AstroTurf.  We appreciated that and we’ve not regretted our decision for a second.”

A contingent of officials from Maryville visited AstroTurf’s manufacturing facilities in Dalton, Georgia two weeks ago and that visit further solidified the decision.

“We learned a lot about the process,” said Quarles.  “What impressed me the most, though, was that during the visit to one of the plants, I watched Bryan Peeples take time to stop and speak to the line employees, calling them by name, and engaging them in conversation.  They truly are a family company and we like that.”

The field will be constructed of AstroTurf GameDay Grass Xtreme 60.  The surface contains the Horseshoe fiber, an Omega-shaped fiber which has better mechanical memory and remains upright longer, has a more grass-like ball roll, and offers the best aesthetics of any field.  It is combined with the AstroTurf XP fiber.  XP is a slit-film product which offers better infill encapsulation, best resistance to wear, and great pile density.  The product also features texturized RootZone.  RootZone is a fiber which acts as a thatch layer, creating minimal rubber splash, uniform energy return, and better shock absorbency, while encapsulating the infill and reducing migration.

The field also has a face weight of 60 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%.

“Maryville is one of the nation’s premier football programs and they are getting the finest synthetic playing surface on the market,” said AstroTurf President Bryan Peeples.  “We are excited that AstroTurf will play a role in continuing the winning tradition of the Rebels and Coach Quarles.”

The AstroTurf crew arrived on-site this morning to begin the installation process, which will take about two weeks.

ALABAMA AND MICHIGAN STATE SET TO SQUARE OFF ON ASTROTURF AT THE CAPITAL ONE BOWL

(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.