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.

BIG NAME ASSISTANT COACHES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE ASTROTURF NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL

(LOS ANGELES, California) - Two old rivals will face off as coaches in the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Saturday, January 21st at The Home Depot Center in LA, and they have announced their assistant coaches for the game.

“It doesn’t get any better than this group,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf. “These guys were all top-notch players and coaches and these young men who are playing will benefit greatly.”

Dick Vermeil, who coached with the Eagles, Rams, and Chiefs, won a SuperBowl with the Rams. Tom Flores, who coached with the Raiders, won two Super Bowls. They faced off in Super Bowl XV, and now they will face off again as they coach the next generation of NFL players.

Their assistant coaches will be:

Martin Bayless was a defensive back who played collegiately at Bowling Green. He played in the NFL from 1984-1996 for the Cardinals, Bills, Chargers, Chiefs, and Redskins. After playing, he served in the front office of the Bills, and then began a coaching career which has taken him from high school to the University of North Carolina. He has also coached in the NFL Europe, the UFL, and with the Panthers, Raiders, Vikings, and Texans.

Isaac Bruce was a four-time Pro Bowler at wide receiver. He played for the Rams and 49ers from 1994-2009. He finished his career with 15,208 receiving yards. He currently ranks third on that list behind Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens.

John Bunting played linebacker at the University of North Carolina. He played professionally for the Eagles from 1972-1982 with the Eagles and then played two years in the USFL. He has been an NFL assistant with the Chiefs, Rams, and Saints. He also served as head coach of the University of North Carolina from 2001-2006.

Frank Gansz, Jr.,is a longtime special teams coach at the college and professional level. He has served as special teams coach for the Ravens, UCLA, and is currently in the role at SMU.

Carl Hairston played defensive end in the NFL from 1976-1990 for the Eagles, Chiefs, and Cardinals. He has coached with the Cardinals, Chiefs, Rams, and Packers. Amazingly, Hairston was either a player or coach in all 240 games coached by Dick Vermeil.

Matthew Hatchette was a receiver at Langston University. He played six NFL seasons for the Vikings, Jets, and Jaguars. Eric Hicks was a defensive end from the University of Maryland, who played with the Chiefs, Jets, and Lions from 1998-2009.

Vonnie Holliday was a defensive end at the University of North Carolina. He began his pro career in 1998 and has played with the Packers, Chiefs, Dolphins, Broncos, and Redskins. He is currently with the Arizona Cardinals.

Priest Holmes was a running back at the University of Texas. He played for the Ravens and the Chiefs from 1997-2007 and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and won a ring in Super Bowl XXXV.

Billy Long played collegiately at Alabama. He has over 20 years coaching experience at the collegiate level, including coaching the offensive line at Arkansas. He served as a consultant for the St. Louis Rams and as strength and conditioning coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kevin Mawae was a four-year starter at center for LSU. The eight-time Pro Bowler played for 14 years in the NFL with the Seahawks, Jets, and Titans.

Rod Martin was a USC linebacker who played 12 NFL seasons from 1977-1988. The two-time Pro Bowler played with the Raiders and was a part of the winning team in two Super Bowl victories(1980-1983).

Steve Ortmayer began coaching in 1967 at Colorado. He also coached collegiately at Georgia Tech. He has served as a coach with the Chiefs and the Raiders, as well as being the general manager of the San Diego Chargers.

Tony Richardson was a running back for Auburn University. The three-time Pro Bowler played with the Chiefs, Vikings, and Jets from 1995-2010.

Greg Robinson has spent years in the coaching ranks. He was the onetime head coach at Syracuse and has served as a defensive coach with the Chiefs, Broncos, and Jets.

Bob Saunders is the son of longtime NFL coach Al Saunders. He has served as an offensive assistant with the Chiefs, the Rams, and the Redskins.

Terry Shea played collegiately as a quarterback at Oregon. As a coach, he was the offensive coordinator at Cal and has served as the head coach for San Jose State and the British Columbia Lions of the CFL. He has also coached with the Chiefs, Bears, and Rams. He currently prepares elite quarterbacks for the NFL and has worked with such players as Sam Bradford, Matthew Stafford, and Josh Freeman.

Will Shields may be the most recognizable of the assistant coaches. Shields played collegiately at Nebraska, where he was an All-American and won the outland trophy. He was also named to the Collegiate All-Century Team. In December 2011, Shields was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He played 14 years for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was a 12-time Pro Bowl selection. Shields is on the ballot for this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class.

Ted Tollmer played quarterback at Cal Poly. He went on to become the offensive coordinator at USC, and followed John Robinson as the head coach of the Trojans. He also coached at San Diego State.

Eric Warfield is another Nebraska product coaching in the game. He played cornerback in the NFL for the Chiefs and the Patriots from 1998-2006. The game begins at 3:00 PST and will be broadcast on the NBC Sports Network.

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.

TOM FLORES AND DICK VERMEIL TO COACH IN THE ASTROTURF NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL

(LOS ANGELES, California) – Two coaching legends will face off in the newest bowl game to feature the best collegiate football players.

Dick Vermeil and Tom Flores will coach the two teams of all-stars in the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on January 21st in Los Angeles at The Home Depot Center.

Vermeil, who has the distinction of being named Coach of the Year at four levels including high school, junior college, NCAA Division I, and professional football, will participate in the game.

Vermeil became the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976 after being the first special teams coach in NFL history for the LA Rams and then head coach for UCLA. Vermeil then spent 15 years as a sportscaster. He returned to coaching in 1997 with the St. Louis Rams and won Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999. He retired the following year, but returned to coaching with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001, where he stayed until 2006.

Flores played from 1960-1969 with the Raiders, Bills, and Chiefs. After serving as an assistant coach with Buffalo and Oakland, he became the Raiders head coach in 1979 after John Madden retired. He coached the Raiders from 1979-1987 and the Seattle Seahawks from 1992-1994. Flores was the first Hispanic player to play in a Super Bowl and the first minority head coach to win a Super Bowl. Flores won Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XVIII as a head coach.

This is not the first time the two coaching legends have squared off. Most notably, the Raiders, coached by Flores, defeated the Eagles, coach by Vermeil in Super Bowl XV in 1980.

The American and National coaching staffs and their rosters face off on January 21 at the Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University Dominguez Hills in Carson, Calif. Kickoff is 3 p.m. PT.

Standout players and coaches, both active and former, will come together from the top professional and collegiate ranks to help 100 draft-eligible players showcase their talent on the NBC Sports Network and in front of 25,000 fans and scouts.

The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be more than just an all-star game for participants as the week-long educational experience will provide them with valuable information on how to succeed both on and off the field. The hand-picked staffs of Vermeil and Flores are committed to engaging and educating the game’s participants on preparing for the business of football.

The week will also bring the excitement of professional football back to Los Angeles as the player participants interact with the Southern California community through youth clinics and fan appreciation initiatives.

Hollywood glitz and glamour will also be incorporated as the NFLPA PULSE Awards will be held in downtown L.A. on the eve of the game. The annual event honors some of the biggest names in the NFL for their accomplishments both on and off the field.

Exciting partnerships with some of the most recognizable names in sporting events ensures the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will provide a professional-level experience for its players, fans and sponsors. AEG and IMG bring elite management teams and unparalleled sporting event expertise to the inaugural game. The Home Depot Center has hosted some of the finest competitions in international athletics, where AstroTurf will unveil an innovative field.

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 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.

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 field rests atop an all new AstroBase system, 15,000 interlocking panels which will provide stability for the field, allow for better drainage, and decrease installation time.

Tickets went on sale nationwide through Tickermaster.com in November.

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 http://www.astroturfusa.com/.

WORLD RECORD SNOWMOBILE JUMP ON ASTROTURF

Last year, Levi Levalle set the world record jump on a snowmobile, using an AstroTurf ramp. He was injured in practice and could perform the stunt live on New Year's Eve.

This year he performed the jump on New Year's Eve in San Diego alongside a motorcycle ridden by Robbie Maddison, also attempting a world record.

Levalle set the record this year with an amzing jump of 412', all while using an AstroTurf ramp since there is no snow in San Diego. What'll they think of next?

Check out the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-OU1vfyaks&feature=player_embedded

ASTROTURF PROUD OF PARTNERSHIP WITH ERIC BERRY

While we missed seeing Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs play this year due to an early season injury, we got an opportunity to spend a little time with him right before Christmas and we couldn’t be prouder of our association with this fine young man.

In a world where professional athletes increasingly lose sight of the team concept and exist with a sense of entitlement, Eric Berry is one of the good guys. Literally. Berry, who has been ranked as one of the Top 5 Good Guys in the NFL, along with Tim Tebow and Drew Brees, is truly a humble guy with a bright future.

Before beginning his NFL career, Berry decided he wanted to give back to the recreation department where he grew up. Duncan Park, in Fairburn, Georgia, is managed by Berry’s father James, who was a three-year starter for the Tennessee Vols. Eric wanted the park to have the benefit of a synthetic turf field so that young athletes in Fairburn would have a first-class field on which to play and develop their skills. He partnered with AstroTurf to provide a state-of-the-art field at Duncan Park. As a result of the partnership, Berry also took a huge interest in player safety and worked with AstroTurf to help open the Center for Athletic Field Safety at the University of Tennessee.

He also formed the Eric Berry Foundation to give back to kids and he is a great representative for all that is right about sports.

Prior to his rookie year, Eric was at preseason camp where temperature soared to over 100 degrees. After practice, he performed his rookie duties and carried the pads of two veterans from the field back to the locker room. On the way, he stopped to sign autographs for fans and was the last player left outside. He’d signed for everyone who wanted an autograph, but there were two kids left who wanted an autograph, but had nothing left to sign. Berry sat down and took his cleats off and signed them for the boys, leaving him to carry the equipment back to the locker room in his socks.

Berry is willing to sign for so many fans because when he was in high school, he was shunned when he approached the great Deion Sanders. Berry vowed that if he made it as a pro that he would never do that.

Eric joined us at Competitive Edge Sports (CES) in Atlanta right before Christmas to film a commercial and be interviewed about the safety and other benefits of playing on AstroTurf. The commercial will air on January 21st on the NBC Sports Network during the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Some of his other video comments will air at the American Football Coaches Association in San Antonio next week.

He came in and talked to everyone who wanted to talk to him and was very accommodating. He also displayed his classic humble attitude. After filming, Eric and I discussed a high school game of his that I had officiated. He spoke about that game with a passion that would have made you think he was still playing for Creekside High School. Eric hasn’t forgotten where he came from.

One thing’s for sure, I can tell you where he’s going. I, for one, will be encouraging my son to follow Eric’s career and look up to him as a role model.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Chip Smith of CES in Atlanta for letting us use his facility to film with Eric. CES is the premiere training facility for professional athletes all over the country and is also recognized for training future NFL players who are working out to participate in combines.

We also owe a big thanks to Ashley Kerns of Allegiant Athletic Agency (a3), Eric’s agency, for coordinating the shoot. She’s a real trooper who works hard to help Eric honor all his commitments, as well as a tireless worker in organizing Eric’s football camps, which help kids all over the country.

Like us on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AstroTurf/124352067595110

SOUTH CAROLINA AND NEBRASKA FACE OFF IN THE CAPITAL ONE BOWL ON ASTROTURF

It's the first day of the new year and despite the promise for great things to come, it seems a little strange not having college football on the first day of the year.

The NFL has provided the much-needed action, but tomorrow brings with it more college football.

The game we'll be focusing on kicks off at 1:00 p.m. at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando. South Carolina will take on Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl. The part that grabs our attention is that the game will be played on AstroTurf.

If the previous bowl game on this AstroTurf surface is any indication, this game will be a good one. In the Champs Sports Bowl on December 29th, Florida State battled back from a 14 point deficit to beat Notre Dame 18-14.

The Capital One Bowl should also be a good one. South Carolina is 10-2 and Nebraska is 9-3.

When it comes to points scored, this should be a pick-it. South Carolina averages 30.1 points per game and Nebraska is slightly better at 30.5

South Carolina has the edge in points against, only giving up 18.8 points per game, while Nebraska is giving up 22.8.

South Carolina has the edge in passing yards, and Nebraska has a better rushing average. However, South Carolina rates better in both pass and rush defense.

On paper, it looks like a very even match-up.

While you're watching the game, make sure to take note of the AstroTurf surface. Two years ago, when Penn State faced LSU in the Capital One Bowl, the field was a muddy mess. The weather, compounded by the number of events held on the field prior to that game, created the problem.

After the game, Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium officials enlisted AstroTurf to change the surface. They got the most advanced synthetic turf playing surface available.

Make sure to check it out.

CARROLL COLLEGE AND SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY WILL PLAY FOR THE NAIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ON ASTROTURF

(ROME, Georgia) - The combatants for the 2011 NAIA National Championship football game are set to play on the AstroTurf at Barron Stadium in Rome, Georgia.

Defending champion and six-time national champion Carroll College will take on Saint Xavier University, which is making its first-ever national championship game appearance.

“We’re excited about these two great programs competing for the national championship,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf. “The AstroTurf field at Barron Stadium is one of the finest in the country and a major reason the NAIA has chosen to host the championship game in Rome through 2015.”

The Fighting Saints of Carroll College, a Helena, Montana school, are looking to tie Texas A&I for the most national championships in NAIA history. Carroll won four straight titles from 2002-2005, as well as in 2007 and again in last year’s game in Rome.

In the semi-final game, the Saints racked up 447 yards of total offense and converted on nine-of-14 third-down attempts in defeating previously unbeaten Georgetown (Kentucky) 35-3. The Carroll College defense has not given up a second half score in four games.

Saint Xavier, from Chicago, beat top-ranked Marian University 30-27 in the semi-finals. Freshman strong safety Clayton Fejedelem intercepted a pass in the end zone with eight seconds remaining to seal the deal for the Cougars.

The Russell Athletic – NAIA Football National Championship will kick off this Saturday, December 17th, at 4:30 p.m. EST in the 56th installment of the game.

The game will be broadcast in HD by the CBS Sports Network. CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video, and telecommunications providers. It is also available via satellite on DirecTV Channel 613 and Dish Network Channel 152. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

The AstroTurf surface at Barron stadium has been credited with keeping the game in Rome after a couple of muddy games on natural grass. Barron Stadium also hosts the high school football games of the Rome Wolves, as well as numerous other events. The heavy usage sometimes made the old natural grass surface susceptible to the weather.

“The new field was really important,” said Bill Peterson, Athletic Director at Shorter University and part of the host committee. “Without the AstroTurf, I doubt that we would have been able to secure a long-term bid. With AstroTurf, the weather becomes irrelevant, even late in the year. ”

In addition, playing the game on the AstroTurf surface generates approximately $2 million per year in economic impact for the community.

The field features the revolutionary 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 is an “Omega” shape with 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 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, the Horseshoe fiber performs 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 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 features a 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 Horseshoe fiber was introduced in 2010 and is already in use on game fields for teams such as Kansas State University; practice fields at schools such as Stanford University, University of Tennessee, and Auburn University; baseball game fields for the Tampa Bay Rays, Wake Forest, Duke, and Ohio State; and numerous high school football fields around the country.

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 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. Recent innovations from AstroTurf include GameDay Grass 3D with RootZone, a system which most closely replicates natural grass; 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.

ASTROTURF AND NFLPA PARTNER FOR COLLEGIATE BOWL GAME

(LOS ANGELES, California) - AstroTurf and the NFL Players Association convened this week in Los Angeles to discuss the upcoming AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, an all-star game showcasing the talents of draft-eligible collegiate players.

NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith made no bones about the importance of the event.

“It didn’t take us long,” said Smith, of the decision to host the game. “If an athlete has the talent, drive, and will to go to the next level, why wouldn’t we provide that young man with an opportunity to showcase his talents?”

Smith said the new 10-year labor peace “provides us with an opportunity to move forward in the way we address, deal with, and prepare” players looking to play at the NFL level.

He also cited AstroTurf for “sharing our vision in protecting and preparing athletes.”

Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf, said there were 30-year industry veterans who would be shaking their heads in wonder because “AstroTurf and the NFLPA are up here on stage together arm-in-arm.”

Peeples said the NFLPA chose to partner with AstroTurf after visiting their Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and people, as well as the Center for Athletic Field Safety at the University of Tennessee, which is funded by AstroTurf.

“Our platform going forward, as it has been in the past, is for safety,” said Peeples.

Willie McGinest, a 15-year NFL veteran who has three Super Bowl ring to his credit, echoed those sentiments.

“I came into the league in 1994,” said McGinest. “Our union and AstroTurf have made great strides since then. It’s a unique and great marriage.”

Matthew Hatchette, who played eight years in the NFL, cited AstroTurf and the NFLPA for hosting this game and providing an opportunity for players to make it to the NFL.

Hatchette attended Langston University, where he said only two scouts came to see him play. He also said he had to make his own highlight films and be persistent in making calls and writing letters before getting his shot at a professional career. He said the game provides a perfect opportunity for players from smaller schools and those that are late bloomers, physically.

The game will take place on January 21st at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles. The Home Depot Center is a world-class facility with several sporting venues, including a 27,000-seat stadium which is home to the LA Galaxy professional soccer team.

The new AstroTurf field was installed in only six days, and features new AstroBase technology, a series of 15,000 structural panels, which provide the base system for the field.

The field surface is 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 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.

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 field will be used next weekend to host all five state championship football games of the California Interscholastic Federation. It will also host a number of other sporting events before being removed in February and being made available for sale to a school or organization looking to utilize a state-of-the-art synthetic playing surface.

The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be broadcast on NBC Sport Network, which will be rebranded from Versus on January 2nd.

The teams will be coaches by NFL coaching legends Dick Vermeil and Tom Flores. The two last faced each other in Super Bowl XV. Flores’ Oakland Raiders defeated Vermeil’s Philadelphia Eagles 27-10.

The night before the game, the NFLPA will host their annual PULSE Awards at Club Nokia at LA Live. Some of the celebrity presenters will include Joe Manganiello, Ed Asner, Jaime Pressly, Holly Robinson Peete and Hill Harper. The event will honor many active and former NFL players.

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.

CALIFORNIA (CIF) STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP BOWL GAMES TO BE PLAYED ON ASTROTURF

(CARSON, California) - Earlier this month, the NFL Players Association announced that AEG Facilities’ The Home Depot Center in Carson, will host the inaugural AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, a college football all-star game.

AstroTurf, the inventor of synthetic turf, will install a brand new synthetic surface for the game, which will be removed and sold following the game. In planning for the event, AstroTurf and The Home Depot Center arranged the installation of the field prior to the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games.

“We’re excited that the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games will be played on AstroTurf, and look forward to hosting high school and collegiate athletes on our playing surface, which is considered to be the finest synthetic surface in the world,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf.

This year’s state championship games are scheduled for December 16-17. The Home Depot Center’s sod removal began last week, and the installation of the new AstroTurf field will be complete by December 10th.

“This marks the first time in our facility’s history that synthetic turf has been installed in our stadium, and through our partnership with AstroTurf and the NFLPA, we’re pleased to be able to offer a state-of-the-art artificial field for the high school athletes playing in the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games this month,” said Kyle Waters, Vice President of Events and Operations at The Home Depot Center.

“We appreciate the efforts of AstroTurf and The Home Depot Center in enhancing the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games experience,” said Marie Ishida, Executive Director of the CIF. “Knowing that our student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete on a top-of-the-line field surface, makes for a great championship environment.”

The field surface will be 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 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.

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 will be filled with approximately 325,000 pounds of a manufacturer’s blend of silica sand and ambient rubber. The AstroTurf surface will cover about 81,000 square feet.

The CIF State Championships begin Friday, December 16th. The Division IV game will start at 4:00 p.m. and will be followed by the Division I game at 8:00 p.m.

There will be three games on Saturday, December 17th. The Division III game kicks off at noon and will be followed by the Division II game at 4:00 p.m. The final game of the event will determine the Open Division state champion at 8:00 p.m.

The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 21st. Tickets for the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games and the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are available now at www.homedepotcenter.com.


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 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL COMING TO LA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the NFL Players Association unveiled its plans to host Southern California’s premier football event – The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held January 21 at the Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University Dominguez Hills in Carson, Calif. Under the direction of Super Bowl-winning coaches Tom Flores and Dick Vermeil, 100 of the country’s top draft prospects will showcase their talent in front of 25,000 fans and pro scouts.

However, the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl experience is much more than a game for participating players.

“Our mission is to provide these young men with an unforgettable all-star game experience but just as importantly with invaluable information for their transition out of college,” said Clark Gaines, NFLPA Assistant Executive Director. “The NFLPA is a player’s primary resource for information on the business of football, and we will educate these players on how to succeed in the NFL and in their post-football careers.”

For one week preceding the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, pro-football players and coaching legends will work with the game’s future stars, giving them first-hand insight on what it takes to win on and off of the field. Flores and Vermeil will provide the players with elite-level practices and playbooks and the players will interact with the community through youth clinics and more.

Tickets are on sale now and start at $15. Visit Ticketmaster.com or HomeDepotCenter.com.

For the latest news on the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, follow twitter.com/NFLPABowl and facebook.com/NFLPACollegiateBowl.

Read more on ESPN.com: http://es.pn/vAm3TJ
https://www.nflplayers.com/Articles/Press-Releases/AstroTurf-NFLPA-Collegiate-Bowl-Announced/

JOSE BAUTISTA'S PLAY ON ASTROTURF RESULTS IN SECOND SILVER SLUGGER AWARD

(TORONTO) - It looks like Jose Bautista has found a home on the AstroTurf in right field for the Toronto Blue Jays. It also looks like he’s found his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award, given to the best offensive player at each position.

Bautista, from the Dominican Republic, has been in the big leagues since 2004, when he was on the rosters of four different teams. Since then, he has played six different positions.

2010 became a true breakout year for Bautista. Playing right field full time, Bautista belted a league-leading 54 home runs, making him the 26th member of the 50 home run club. He was selected to the All Star team and won the Hank Aaron Award and the Silver Slugger Award.

Bautista was just as impressive in 2011. He hit 43 home runs and became the first player since Mark McGwire (1998-99) to lead the lead in home runs over two consecutive years. In July, he set a record for the most All Star votes ever for a single player, with 7,454,753. That surpassed the previous record set in 1994 by Ken Griffey, Jr.

Yesterday, the league announced that Bautista was a recipient of the Silver Slugger Award for the second consecutive year. He also won a second consecutive Hank Aaron Award for his efforts this season.

Bautista’s coming into his own has paid off in handsome dividends for the slugger. The Blue Jays, in order to make sure he is still playing on the AstroTurf in the Rogers Centre, awarded him with a new contract this past February. The deal extended his contract for five seasons and was valued at $64 million.

The Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays are the two Major League Baseball teams which play on AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D systems. AstroTurf is The Official Synthetic Turf of Major League Baseball.

AstroTurf is becoming more widely used in baseball due to the realistic, grass-like looks and performance it provides players and teams. Recently, many college programs have added AstroTurf baseball fields, including Kansas, Kansas State, Wichita State, Ohio State, Duke, and Wake Forest. The Virginia Tech Hokies are currently installing a new AstroTurf playing surface.

“Jose Bautista is one of the most exciting players in the game and we’re proud that he plays on a great surface like AstroTurf,” said Bryan Peeples, president of AstroTurf. “We are also proud that so many players who will have an impact in the future are able to play on our fields, as more and more teams make the change.”

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; 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.

PENBERTHY REC SPORTS COMPLEX AT TAMU REOPENS WITH NEW ASTROTURF FIELDS

(COLLEGE STATION, Texas) - Texas A&M University recently hosted a grand opening ceremony for the newly renovated Penberthy Rec Sports Complex.

Several new AstroTurf fields, as well as a maintenance building and a pavilion were constructed. The complex also features new lights, a new parking area, a new area to check out sports equipment, and new bathrooms and showers with changing areas. The total cost of the project was nearly $9 million.

“The Texas A&M student body deserves outdoor facilities that are on par with the indoor facilities, said Dennis Corrington, the Executive Director of Rec Sports. “Not only do we meet that expectation, but now we have one of the top collegiate recreational facilities in the nation.”

Texas A&M enlisted the help of AstroTurf to create more playing opportunities for the approximately 15,000 students who participate in intramural sports and sport clubs at the College Station school.

The Penberthy Rec Sports Complex is a 48-acre facility which plays host to the outdoor intramural and sport clubs programs for Aggie students. The complex was named for W.L. Penberthy, the father of intramural sports at Texas A&M.

Over 463,500 square feet of that facility was being converted to AstroTurf. Construction is complete and students are now using the center.

“We knew we needed to make a change to synthetic turf,” said Rick Hall, Senior Associate Director of Rec Sports. “We talked with several turf companies and educated ourselves throughout the process. AstroTurf is the one that impressed us. We feel like we’re getting the best turf system at a very affordable price.”

Hall, along with other representatives from Texas A&M, visited Brenham High School’s Cub Stadium field and the eight AstroTurf fields at West Texas A&M University during the process, and came away knowing that AstroTurf was the right decision.

The fields are constructed of AstroTurf GameDay Grass Extreme. The new surface contains the all new Horseshoe fiber. Horseshoe, is 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.

Burnside Services handled all base and drainage work on the project, as well as all driveways and parking lots. Burnside is operated by Tommy, Dayle, and Jake Burnside, all of whom attended Texas A&M.

“This is, by far, the largest athletic field project we have worked on,” said Tommy Burnside. “This is about 11 acres of turf and we moved 50,000 yards of dirt.”

Two of the fields are 150 yards X 100 yards and will primarily host intramural sports events such as flag football and soccer. Each field can accommodate two flag football fields or modified soccer fields. Each field can also be converted to full-size fields for soccer, lacrosse, and ultimate.

“We have one of the largest intramural sports and sport clubs programs in the country,” said Hall. “Athletes use those fields from 6:00 p.m. until midnight, five days a week and we were wearing out our fields by the sheer volume of play.”

The weather didn’t help either. According to Hall, from September to the end of January in 2008, they had seven inches of rain and 20 lost rain days. In the same period, from September 2009 until January 2010, they had nearly 20 inches of rain with 44 lost rain days. They needed an alternative.

“With AstroTurf® we are getting surfaces which are not affected by the weather,” said Hall. “Also, it allows us to implement some field rotation to help keep our natural grass fields in great shape. Rotation was a luxury we didn’t have before.”

Intramural sports, first brought to college campuses in 1913, continue to grow in both popularity and importance. According to the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), 75% of students who attend school offering recreational sports programs and facilities, participate in or use them. That numbers equals approximately 5.3 million students.

A 2006 study published in Recreational Sports Journal said 31% of students reported that an intramural sports program was an important factor in attending the college, and over 37% said those same programs were important in deciding to stay at the school. 83% of students said they participate in recreation sports on a weekly basis, and 93% said they would like to.

“We have a lot of prospective students and parents who look at our indoor and outdoor rec sports facilities,” said Hall. “I have no doubt it influences their decisions. It is a key factor in the development of life skills and wellness. It also has some effect on the recruiting of faculty and staff members.”

The other two fields are 150 yards X 85 yards and host the university’s sport club programs such as lacrosse, soccer, ultimate, and rugby.

Sport clubs are also an important part of the collegiate recreational landscape. Over 80 sports are offered for sport clubs at colleges across the country and nearly 11,000 sport clubs are registered and active at NIRSA member institutions.

While the Texas A&M project is a large one by most standards, it is just part of a growing trend toward recreational sports development. In 2008, NIRSA estimated nearly $4 billion in recreational sports
facility construction between 2008-2013. Those project estimates were for 96 new construction projects, 62 expansion projects, and 62 renovation projects, with an average project price of about $21 million and covering about 90,000 square feet.

The growth in projects such as this will make Texas A&M a showcase facility for others looking at similar projects. Hall said they will be hosting regional workshops for other schools and anticipates spending a lot of time showing the new AstroTurf fields and touting the positive benefits of having them. He is also expecting calls from other high schools and municipalities which are exploring the benefits of synthetic turf.

The fields at Penberthy also have an added environmental and economic impact. 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 15% less expensive than natural grass fields, even when the cost of turf replacement is considered.

“We are proud to be a part of this enormous project at Texas A&M University,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf. “Recreational and club sports are so important and these fields will allow Texas A&M to provide the very best surfaces available, while ensuring the growth of their programs over the years to come.”

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 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. Recent innovations from AstroTurf include GameDay Grass 3D with RootZone, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; 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.

RECORD-SETTING RAINFALL DOESN’T AFFECT TEAMS PLAYING ON ASTROTURF®

(CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee) - On Monday, September 5th, remnants of Tropical Storm Lee created a deluge that set all-time, one-day rainfall records throughout Chattanooga, Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.

Over 10 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period, surpassing the record of 7.61 inches, set in 1886.

The rain closed schools and businesses, while creating flooding throughout the area. The rain, however, did nothing to diminish the playability of AstroTurf fields serving area sports teams.

“We practiced on the AstroTurf on Monday,” said Mark Mariakis, head coach of Ridgeland High School in Rossville, Georgia. “We have a game to prepare for. It was business as usual for us.”

Playability and availability, as it relates to weather, have always been key selling points for any synthetic turf system. Many companies make claims about drainage rates, but few ever have the opportunity to showcase field performance in an extreme weather situation like Monday’s.

Ridgeland has an AstroTurf GameDay Grass™ 3D60H system. McCallie and Gordon Lee have the AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60 Extreme system.

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.

The McCallie School in Chattanooga did not practice on the field Monday because school was out, but Coach Bubba Simmons kept tabs on how the field was doing.

“It drained just like it was supposed to,” he said. “On Tuesday, we practiced and had two games on the field.”

It was much the same for Kevin McElhaney, head coach at Gordon Lee High School in nearby Chickamauga, Georgia.

“We practiced inside because the rain was coming down so hard,” he said. “But the field was ready and available. We were right back out there on Tuesday with no problems at all.”

Synthetic turf fields offer over four times the availability of natural grass fields for play and practice. Natural grass fields, when besieged by this type of weather, can be muddy and can have areas of standing water. Most schools, in this situation, will limit practice and play for safety reasons and aesthetic reasons.

“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,” said Mariakis.

Kansas Jayhawks head baseball coach Ritch Price faced a similar situation before installing an AstroTurf playing field.

Kansas suffers through extreme weather in winter and early spring. Just the residual effects of weather can keep the team off the field. In a conference with powerhouses such as Texas and Oklahoma, which don’t typically undergo the same effects of bad weather, decreased practice time can have a major affect on a team’s performance.

In their last season playing on natural grass, Kansas missed 19 practice days because of weather effects on the field. Since converting to AstroTurf, Kansas hasn’t had to deal with the effects of weather as they did in the past.

It’s made a difference in the Chattanooga area, too.

“The only problem we faced in the rain was the ball being wet,” said Simmons, of McCallie’s experience with the downpour. “I told our kids that they are very lucky and should be thankful that they attend a school where support for the program allows them to be able to play on a surface like AstroTurf.”

McElhaney echoed those sentiments.

“Having this AstroTurf field is going to lead to better practice, better game performance, and increased support for our program,” he said.

Yet, while it was nice not having to miss practice and playing time, all three coaches agreed that they’d rather not see another 10-inch torrential downpour this season.

This Friday, Ridgeland faces Cedartown, McCallie plays Tyner, and Gordon Lee has an off week.

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 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. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; 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.

MADISON SOUTHERN TEAMS WITH ASTROTURF® TO BEGIN NEW TRADITION

(BEREA, Kentucky) - At some point, every team goes through a rebuilding year. It’s rare, though, to see a team have to rebuild an entire program.

Madison Southern High School in Berea, Kentucky is starting at square one and the poster for Friday night’s scrimmage and dedication ceremony says it all.

“New coach. New field. New helmet. New uniforms. New attitude. New beginning.”

“This program looked just like our field did before,” said new head coach Jon Clark. “It was tattered and torn.”

At the end of last season, the football team had 25 kids. In four seasons, the team had won 3 games. The school board decided to make a number of improvements, including hiring a new coach. The team now has around 80 players.

“We’ve changed it from the ground up,” said Clark.

The change at the ground level came with the addition of the recently completed AstroTurf® field.

“This has been a great project,” said AstroTurf President Bryan Peeples. “It’s always exciting to watch the transformation of a new AstroTurf field and it’s exciting to watch the transformation in this program and the newfound pride that goes along with it.”

Principal David Gilliam said the school chose AstroTurf because of aesthetic appeal, ease of maintenance, and increased field availability. Gilliam said the addition of the AstroTurf has gone beyond their original goals.

“This is the whole package,” he said. “The whole town is buzzing. People have been driving by to watch and to stop and take pictures. Everywhere I go people ask me about the AstroTurf.”

“This is a town of 14,000 people,” said Clark. “So, it’s a big deal.”

Gilliam says the students are excited, the players are excited, and the band is as excited as anyone. They will now be able to practice on the field and host competitions. It’s a win-win for everyone.

The new winning attitude began earlier this year. Clark arrived in February and brought an all new coaching staff. He started with about 30 kids and implemented a 6:30 a.m. workout program. Clark has also implemented a program emphasizing character development and leadership. He has started a study hall and players know that if they don’t make the grades they don’t practice or play.

Students have responded to Clark’s leadership and the team wound up with so many players that the school had to buy new equipment.

Under Armour sponsored the team’s new uniforms and they got new helmets, as well. Through dedicated boosters, they have raised money to help improve the facilities, with the most visible symbol of the changes taking place being the new AstroTurf field.

AstroTurf is no stranger to making big changes.

The company invented the synthetic turf industry in 1965 and installed the first field in the Houston Astrodome in 1966. The company continues to change the synthetic turf industry and the world of sports by developing the most technologically advanced playing surfaces in the world. AstroTurf offers fields that play more like natural grass than any other surface and are safe for athletes.

AstroTurf has invested millions of dollars into research programs to create safer and better performing fields. They funded the Center for Athletic Field Safety at the University of Tennessee, which opened in July.

Recent installations of AstroTurf surfaces include practice fields at the University of Tennessee, Auburn University, and the University of Georgia. Kansas State University will play its football games on AstroTurf this fall.

AstroTurf is the Official Synthetic Turf of Major League Baseball and is in use by the Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays. Collegiately, recent AstroTurf installations for baseball include Ohio State University, Duke University, Wake Forest University, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University.

Madison Southern is among the newest AstroTurf installations and hopes to establish a tradition of excellence on the new field. The past is in the rearview mirror.

“It’s a new start,” said Clark. We’re 0-0 on this field.”

The new playing field will see its first action on Friday night as the Eagles participate in a preseason scrimmage. The field will be dedicated in a celebration that will involve thousands of people and will include the U.S. Army parachuting the game ball in the stadium from 10,000 feet.

The first regular season game will be at home versus Bourbon County on August 26th.

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 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. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; 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.

CARDINAL GIBBONS HIGH SCHOOL ASTROTURF® SET TO DEBUT

(RALEIGH, NC) - Three years after completion of stadium upgrades at Cardinal Gibbons High School, officials decided to install a new, state-of-the-art AstroTurf® field, which is making its debut this football season.

That’s not a minute too soon for Principal Jason Curtis.

“We have 1,200 students at Cardinal Gibbons and 800 are involved in athletics,” said Curtis. “We’ve been blessed with great student athletes and great programs. The new AstroTurf field will allow us to do so many things.”

Cardinal Gibbons teams have begun a return to prominence in recent years and that has sparked resurgence in interest and participation. The school is over 100 years old, but was the first integrated high school in the state of North Carolina. It became a challenge because many teams refused to play them. It was a sad situation that took years to overcome and the athletic program suffered, as well.

Cardinal Gibbons officials had been talking about the possibilities of synthetic turf for several years, but as participation increased, so did the need for practice space and time.

“Our grass was taking a beating,” said Curtis. “We also faced weather delays and cancellations.”

The new grass, though, is AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D52H, and will be able to provide Cardinal Gibbons with more field availability and fewer worries about the weather.

Curtis said they chose AstroTurf because of the positive relationship, the company history, and the fact that the company stands behind the product.

“We’re proud to partner with Cardinal Gibbons for this tremendous project,” said AstroTurf President Bryan Peeples. “It’s exciting to be able to work a school with such a proud tradition and such awesome growth prospects for the future. We are looking forward to many W’s in the Cardinal Gibbons win column.”

The field will feature the revolutionary 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 is an “Omega” shape with 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.

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. 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 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 Horseshoe™ fiber was introduced in 2010 and is already in use on practice fields at schools such as Stanford and the University of Tennessee; baseball game fields for the Tampa Bay Rays, Ohio State University, Wake Forest, Duke; and numerous high school and college football fields around the country, including Kansas State University.

The field will also have a nylon RootZone™, a thatch layer which holds sand and rubber infill in place for less splash and migration, making for a more consistent playing surface.

According to Curtis, having a technologically advanced field such as this will help the teams get better because they will have more opportunities to practice. He also says more kids will want to participate.

“Not only are our students and parents excited,” said Curtis. “But, we have several elementary and middle schools from which we draw our students and those kids are excited, too.”

The new field will begin hosting events next Thursday, August 18, as Cardinal Gibbons takes on Panther Creek. The game will start with a “Blessing of the Field” and a “First Run”, in which students 8th grade and below will get to run the length of the field and receive a commemorative t-shirt.

The following night, the Crusaders will attempt to capitalize on an impressive 11-3 mark in football as they kickoff the new season under new head coach Steven Wright against Clayton.


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 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. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; 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.

PETE’S POOL FIELD AT ENUMCLAW NEARING COMPLETION OF ASTROTURF® UPGRADE

(ENUMCLAW, Washington) - When a team is forced to play its homecoming game as a road game, you can almost bet there is a problem with the field.

That’s a pretty safe bet if you’re Enumclaw High School and the field is Pete’s Pool at the Enumclaw Expo Center.

The solution is nearing completion and it is coming in the form of an AstroTurf® field. The project has been guided by Erik Sweet of SLA Landscape Architecture in Renton.

For many Enumclaw residents, the upgrade is long overdue and will allow area athletes to play on a first-class field. Until now, the field was in no better condition than the dormant landfill which once occupied the land the field was built on.

Pete’s Pool was named after Pete Chorak, who owned a tavern/motel near the site of the field. The field was constructed by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

The main use of the field was for the games of the Enumclaw Silver Barons, a semi-pro team made up of area loggers and farmers.

In the early 1990s, while the facility was still owned by King County, Rick Bathum and Sheldon Thiel formed the YEAS (Your Enumclaw Area Stadium) Improvement committee to push for needed improvements.

After the improvements were made, the group was dissolved, but was reformed in 2009, because of the condition of the field and other needed facility repairs and upgrades.

Since that time, the usage of the stadium has skyrocketed. Prior to the reformation of the YEAS group, the field hosted about five games per week. Then the field began seeing usage from Green River Community College for games and practice, as well as from area youth sports organizations. The total number of games jumped to nearly 50 games per week, not counting the hours of practice that occurred on a daily basis.

All the play, combined with the wet weather of the Pacific Northwest, the poor drainage of the field, and the high crown of the field, created a perfect storm of sorts.

In 2010, Enumclaw High School played its final two home games in Orting, in Pierce County. Over 90 years, the team had never played a home game outside of Enumclaw, and in one season they missed two, including homecoming.

“Enumclaw is a very proud and independent community,” said Rick Bathum, one of the co-founders of YEAS. “To this community, it affords a belated sense of progress. It presents an opportunity for all existing athletic programs to have a reliable place to compete.”

According the Bathum, this move will allow all games played there to be decided on the field and not by the field.

This means Enumclaw will no longer be the only high school in King County that does not play its games on a synthetic turf field.

In fact, King County holds a special place in the history of synthetic turf. AstroTurf was installed in the Astrodome in Houston in 1966, giving birth to artificial playing surfaces. In 1967, Seattle’s Memorial Stadium became the third installation and the first field used by high school teams. That field was removable and lay over an asphalt base. Following football season each year, the AstroTurf was removed and the asphalt was used for parking.

The new Enumclaw field will be AstroTurf MT 42H, featuring the revolutionary 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 is an “Omega” shape with 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.

“We’re excited about the new field at Enumclaw,” said AstroTurf President Bryan Peeples. “This is going to be a great source of pride for the community and a tremendous boost to athletic programs at all age levels.”

Support for the new field has been widespread, thanks to the efforts of YEAS. Individual donations have ranged from $5-$10,000. The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe donated $15,000 and Mutual of Enumclaw donated $50,000.

The organization has also raised significant grant money, including $200,000 from the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks, as well as a $300,000 from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

Installation will be complete in time for football season and the first game will be the Enumclaw Hornets vs. the Yelm Tornadoes.


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 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. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; 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.