2020 to 2025 AstroTurf Annual Reviews by AstroTurf

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW

The years come and go so quickly. If you are not careful, it’s easy to let them go by without enjoying all the good things that have happened during any given year. We don’t want that to happen to us. So, we hope that you will take a moment to reflect on a wonderful year full of our accomplishments, victories, and fulfilling work.

In 2020, AstroTurf left its mark on many communities providing them with highperforming playing surfaces that will be the subject of pride for many years to come. We know that this isn’t just synthetic fields that we are rolling out- they are rallying points for fans, stages for great performances, landmarks for communities, and most importantly they’re the places where your kids play.

Since 1965, AstroTurf extraordinary fields for athletes of all ages to play on. AstroTurf is the inventor of synthetic turf, the leading innovator in the industry, and the most imitated brand in the turf industry. With over 50 years of expert manufacturing and installation experience, over 50 years of customer trust, and over 50 years of providing superior products, we have much to celebrate. Please take a moment to look back with us on the incredible year that was 2020.

INDEX [ CLICK TO VIEW ]

• ASTROTURF® AND MID-AMERICA SPORTS CONSTRUCTION ON TOP OF BASEBALL BOOM IN MISSOURI ►

• ASTROTURF CORPORATION AND ITS BRANDS RECEIVE ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFICATION FOR QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ►

• ALBERTVILLE ALABAMA GOES BIG WITH ASTROTURF ►

• ASTROTURF AND DRIVELINE BASEBALL TEAM UP ►

• TROPHY PARK SELECTS ASTROTURF AS SYNTHETIC TURF PROVIDER ►

• NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES ANNOUNCED BETWEEN UNITED STATES SPECIALTY SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND ASTROTURF. ►

• ASTROTURF CORPORATION LAUNCHES ONLINE RETAIL STORE ►

• ASTROTURF INSTALLS DIAMOND SERIES FIELD FOR SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY ►

• EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY INSTALLS NEW ASTROTURF FIELD ►

• ASTROTURF INTRODUCES NEW SYNTHETIC BASEBALL / SOFTBALL TURF SYSTEM IN ASSOCIATION WITH BROCK ►

• ASTROTURF TEAMS UP WITH ATHLETES UNLIMITED FOR INAUGURAL SEASON ►

• APP STATE FOOTBALL GOES WITH ASTROTURF AT KIDD BREWER STADIUM ►

• PINKERTON ACADEMY WINS ASTROTURF ULTIMATE FAN FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD CONTEST ►

• ASTROTURF®, THE STORY BEHIND THE PRODUCT THAT REVOLUTIONIZED SPORTS SURFACES ►

• SOME OF OUR 2020 PROJECTS ►

ASTROTURF® AND MID-AMERICA SPORTS CONSTRUCTION ON TOP OF BASEBALL BOOM IN MISSOURI

MAR 25, 2020 | BASEBALL

Lee’s Summit, MO – The game of baseball is where AstroTurf® got its start with the first installation of synthetic turf at the Houston Astrodome almost seven decades ago. Today, baseball is still a very big part of the company’s business and no place is more evident of that than in the great state of Missouri.

The interest in building high-performing, predictable, and durable baseball playing surfaces is at an all-time high in Missouri and AstroTurf® and their certified field builder, Mid-America Sports Construction, has stepped up to meet the demand of the market. The baseball synthetic turf demand is great in every area of the country, but the Missouri baseball market has seen extraordinary growth recently at every level. Mid-America and AstroTurf have designed, manufactured, and built fields for every level and for every type of program from Raytown High School, to Division II Central Missouri, to D1 University of Missouri, to multi-field complexes such as Creekside Sports Complex and Fountain Bluff Sports Complex, to Major League Baseball’s KC Urban Youth Academy. Any way you look at it, the list of AstroTurf® Diamond Series baseball fields installed by Mid America Sports in Missouri is very impressive.

“We have met the demand for high quality baseball turf systems in Missouri head on” said MASC President Kirk Grego. “These fields and complexes are right in our wheelhouse of expertise. Combine AstroTurf’s amazing Diamond Series product with our construction capabilities and we have an incredible offering for the market. These types of projects take more of a specialized expertise than other contractors are able to offer, so our customers know that we are the ones that can meet their needs.”

AstroTurf’s relationship with America’s Pastime can certainly be regarded as trending upward. Over 55 D1 Baseball programs have chosen AstroTurf® as their surface provider – that’s more than all other turf companies combined. These next generation fields combine the look, feel, and performance of a traditional grass and clay diamond while requiring far less maintenance. The advanced drainage systems and durable surfacing allow teams to play and practice in difficult weather conditions, a major plus for programs whose seasons typically start in February.

With Mid-America’s turn-key services, self-performing crews, complex project expertise, long-term commitment, full maintenance services, and quick response times, AstroTurf is proud to have such a great partner in the Central United States. Find out more about these Missouri baseball projects as well as sports surfaces they have built all over the country by visiting www.midamericasportsconstruction.com

About Mid-America Sports Construction: Mid-America Sports Construction builds state-of-the-art athletic sports fields for all types of facilities. Whether it is a brand-new installation or a renovation project, we are certified to use both natural grass and synthetic turf solutions to meet your athletic needs. Our talented staff will carry out your sports field construction project on time and on budget.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com

ASTROTURF CORPORATION AND ITS BRANDS RECEIVE ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFICATION FOR QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

APR 6, 2020

Dalton, GA, (March 31, 2020) — Synthetic Turf Resources (STR), a leading manufacturer of artificial grass, including brands AstroTurf® and SYNLawn®, earned ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system. ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized quality management standard, developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), that helps organizations meet the expectations and needs of customers.

“We were honored to be awarded this world-renowned certification,” said Brent Sizemore, chief operations officer of Production / Value Chain at SYNLawn. “To achieve this prestigious level of certification, STR had to demonstrate its ability and desire to effectively and efficiently provide a quality management system. This recognition further strengthens our commitment to our distributors and customers, and will allow us to remain competitive in the global marketplace.”

The scope of the certification included artificial turf manufacturing and distribution for synthetic turf resources. As part of the process, STR engaged in an audit of its business processes, including product quality environments. STR and its brands share the same goal of continually improving their products, services and systems to ensure they’re providing leadership and excellence to all customers.

“This recognition validates our long-time commitment to managing our processes and products,” added Rich Jordan, AstroTurf Executive Vice President of Business Development & Marketing. “This certification underscores our dedication to quality and to maintaining our iconic status as the leading innovator and inventor of the industry.”

“We have always strived to exceed the high expectations of our customers, and our goals are focused on quality assurance and innovative production,” said George Neagle, executive vice president at SYNLawn. “We are grateful to our customers and suppliers for their continued commitment and loyalty, and we look forward to bringing the business and our brand to new heights in the months and years to come.”

The certification became effective in March 2020 and was issued by American Global Standards LLC (AGS), an AIO-BAR QMS Accredited Registrar. Learn more about the certification process at www.iso. org/iso-9001-quality-management.html. For more information about STR’s brands, visit www.astroturf.com and www.synlawn.com.

About SYNLawn

SYNLawn is the largest manufacturer and unrivaled innovator of artificial grass in North America. As part of the SportGroup Holding® family of companies, SYNLawn, along with sister surfacing brands – Astroturf, Rekortan, APT and Laykold – delivers the best products available on the market. SYNLawn’s turnkey network of 85 distributors seamlessly combines environmental stewardship with industry-leading innovations. Manufactured in Dalton, GA, SYNLawn uses bio-based ingredients, such as soy and sugarcane, and consumer-conscious additives such as antimicrobials to meet customers’ wide range of needs. With more than 100,000 residential and commercial installations, the company is raising the bar for global synthetic turf standards and transforming the idea of grass. For more information visit www.SYNLawn.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube.

About AstroTurf®

ALBERTVILLE ALABAMA GOES BIG WITH ASTROTURF

MAY 1, 2020 | BASEBALL, SOCCER

Albertville, AL – Everyone has heard the old saying, “Go big or go home”! Well, one community in north Alabama is changing that saying to “Going big at home”, as in really big! Installing over one million square feet of AstroTurf big! It’s all part of a grand plan that city officials have been working on for several years that will positively impact the quality of life for the area residents.

Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater is a 130-acre complex that has something to offer for everyone. Approximately 1,071,200 square feet of AstroTurf® is being installed across 14 sports fields that will provide residents with a wide range of competitive opportunities. The fields will accommodate baseball, softball, football, soccer, and lacrosse.

Four baseball fields and Five softball fields will feature the AstroTurf Diamond Series. The Diamond Series includes multiple artificial turf components that have been specifically engineered to emulate the look, feel, and performance of both the grass and clay portions of a baseball field. Diamond Series turf systems from AstroTurf are well-known throughout the sport of baseball for delivering the ultimate in playability, durability, and ballpark aesthetics.

Five multipurpose fields that will be used for sports such as football, lacrosse and soccer will all be outfitted with AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 system with Trionic®. This is AstroTurf’s most popular turf due to its combination of long-lasting performance and game day good looks. The RootZone 3D3 system results in minimal infill splash and better shock absorbency, while improving safety, playability, and durability. Also included in the system is Trionic®, AstroTurf’s patented new wonder-fiber. Trionic® is a blend of polyethylene and nylon fibers that is quickly revolutionizing the synthetic turf industry.

“We appreciate the Albertville Parks and Recreation team displaying such confidence in AstroTurf in bringing this incredible vision to fruition,” said AstroTurf Regional Manager Speizio Stowers. “It is our pleasure to be able to provide not only the best product on the market but one that fits the City’s budget. This is going to be an incredible facility that is going to impact the community’s quality of life in a tremendous way.”

Along with top of the line synthetic fields, the complex will also feature basketball courts, a tennis complex, a disc golf course, seven playgrounds, walking trails, a 3600 square foot splash pad and even a lazy river. A state-of-the-art recreation center that includes an indoor walking track, multiple basketball and volleyball courts, racquetball courts, an indoor eight-lane competition pool, as well and indoor and outdoor leisure pools. As if that wasn’t already enough, the park will be home to a premier amphitheater with a seating capacity of approximately 8500 with 2,000 permanent seats.

AstroTurf® will also be responsible for providing artificial turf for the landscape area around the recreational center, playgrounds, lazy river island, and ball pit areas.

“When we were selecting our Turf vendor, we knew that we wanted partners that could take us from concept to completion,” said Jana Cordell of Chambless King Architects, the firm designing Sand Mountain Park. “AstroTurf has a great reputation in the industry and a lot of experience in developing complexes like this one. We didn’t just want to go big, we wanted to go big and do it the right way and AstroTurf is helping us to do just that. We chose AstroTurf based on product and value, but primarily on their willingness and responsiveness in working with us to get the design of the entire park “just right”. We spent many, many days working with AstroTurf Regional Manager Speizio Stowers as he helped us through the long design process. We wanted to be good stewards of the budget we were given. Speizio and his installation team helped us achieve that goal! We couldn’t be happier.”

Construction is well underway at the complex and the citizens of Albertville and Sand Mountain will soon begin to enjoy an enhanced quality of life that should affect generations to come. AstroTurf is proud to serve as indispensable partner in this process – standing side by side during the entire process.

About AstroTurf®

ASTROTURF AND DRIVELINE BASEBALL TEAM UP

MAY 12, 2020 | BASEBALL

Dalton, GA – AstroTurf Corporation is pleased to announce an exciting new relationship with Driveline Baseball. These two powerhouses in the world of baseball are coming together to collaborate on metric data results of testing the AstroTurf® Diamond Series synthetic turf system. AstroTurf® and its certified distributor in the northwest, Coast to Coast Turf, will be installing 19,200 square feet of synthetic turf at Driveline’s new training facility in Kent, WA.

“Driveline is excited to use AstroTurf’s Diamond Series in its brandnew lab and training facility,” said Driveline CEO, Mike Rathwell.

“AstroTurf’s products and team are outstanding, and always looking to produce the highest-quality product. We thought they were the clear choice for us. We are looking forward to providing a comprehensive test of the Diamond Series from our baseball lab. This has the makings of a special pairing.”

The AstroTurf® Diamond Series includes multiple artificial turf components that have been specifically engineered to emulate the look, feel, and performance of both the grass and clay portions of a baseball field. Diamond Series turf systems from AstroTurf® are well-known throughout the sport of baseball for delivering the ultimate in playability, durability and ballpark aesthetics.

“At AstroTurf, we choose who we partner with very carefully and we couldn’t be any more excited about teaming up with Driveline,” said AstroTurf Director of Baseball, Aaron Klotz. “Driveline is known for using comprehensive data to help take their clients to the next level. We are so much alike in that we both take a scientific approach to baseball and let the data lead us to improved performance. We will never miss an opportunity to analyze our products and look for ways to improve our systems. Research, development, and innovation continue to drive everything we do at AstroTurf.”

Driveline has become the king in the baseball industry in producing data driven programs that bring about incredible results. They develop baseball training programs and products for skill development, strength training, and performance analytics. Driveline is the place to train for the serious baseball athlete looking to maximize their performance.

Driveline also works with high schools across the United States and offers camps in Washington state for pitchers as young as 9 years old. Driveline Baseball has gained prominence for its consistency in turning around the careers of many players, most notably a crop of pitchers headlined by Trevor Bauer. The company offers baseball training programs for players at every stage of their career and curriculums for coaches at every level.

AstroTurf® is the icon that invented their industry and was the first turf company to provide a baseball specific synthetic turf system. Comparably, Driveline has invented its own scientifically based methods in baseball training and built a tremendous reputation as experts in the science of baseball. Bringing these two legendary companies together can only lead to great things.

About AstroTurf®

TROPHY PARK SELECTS ASTROTURF AS SYNTHETIC TURF PROVIDER

JUN 8, 2020

Jackson, NJ – Trophy Park, a planned multi-purpose sports, performance lifestyle and community complex in Jackson, NJ, today announced a letter of agreement with AstroTurf Corporation to be the supplier of synthetic turf surfaces for its athletic fields planned for the new youth sports facility.

As part of the agreement, AstroTurf Corporation-certified crews will install AstroTurf Synthetic Turf Systems for soccer, baseball, unified lacrosse and field hockey fields. Inlaid markings will be provided for each field.

“The AstroTurf Corporation is world-renowned as the leader in synthetic sports field surfaces and the ideal partner for the scope of our plans to make Trophy Park a world-class facility,” said Mick Smoothey, President of Sports Operations for Trophy Park.

“Being chosen as a trusted partner by Trophy Park is very exciting for AstroTurf. We are looking forward to working with the team at Trophy Park to help them realize the full potential of their youth sports project in New Jersey,” said AstroTurf Director of Soccer Carl Capellas. “The magnitude of this complex will allow AstroTurf to showcase their synthetic surfaces for multiple sports on outdoor fields as well as indoor soccer fields.”

About Trophy Park:

Trophy Park is a planned world-class, multi-purpose indoor and outdoor athletic complex in Jackson, New Jersey, opening in mid2021. The all-star campus will have the ability to host over 2,000 athletes per week. Trophy Park expects nearly one million visitors per year by presenting youth athletic tournaments, events, and sports camps to teams and individual athletes locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Sports include soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, wresting, cheer and more.

The complex will feature two Wyndham hotels including 300 rooms, and a unique Athlete Village with self-contained Athletes Suites for teams and coaches. Fields and courts include 16 baseball/ softball fields, plus batting cages with turf and lights; 10 lacrosse, soccer, field hockey fields; a 400,000 square foot, 16-court indoor facility for basketball, volleyball, cheer, wrestling and a 6,000-seat outdoor stadium with grass and lights. For more information, visit www.trophypark.net.

About AstroTurf®

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES ANNOUNCED BETWEEN UNITED STATES SPECIALTY SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND ASTROTURF.

JUN 17, 2020 | SOCCER

Melbourne, FLA. – United States Specialty Sports Association –Soccer (USSSA), an Organizational Member of U.S. Soccer (USSF), and AstroTurf, a leader in field technology and facility development has joined forces to create a national competition series.

The USSSA – AstroTurf National Championship Series will allow all clubs and teams across the country to play at state-of-the-art facilities, competing towards the national championships held at USSSA’s Space Coast Complex and Stadium in Melbourne, Florida. The championship event will be held each December starting in 2021, with all final games played in the 8,500 all seater stadium and streamed live on USSSAlive.com.

“Over the past several years AstroTurf and USSSA have established a solid working relationship, including the successful development of the Space Coast Stadium Complex and Viera Regional Park,” stated Craig Scriven, Vice President of USSSA. “More recently, we’ve worked with Steve Coleman, Carl Capellas, and their team to create this soccer tournament series, which will set high standards, quality programming, with all games played at world class facilities.”

The 2020/21 qualifying tournaments will kick off where they end in 2021 at Space Coast Complex in Melbourne, Florida during the 2020 Labor Day weekend (September 4-7th). The second event will be held at the Woodside Sports Complex, Wisconsin Dells (October 23-25th). Additional 2021 events are tentatively planned at Jennings Park, OH; and Trophy Park, NJ; with dates to be confirmed.

All tournaments will be sanctioned by USSSA, offering an unrestricted and open tournament to all members of USSF. This allows for teams across different memberships to compete in a unique national championship series. “Our goal is to bring together the soccer community and allow teams to compete across multiple divisions, against teams they may not see during their regular season,” Erick French, USSSA National Director said.

Hosting 2021 and 2022 events is a possibility for all AstroTurf complexes across the country, and these facilities will be contacted on hosting application processes. “In partnering with USSSA and creating this series, we offer teams the opportunity to compete at some of the best facilities in the country. As a player, I always appreciated the great facilities I was able to play at and show my talents,” says Carl Capellas, AstroTurf Director of Soccer.

The tournament series will be managed by USSSA, AstroTurf, and alongside Tournament Success Group (TSG). “To be associated with great facilities and a supportive sanctioning body is the key to every tournament,“ stated TSG Executive Director Bill Fisher. “The foundations and reach of this tournament series will allow teams from all across the country to compete towards an open national championship.”

About AstroTurf®

More information can be found at: www.usssasoccer.com

Learn more about AstroTurf here: www.astroturf.com

Learn more about Tournament Success Group here: www.tournamentsuccessgroup.com

ASTROTURF CORPORATION LAUNCHES ONLINE RETAIL STORE

JUN 23, 2020

Dalton, GA – AstroTurf® is pleased to announce the opening of its online retail gear store. AstroTurf®, the inventor of synthetic turf and market leader, is bringing the famous brand’s name to apparel and merchandise. AstroTurf® has been manufacturing and installing premium athletic surfaces since 1965 and is now ready to offer its customers, friends, and fans the opportunity to wear official AstroTurf® branded gear.

Customers can visit gear.astroturf.com to browse a selection of custom designed T-shirts, head wear, polo shirts, and pullovers. New products, styles, colors, and items will be added continuously. Exciting new limited-edition items are also in development and will appear in regular intervals.

“We are extremely excited with the opening of our new online store,” said Rich Jordan, AstroTurf Corporation Executive VP of Business Development and Marketing. “Legendary brands are in style today, and AstroTurf® certainly fits into that category. AstroTurf® is such an iconic brand and this is a response to the public demand that we are experiencing from fans eager to own the same gear our dedicated team wears.”

Interest in legacy brand logos such as AstroTurf® is at an all-time high today. Whether the appeal is because of nostalgia, brand loyalty, strong brand recognition, or an affection for enduring American products, people love to sport different and exciting logos on their apparel. AstroTurf® certainly embodies that criteria.

The site is convenient and easy to use. Ordering is simple, delivery is fast and efficient, the designs are creative, and the apparel is of the highest quality. It’s time to get in gear – AstroTurf gear!

About AstroTurf®

ASTROTURF INSTALLS DIAMOND SERIES FIELD FOR SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY

JULY 1, 2020 | BASEBALL

Slippery Rock, PA – Slippery Rock University Baseball becomes the latest program to join the AstroTurf® Diamond Series family as they have selected the premier synthetic baseball system in the industry.

Slippery Rock’s new field features the AstroTurf Diamond Series RBI System which includes multiple artificial turf components that have been specifically engineered to emulate the look, feel, and performance of both the grass and clay portions of a baseball field. Diamond Series turf systems from AstroTurf® are well-known throughout the sport of baseball for delivering the ultimate in playability, durability, and ballpark aesthetics.

“It’s hard to put into words what this is going to do for our program and the school recruiting wise,” said Slippery Rock Head Baseball Coach, Jeff Messer. “This field is as good or better than any D1 school’s field out there. Without question, no hesitation at all, it is the premier DII facility in the country. AstroTurf did an outstanding job for us.”

Over 139,000 square feet of AstroTurf has been installed at Jack Critchfield Park which includes 12,000 square feet of practice area, pitching mounds and batting cages. The aesthetically pleasing field sports alternating panels of turf, with the Slippery Rock logo at centerfield, and “The Rock” in beautiful text just behind home plate.

“Our players development-wise are going to get so much stronger, added Messer. “There’s no better facility in our conference or in Division II. Everybody is trying to do a little extra to attract that student athlete. This is the gem of our conference now, so it’s definitely going to be a game changer for us without question.”

Slippery Rock University is now a member of a long list of AstroTurf® Diamond Series customers that include elite programs such as Vanderbilt, Michigan, Kentucky, Duke, Ohio State, Washington State, West Virginia, and many, many more.

About AstroTurf®

EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY INSTALLS NEW ASTROTURF FIELD JUL 19, 2020 | FOOTBALL

Cheney, WA – As part of the Roos Field Renovation Project, Eastern Washington University is installing a high-performance AstroTurf® field in time for the 2020 football season. The iconic red turf football field won’t lose its famous bright hue. What will change is the resilience, consistency, and safety of the turf, which will feature next-generation turf fiber technology.

The new field is made from Trionic fibers, a super-fiber developed by AstroTurf®, the company tasked with replacing the famous red field, also known as The Inferno. Trionic fibers are made from ultradurable polyethylene fibers that have been reinforced with nylon polymers through an advanced chemical engineering process. Approximately 50% more durable than traditional fibers, a Trionic turf surface is also non-abrasive, resulting in a more predictable and player-friendly athletic field than anything ever achieved before.

Head Coach at Eastern Washington University, Aaron Best says, “We’re excited to be able to offer our players a better athletic field. We were really impressed with what AstroTurf® could provide in the way of safety and performance. We’re going to have one of the best football fields in the country. We’re also keeping the red color, ensuring that The Inferno lives on for another decade or more.”

With the Inferno renovated, Eagle athletes and visiting players will enjoy an elevated experience on the field thanks to AstroTurf ®, the leading innovators in the turf industry. Already in use in athletic fields at schools and universities across the country from Tacoma, WA to Freeport ME, Trionic fibers offer increased shock absorbency, enhanced stability, and an all-around better performance capability for today’s athletes.

Roos Field will also feature AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 playing surface. The 3D3 designation refers to a special sub-layer of crimped fiber that exists under the top layer to fortify the infill and achieve a higher level of stability than traditional turf surfaces are capable of providing. This layer, known as the RootZone, has been proven in independent research to reduce torque transmitted to a player’s lower body.

This sub-layer feature and the unique nylon polymer reinforcement combine to yield a synthetic turf that’s both stronger and safer. The new turf is expected to retain its impressive structure – as well as the high-contrast red, black, and white design – for years to come.

The Inferno design will include the Eagle at the 50-yard line and the words ‘Eastern Eagles’ in the end zones. The design was finalized after the Eagle Athletic Fund ran a fundraiser for the field, inviting Eagles fans to vote on their favorite look.

The removal of the existing turf and the installation of the new AstroTurf® RootZone 3D3 field is expected to be completed this summer, in time for the Eagles to begin preparation for the 2020 season on The Inferno!

About AstroTurf®

ASTROTURF INTRODUCES NEW SYNTHETIC BASEBALL/SOFTBALL TURF SYSTEM IN ASSOCIATION WITH BROCK

AUG 26, 2020 |

BASEBALL

Dalton, GA – AstroTurf®, the inventor of synthetic turf, and Brock®, the leading producer of turf shock pads, have come together to present an innovative new baseball and softball turf system: The AstroTurf® Diamond Series 3DK. The 3DK line is a transformative turf system that accomplishes a greater level of safety, cooling ability, and performance, giving today’s athletes a premium surface equipped to deliver the ultimate playing experience.

“The Diamond Series 3DK does it all – it’s safer, more durable, and it addresses a major problem with other systems – too much heat. Using a natural infill made from sustainable material, it’s also gentler on the environment,” says Aaron Klotz, AstroTurf Director of Baseball. “We’re always looking for ways to make our turf systems even more incredible and to give players exactly what they want. They’re out there giving their all, so we do the same. Our engineers spent an incredible amount of time researching and testing, and couldn’t be happier with what we’ve done in association with Brock®.”

The combination of AstroTurf’s resilient yet soft-textured synthetic fibers with Brock’s shock pads and cooler infill promises the highest layer of player protection. 3DK consists of AstroTurf RootZone®, BrockFILL®, and the Brock SP Series shock pads.

RootZone was proven to be the safest turf system biomechanically by independent researchers at Michigan State University and the University of Tennessee Turf Research Center. The nylon RootZone was also designed to minimize infill migration, thus increasing longevity.

BrockFILL®, an eco-friendly and durable organic material, sits beneath the turf fibers. The infill is made from an abundant species of southern pine, which is grown, harvested, and responsibly replanted. BrockFILL® doesn’t radiate heat or give off an unpleasant smell. It’s also more stable underfoot.

The Brock SP Series shock pads absorb shock well while keeping the field firm for athletes. These pads are known to outperform competitor pads that have twice the thickness. Made with a special micro-coating binder, they also allow for fast drainage, helping to preserve the integrity of the material for longer.

Even more exciting, one of the first fields to be laid with the new turf system will itself make history for softball and women’s athletics. AstroTurf® Diamond Series 3DK has been installed in the infield at Rosemont Park in Chicago in August. Rosemont Park, which is located within the Parkway Bank Sports Complex, will be the official playing field for the new Athletes Unlimited Softball League. The league will have its first game on the new field on August 29, which will air live on ESPN2.

“We are thrilled to have AstroTurf’s 3DK synthetic turf system on the field at Parkway Bank Sports Complex for our inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball season,” said Cheri Kempf, Senior Director for Athletes Unlimited. “AstroTurf has been an innovative industry leader for decades and our players are excited to play on the new turf.”

Athletes Unlimited is an innovative new sports league created to give elite athletes the chance to compete professionally, while also providing fans the opportunity to discover, follow, and support world-class players. AstroTurf® and Brock® are proud to be a part of the league’s journey and to be able to offer the best synthetic turf in the industry to the players.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers adva nced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

About Brock USA

Brock USA is the nationwide leader in performance shock pad systems for artificial turf fields. With over 120 million square feet of Brock pads in athletic fields worldwide, the company engineers the best, safest and most sustainable playing surfaces in the world for athletes at all levels. In October 2011, Brock became the first company in the industry to have a Cradle-to-Cradle Certification CM for its combined drainage and shock pad product. Brock also manufactures BrockFILL, an organic wood particle infill. It is sustainably grown and harvested from trees in the United States. Its benefits boast greater foot stability and reduces the temperature of the field. To learn more, visit Brock USA’s website at brockusa.com.

ASTROTURF TEAMS UP WITH ATHLETES UNLIMITED FOR INAUGURAL SEASON

AUG 26, 2020 | BASEBALL

Dalton, GA – AstroTurf has announced a partnership with Athletes Unlimited to be an on-field sponsor in the league’s inaugural softball season. The league will feature 56 of the world’s best softball stars from many different countries. The action will take place at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois and runs for 5 weeks beginning August 29th.

The infield action will take place on a new Diamond Series 3DK turf system installed by AstroTurf Corporation. AstroTurf®, the inventor of synthetic turf, and Brock®, the leading producer of turf shock pads, have come together to present an innovative new baseball and softball turf system: The AstroTurf® Diamond Series 3DK. The 3DK line is a transformative turf system that accomplishes a greater level of safety, cooling ability, and performance, giving today’s athletes a premium surface equipped to deliver the ultimate playing experience.

Athletes Unlimited leagues will feature a range of scoring innovations to bring athletes and fans a unique and intense version of the sport. Individual athletes will earn points based on both team wins and individual performance. Points can be earned on every play and the leader board will change constantly. In addition, the teams will change each week, with the top four athletes in the standings serving as captains and drafting their teams. At the end of the five-week season, the player with the most points will be crowned as individual champion.

All 30 Athletes Unlimited games will be televised, and fans can watch the action on CBS Sports Network and ESPN 2 and ESPN 3.

About AstroTurf®

About Brock USA

APP STATE FOOTBALL GOES WITH ASTROTURF AT KIDD BREWER STADIUM

AUG 30, 2020 | FOOTBALL

Boone, NC – App State Football will begin this year’s season with a brand-new turf created by the original inventor of synthetic turf, AstroTurf®. This is the third recent AstroTurf® installation at Appalachian State University after the school replaced the turf at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex and the Jim and Bettie Smith baseball stadium in 2019, and it’s an exciting upgrade for the Mountaineers and first-year Head Coach Shawn Clark.

“One of the best settings in college football just got even better,” said App State associate A.D. for internal operations John Welch. “We are committed to providing a world-class experience for our student-athletes, which includes the surfaces on which they train and compete for championships. We are excited to partner with AstroTurf on this beautiful new playing field at Kidd Brewer Stadium.”

With the Kidd Brewer Stadium installation, App State will have replaced over 350,000 square feet of old turf with AstroTurf®. In addition to the synthetic turf upgrade, the field is 20 percent larger and includes a new end zone facility.

The new field design includes a sharper end zone aesthetic, with “App State,” the school’s popular name, replacing the “Appalachian” end zone. The “A” symbol at mid-field is a dark black with a contrasting gold outline, the same color combination used to outline the new field. To create much-needed space for a full end zone facility, the track was removed and will be relocated to another campus location.

The new AstroTurf® consists of Trionic fibers, an advanced fiber blend purpose-built to deliver a better experience for players. The fibers are made from polyethylene (PE) molecules fused with nylon to achieve an unprecedented durability level while retaining the non-abrasive texture modern PE fibers are known for.

App State chose the AstroTurf® 3D3 infilled turf system, which offers grass-like traction and superior stability. As the former field was nearing the end of its serviceability, this is an important improvement for the players, who have a promising year ahead. The 2020 roster includes more than 20 seniors.

App State Football competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Sun Belt Conference. The program has an incredible legacy, winning three straight FCS national championships in 2005 to 2007, making the Mountaineers the first Division I School in the modern era to win three consecutive undisputed national titles. Since transitioning to the FBS level, the Mountaineers have played in, and won, five consecutive bowl games and captured each of the last four Sun Belt league titles.

App State Football has set its first scheduled game for September 12 at Kidd Brewer Stadium against Charlotte, which will be the team’s first chance to experience its new home turf.

About AstroTurf®

PINKERTON ACADEMY WINS ASTROTURF ULTIMATE FAN FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD CONTEST

AUG 31, 2020 | FOOTBALL

Derry, NH – What started as a 96-field contest on Twitter has resulted in one grand champion being named in the inaugural AstroTurf Fan Favorite High School Football Field Contest. After six total rounds and thousands of votes being cast by high school fan bases, the contest was whittled down to three outstanding choices: Somerset High School of Kentucky, Marysville High School of Ohio, and Pinkerton Academy of New Hampshire.

Two AstroTurf football fields at a time were posted on Twitter and fans could vote on their favorite field with the one getting the most votes moving on to the next round. The voting remained tight until the very end with only a few dozen votes being the difference from 1st and 3rd place.

“We are thrilled that Memorial Field was selected as the AstroTurf Ultimate Fan Favorite High School Football Field,” said Pinkerton Headmaster Timothy Powers. “Through the hard work of many volunteers, money was raised by donations to build it. We are so proud of what this field represents, and it has been rewarding to see our student-athletes have the opportunity to play on it.”

Pinkerton Academy was founded in 1814 and is the largest independent high school in the United States. With a student body of over 3,300 and more than 500 faculty and staff members, Pinkerton Pride runs deep.

First American in space and one of Pinkerton’s most famous graduates, Alan Shepard, is the reason Pinkerton is the Astros. Pinkerton’s athletic program is a powerhouse in the state of New Hampshire. With 23 unique sports offered over 65 teams, approximately 1,300 student-athletes compete each year.

“Many thanks to the tremendous fan support our community has consistently demonstrated in supporting Pinkerton Academy and its athletic programs. Our continued success throughout the years is a direct reflection of this support,” stated Athletic Director Brian O’Reilly.

The field itself is an AstroTurf 3D3 synthetic turf system. The “3D3” designation means the field also has AstroTurf’s RootZone, a sub-layer of crimped fibers that stabilizes the infill and increases shock absorbency. The turf has a 52-ounce face weight, meaning it has very dense stitching. All of these factors combine to make a synthetic turf that is stronger, safer, better, and more resilient. Pinkerton’s field was expertly installed by Certified AstroTurf Distributor, Atlantic Sports Group of Canton, MA.

O’Reilly added, “Our new AstroTurf fields have had an immediate impact on our athletic programs. The tremendous branding element for our school (end zones and logos that pop with dazzling colors) and quality of turf (multi-use for all of our outdoor sports) have increased our numbers and brought our community closer together.”

Pinkerton Academy’s former athlete standouts include USA Women’s Hockey gold medalist Tricia Dunn and Stanley Cup Champion Zach Sanford.

About AstroTurf®

ASTROTURF®, THE STORY BEHIND THE PRODUCT THAT REVOLUTIONIZED SPORTS SURFACES

OCT 16TH, 2020

Many people know the origin story of AstroTurf®, or at least they think that they do. The popular story is that it was developed specifically for the Houston Astrodome, but its roots go back just a little farther than that.

The synthetic grass product that eventually became known as AstroTurf® was originally designed as an urban playing surface meant to replace the concrete and brick that covered the recreation areas in city schoolyards. During the Korean War, the U.S. Army had found urban recruits to be less physically fit than rural recruits. Attributing this to lack of green space in cities, the Ford Foundation funded research for Monsanto to create a synthetic grass replica in 1962. It had to be wear-resistant, cost efficient, comfortably cushioned, and traction tested. Two years later employees of the Chemstrand Company, a subsidiary of Monsanto Industries, developed a synthetic surface called ChemGrass and installed it at the Moses Brown School, a private educational facility in Providence, Rhode Island.

The new product met each of the Ford Foundation’s original criteria except one: It was expensive to produce making it an unviable option for inner-city playgrounds. However, it soon found a new home and a new name.

In 1965, the Astrodome, the world’s first domed stadium opened in Houston, Texas, featuring a glasscovered roof that allowed real grass to grow inside the dome. However, the athletes that used the facility complained they couldn’t follow the path of the ball because of the glare caused by the glass. Painting the glass killed both the glare and the grass, so the lifeless lawn was replaced in 1966 with the revolutionary

ChemGrass, which was quickly dubbed AstroTurf®. The new turf was a resounding success, and it soon became a desired surface for both indoor and outdoor stadiums. Dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the Houston Astrodome was renowned not only for its innovative design and remarkable roof but also for the artificial grass that covered its playing surface and forever changed the face of sports.

AstroTurf® has been the stage for some incredible moments in sports history as it has been the surface for 12 World Series, 11 Super Bowls, 10 Olympics, 8 Major League All Star Games, and 32 NFL Pro Bowls, as well as other great games at every level.

It has been over a half century since AstroTurf® was first installed at the Astrodome and technology has rapidly improved. Current AstroTurf® products come ever closer to replicating, the feel, performance, and safety of the gold standard – natural grass. AstroTurf Corporation harnesses its history of forward-thinking and disciplined R&D to continuously improve its systems and to deliver playing surfaces with the best sport-specific performance, durability, and player protection.

Today, AstroTurf® is owned by Sport Group. Sport Group is a true global sports surfacing giant, with manufacturing facilities around the world. Active in over 70 countries, Sport Group has installed over 30,000 synthetic turf fields and running tracks. Sport Group was created by selective acquisitions of the leading turf, track, indoor and outdoor sports surface manufacturers.

About AstroTurf®

Cabanis Stadium – Corpus Christi, TX

Bullard ISD – Bullard, TX

Berrien Springs High School – Berrien Springs, MI Ballpark at Rosemont – Rosemont, IL

Arts and Technology Academy – Eugene, OR

Arroyo Valley High School – San Bernardino, CA

Appoquinimink High School - Townsend, DE

Anderson Southgate High School – Southgate, MI

Alliance High School – Alliance, OH

Allatoona High School – Acworth, GA

Ennis High School – Ennis, TX

Eastern Washington University – Cheney, WA

St. Clair Community College Post Huron, MI

De La Salle High School – Warren, MI

Colorado State Pueblo University – Pueblo, CO

Crandall High School – Crandall, TX

Catawba College – Salisbury, NC

Carver Middle School – Tulsa, OK

Campbell HS – Smyrna, GA

Cajon High School – San Bernardino, CA

Livonia Franklin High School – Livonia, MI

Lincoln High School – Ypsilanti, MI

Kennesaw Mountain High School – Kennesaw, GA

Indian Springs High School – San Bernardino, CA

Melissa ISD – Melissa, TX

Leon County HS – Tallahassee, FL

Hillgrove High School – Powder Springs, GA

Florida A&M University – Tallahassee, FL

Finneytown High School – Cincinnati, OH

Evansville University – Evansville, IN

O’Fallon High School – O’Fallon, IL

North Eugene High School – Eugene, OR

North Cobb High School – Kennesaw, TX

Nederland High School – Nederland, TX

Muskegon High School – Muskegon, MI

Milwaukee School of Engineering- Milwaukee, WI

Mount Zion High School – Carrolton, GA

Morrilton High School – Morrilton, AR

Tianmu Stadium – Taipai, Taiwan

Los Positas College – Livermore, CA

Roy High School – Roy, UT

Rock Hill High School – Frisco, TX

Redmond High School – Redmond, WA

Prosper Rock Indoor – Frisco, TX

Prosper Rock Hill High School – Frisco, TX

University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, PA

Pebblebrook High School – Mableton, GA

Palestine ISD – Palestine, TX

Pacific HS – San Bernardino, CA

Orange Grove Park – Orange Grove, FL

Sprayberry High School – Marietta, GA

Southwest Little Rock High School – Little Rock, AR

Southern Virginia University – Buena Vista, VA

South Eugene High School – Eugene, OR

South Cobb High School – Austell, GA

University of South Alabama – Mobile, AL

Slippery Rock University – Slippery Rock, PA

Shadyside High School – Shadyside, OH

Santa Ynez HS – Santa Ynez, CA

San Bernardino HS – San Bernardino, CA

Columbus ISD - Columbus, TX

Chinle High School - Chinle, AZ

Youngstown University – Youngstown, OH

University of Virginia – Charlottesville, VA

Vacaville High School – Vacaville, TX

University of Connecticut – Storrs, CT

Tomball High School – Tomball, TX

Timpson High School – Timpson, TX

University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TX

Squalicum High School – Bellingham, WA

Zaddow Park- Melissa, TX

Parker Field House - Parker, CO

Tomball Memorial High School - Tomball, TX

Washington & Jefferson College - Washington, PA

Flagg Rochelle Recreation Center - Rochelle, IL

Lubbock Christian – Lubbock, TX

East Pennsboro High School – Enola, PA

Camas High School – Camas, WA

East Stroudsburg University, Creekview Park Fort Bend Christian Academy – Fort Bend, TX

Corpus Christi ISD – Corpus Christi, TX

Cabaniss Stadium – Corpus Christi, TX

Westlake High School – Austin, TX

Brazos Christian – Bryan, TX

Youngstown State University – Youngstown, OH

Ottawa High School – Ottawa, IL Vintage High School – Napa, CA

Cape Henlopen High School – Lewes, DE

Kroc Center – Camden, NJ

Eagle Hill High School – Hardwick, MA

Trenton High School – Trenton, MI

Southgate Anderson High School – Southgate, MI

City of Pecos - Pecos, TX Ottawa HS – Ottawa, IL

Auburn - Washington, WA

Attleboro High School - Attleboro, MA

Cedar Field - Maryville, WA

Neosho High School – Neosho, MO

Phil Johnson Ballfield – Everett, WA

Shelton High School – Shelton, WA

Liverpool CSD – Liverpool, NY

Highlands Sports Complex – Triadelphia, WV

Edna Karr High School – New Orleans, LA

Summit Park – Maple Valley, WA

Center High School – Kansas City, MO

Reynolds Middle School – Lancaster, PA

Huron Valley Baseball – Westland, MI

Hunts Park Boys & Girls Club – Fort Smith, AR

Blanchard High School – Blanchard, OK

Jenks High School – Jenks, OK

Tuttle High School – Tuttle, OK

USA Softball Stadium – Home of Women’s Softball World Series

Dacula High School – Dacula, GA

Clark-Central High School – Athens, GA

Anshinbashi Comprehensive Sports Park – Japan

Whitehall High School – Whitehall, AR

Renassis Health & Medical College - Japan

Washington State University – Pullman, WA

Shippensburg University – Shippensburg, PA

Elkton-Pigeon Bay Port School – Pigeon, MI

Hope College – Holland, MI

Appalachian State University, Boone, NC

Creekside Baseball Complex – Parkville, MO

Wetumpka High School – Wetumpka, AL

Clark-Central High School – Athens, GA

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW

THE ORIGINAL TRACK CELEBRATES 50

YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Rekortan, the original synthetic track, is Sport Group’s global track brand and system. Rekortan was first installed at the Olympic Stadium, Berlin in 1969 and was later used for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, where 11 world records and 20 Olympic records were set. Since then Rekortan has gained the reputation as having the perfect balance, giving speed to sprinters and energy return to distance runners. Rekortan’s history is filled with golden times including the 1984 Olympic Games at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where Carl Lewis raced and leapt to 4 x glittering golds.

Designed for the current day athlete, Advanced Polymer Technology’s renowned Rekortan® track system is a diverse, world class series of polyurethane running tracks that are unmatched in quality and performance. The Rekortan debut in 1969 revolutionized the track world with quality and innovation, forever crowning our systems as “the fast tracks”.

Four decades have passed and the Rekortan name continues a tradition of excellence, representing the most technologically advanced running surfaces in the world.

INDEX [ CLICK TO VIEW ]

• REKORTAN TOPS THE DIAMOND LEAGUE LEADER BOARD WITH RETURN TO DOHA TRACK ► MARCH 3, 2020

• WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD WORLD CLASS SURFACES FOR MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS ► JULY 28, 2020

• HOW TO KEEP A TRACK RUNNING FOR 30 YEARS ► AUGUST 26, 2020

• REKORTAN SMART IS THE WORLD’S ONLY SMART TRACK ► AUGUST 26, 2020

• SAVING RUBBER & REDUCING MICROPLASTICS ► AUGUST 26, 2020

• 28% OF WORLD ATHLETICS CERTIFIED TRACKS ARE POLYTAN / REKORTAN ► SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

• SOME OF OUR 2020 PROJECTS ►

REKORTAN TOPS THE DIAMOND LEAGUE LEADER BOARD WITH RETURN TO DOHA TRACK

MARCH 3, 2020

The most World Athletics-Certified tracks in the industry

Qatar Sports Club has been named by World Athletics (previously IAAF) as the opening venue of its 2020 Diamond League Series on 17 April in Doha.

The stadium is the traditional host of the Diamond League in Doha, however last year’s event moved to the Khalifa International Stadium as part of the 2019 IAAF World Championships preparation.

The Qatar Sports Club features a new Class 1 Rekortan track installed by Polytan. The stadium was used as a warm up venue for the World Championships and will now welcome back the world’s best in the Diamond League.

Rekortan is Sport Group’s track brand and Qatar joins the list of elite tracks provided by Sport Group. Currently 25% of World Athletics certified tracks are from Sport Group.

Chosen for top performance

In Qatar, the world’s best will run on a Rekortan PUR 15 mm system.

This high-speed synthetic surface is designed for top performance. An elastic base layer combined with a solid structure provides Rekortan PUR running track surfaces with the ideal conditions for professional athletes ensuring maximum acceleration and excellent shock absorption values.

The EPDM granules dispersed in the top layer optimise the sports

surface and offer extremely high acceleration. Energy-enhancing tread elasticity and high abrasion resistance gives speed to sprinters and energy return to distance runners.

5 Diamond League tracks are installed by Polytan

The Qatar Sports Club joins a list of world-renowned venues staging their Diamond League events on tracks installed by Polytan.

These venues include the Stockholm Stadium, Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Morocco, the Bislett Stadium in Norway and England’s Gateshead International Stadium.

On track for success

Rekortan, as a 50 year old global track brand, has a deep heritage in the sport dating back to the 1969 Olympic Stadium in Berlin and has provided the foundation for numerous world and Olympic records. With the Qatar Sports Club, Rekortan continues to cement its world leading status and the stage is set for some groundbreaking performances in 2020. Watch this track.

For more information please visit rekortan.com where you can contact us by region.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD WORLD CLASS SURFACES FOR MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS

JULY 28, 2020

Major sporting events are huge construction endeavours and sport surfaces are at their centre. We spoke to Shaun Goudie, Head of Major Global Events for Sports Group to find out what it really takes to deliver world class surfaces for some of the most unique and challenging events in the world.

1. You led the sport surface construction for the 2018 Asian Games and 2019 South East Asian Games. What did that experience teach you about what’s required and what it takes to get it right?

Our job was to provide World Athletics Class 1 certified tracks for both the Asian and South East Asian Games while the stadiums were still being built. Delivering flawless surfaces in these conditions requires huge coordination. We worked alongside multiple contractors, architects, engineers and consultants as part of a major infrastructure build and the margin for error was tiny – in literal terms we’re talking a plus or minus 3mm margin when it comes to the tracks. So, the sport surfaces absolutely cannot be treated in isolation and being involved from a very early stage in the infrastructure planning is crucial.

Whilst the event architects understand the World Athletics requirements, for example, they don’t always see the smaller details, like the drainage requirements of the tracks. If we’re involved from the beginning of the project we can ensure these details aren’t overlooked and minimise the risk of issues at the point the surfaces are being laid – usually towards the very end of the construction when the time pressure is greater than ever.

This is a working principle we have taken into all of our major event work, not least the hockey pitches for Tokyo 2020 where we have been involved with the FIH and TOCOG at a very early stage to advise on the field of play design and sign off on both the design and the construction works before the pitch is laid.

2. Large multisport events like these are actually pretty unique. How valuable is comparable experience when it comes to providing surface solutions to these sorts of major events?

I can’t impress enough the value of a genuine and proven understanding of how these events work. They are unique and it takes a unique specialism to deliver them on time and to the standard required.

Take the Olympics - there are just so many moving parts and therefore being a surfacing company alone isn’t enough. There are very few companies globally who have the skillset, resources and experience needed to design, construct and manage these types of projects. You don’t know what you don’t know, but the experience of major multisport events we have built up means we know what questions to ask and we see the small things that can become big issues later on if they are not tackled at source.

Ultimately our role is about mitigating risk for clients who are shouldering the responsibility of delivering a global sporting event with all of the athlete performance requirements, stakeholder expectation and financial pressure that entails. They can’t afford to take risks, and so experience is everything.

3. Major events are also major construction projects. In what ways does your expertise need to extend beyond the track/ field of play?

The fact is that the track is the focal point, not the stadium. So, to get the centre stage of the event right, there needs to be an insideout approach to planning the infrastructure because the track or field of play influences almost everything else in the build despite going in last.

Where the track has to work around the infrastructure, not the other way round, you can run into fundamental issues, particularly when it comes to fixed structures. For example, I’ve been involved in a project where we had no input into the design of the timing system which meant that there was no provision for housing the cameras on the finish line. Building this retrospectively costs time and money and can mean that power cables which should have been run underground have to be placed over ground. It goes without saying that running spikes and cables don’t mix so this type of oversight can hurt an event.

Therefore, while our expertise of the sport surface systems needs to be deep, it also needs to be broad – incorporating not only the physical infrastructure around them but also commercial and broadcast considerations. For example, for London 2012 we worked closely with the Olympic Broadcast Service to trial and optimise pitch rendering and colours for HDTV.

4. As in sport, timing must be key when it comes to delivering these types of major facilities. How do you navigate the inevitable challenges and delays to ensure you deliver on time?

Good planning includes planning for the unexpected and for elements beyond our control. Wet weather can be a huge challenge – particularly with track laying as fundamentally we’re dealing with chemicals which react to water. The construction of an asphalt track and drainage system needs to be done in dry weather but we often don’t have that luxury, or the luxury of time to wait for the rain to stop.

The reputational damage of laying a substandard track or not completing on time is huge. Therefore, we do whatever it takes – building partial tents over tracks, bringing in heaters, blowers, generators and working between showers, around the clock to get the job done. Despite the inevitable challenges we’ve never failed to complete a major events surfacing project on time and, even with COVID-19 restrictions, we have just delivered on time a World Athletics Class 1 Rekortan M track system at the Manchester Regional Arena in the UK.

5. How important is global expertise versus local knowledge when it comes to delivering these relatively unique event facilities?

Quite simply, you need both. Tracks are built all over the world and companies who lay asphalt are far and wide. Not all of them, however, have the right equipment for, and understanding of, specialised methodologies for laying them.

Over the years we have developed laser-guiding systems to control the asphalt to a very high level because building a track system is very different to building a runway or a car park for example. There’s a specific art and science to it which requires pooling our global knowledge and resources and providing expert guidance on site.

This applies to both the planning stage and during event where we remain to problem-solve and ensure the confidence of the event stakeholders. A track system can be damaged when equipment is moved on it overnight and we have the capability to fix it and have it ready for the next morning.

Trust is created locally but it is a global currency. When events like the U.S. Open trust us to deliver their surfaces, then events in other parts of the world can feel confident doing the same.

6. How important is International Federation certification when it comes to meeting elite performance requirements and what does it take to attain those standards?

Achieving the highest level of International Federation certification and therefore knowing the surface will perform for the athletes is usually the number one priority for major event owners. In order to achieve this, we need to pass two levels of testing – one in the lab and one on the field which is an entirely different ball game.

To achieve a World Athletics Class 1 certified track, for example, you have to be absolutely confident that you can put the surface down in situ and maintain the certificate. Installation doesn’t happen in a laboratory setting. It is a much more challenging and timesensitive environment. If water gets trapped between the layers half way through installation for example, there can be major issues with both certification testing and the surface’s lifespan.

We currently supply 25% of World Athletics certified tracks and the hockey pitches we have recently installed for Tokyo 2020 have been awarded FIH Global Elite accreditation. These accolades are so much more than a badge and our surfaces will be continually tested throughout their lifespans, so it is not a one-off tick box exercise.

7. When you are involved in the creation of these major public venues, environmental performance and legacy requirements must be fundamental. How can surface providers help venues to deliver against these requirements.

Manufacturers need to provide surface systems which last long beyond the event, and crucially, perform for as long. Some surfaces lose their performance characteristics after five years which undermines an event’s ability to meet its legacy and health and safety requirements. As a result, there is an emphasis on manufacturers to meet new World Athletics requirements for at least two certification periods which amounts to 8 years. Rekortan track systems have a performance lifespan of at least 10 years.

There is, rightly, an increasing expectation that surfaces perform from an environmental as well as an athlete performance point of view and this plays back to both what a surface is made of and how long it lasts. A focus on the quality of materials and the type of materials used in surface manufacture is a fundamental requirement and we invest heavily in green technology to drive the sustainability of our products. For example, our Rekortan M track at the Manchester stadium is made from 64% recycled or renewable material and we developed Poligras Tokyo GT to support Tokyo’s goal for a carbon neutral games. This synthetic hockey turf utilises filaments from over 60% renewable raw materials derived from sugar cane and requires up to 65% less water than other elite surfaces. The industry must continue to innovate in this way.

8. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the bar in terms of biosecurity. How must surface manufacturers and installers evolve to meet these new health and safety standards when servicing major public events?

Health and safety is a big part of any construction project and we have become very adept at adapting. It’s what we do. COVID-19 compliant measures must be developed within existing health and safety plans including appropriate social distancing guidelines, PPE, quarantine adherence and ensuring crews are fit and healthy. Sometimes this requires a ‘clean stadium’ policy so we can set exclusion zones around our work and ensure we get our job done safely. Crews have regular COVID-19 testing. I am currently in Korea and awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test as we speak.

The US Open courts are going down now, safely and on time. That’s our reassurance in action.

HOW TO KEEP A TRACK RUNNING FOR 30 YEARS?

AUGUST 26, 2020

Tracks lasting 20-30 years are good for environment

Sport Group is the largest business in the sport surfaces industry. Our vision is to develop a completely green chain for sports surfaces so that we will be able to produce climate-smart products for synthetic turf and running tracks.

Product innovations such as our Rekortan Gel tracks, which are made from 88% renewable/recycled content are important developments, however what should not be overlooked is that product lifetime is a key part of sustainability.

Longevity is best for the environment

Green considerations must focus on durability, which means the materials need to be of a high quality, part of a system designed with integrated components, and suitable for the local climate. Venue owners should look for ‘tracks to trust’, ie those tracks with proven durability in their region.

Ongoing maintenance boosts longevity

Just like anything, sport surfaces benefit from regular maintenance. For example, tracks have an inner rail which if not maintained can become blocked by leaves and grass. This can cause water to sit on the inside lane, which not only causes complaints by runners, but promotes algae build up, causes the lane to wear faster and stains the track when it dries. Track maintenance includes cleaning with high pressure jets, cleaning the gullies and filters, and capturing loose crumb. Most venues have groundskeepers; however, tracks are often mistakenly viewed as impervious to external forces.

Track repairs are also common and important, especially in high use areas such as the inside lane, the 100m start, throwing areas and jumping take off areas.

Manchester Arena (UK) & Alexander Stadium (UK) re-topped to Diamond League standard

Rekortan tracks are successfully re-topped around the world. Polytan has re-topped tracks at the Manchester Arena and Alexander Stadium in Birmingham with both venues being World Athletics certified and used for Diamond League and elite events.

We installed the Manchester track in 2001 and with one re-topping it lasted 19 years until we refurbished it in 2020. Alexander Stadium has been a Polytan track for 20 years, during this time the track was re-topped, and we worked closely with the stadium on track repairs to maintain its elite quality.

With re-topping tracks can last 30 years

In the UK, a well-maintained track with medium to high usage should last 8-10 years, with a re-top adding another 7 or more years.

Polytan has just completed the 3rd re-top at the Newport Stadium, Wales. The track is 23 years old and now should last another 7 years, taking it up to 30 years.

In Wollongong, Australia, the Kerryn McCann Athletics Track, was originally installed as a red Rekortan track 1993 and re-topped (red) in 2004. In 2017 we re-topped the track with a blue surface which will take the track life beyond 30 years.

These examples show that good track system will extend the lifecycle before replacement materials, which have environmental impact, are required. The economic sense is clear, but the environmental benefits are very important.

KERRYN MCCANN ATHLETICS TRACK, WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA 2017 blue re-topping will take the track life to 30+ years

NEWPORT STADIUM, WALES

23 year old track looking good after re-topping in 2020

REKORTAN SMART IS THE WORLD’S ONLY SMART TRACK

AUGUST 26, 2020

With Smart technology embedded in the track, the runner is literally ‘in touch’ with the track. Other facilities might have a technology overlay such as cameras, but our actual tracks are smart which makes them unique and the most advanced in the industry.

With the technology touching the athlete, the diagnostics are the most accurate available.

Elite athletes run faster & social runners run more.

The technology is unique, with magnetic gates embedded in the track (or synthetic turf) connecting to a sensor or smartphone worn by the runner. This provides competitive athletes and coaches with advanced diagnostic information on force, agility, speed and endurance.

Champion athletes such as Dina Asher-Smith (GB), Tatjana Pinto (Germany), Patrick Schneider (Germany) train on Rekortan Smart. They seek out every advantage; they know that smart athletes run faster.

The Smart app connects to the track and gives amateur runners distance, time/split times and interval data for speed and steps, which encourages them to run more and improve their fitness. The Smart app is free so every facility can offer the Smart experience to their clubs and community.

Who wants a dumb track?

In a world connected and powered by data, a dumb track is out-ofdate.

Sport Group, Polytan and AstroTurf are committed to this technology leap. Smart technology is available for all Rekortan tracks, we offer a basic Smart setup (two gates) free, and facilities can upgrade to suit their needs. This means with the basic setup and the smartphone app, everyone can be connected to their local track at no cost.

Globally, we have already installed 84 Smart surfaces including the warmup track at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. In the UK alone there are 10 Smart tracks, with 5 more Polytan/Rekortan Smart tracks to come this year:

• Bridgend, Wales 4: mobile gates

• Bryncelnnog, Wales: 2 gates

• Caird Park, Dundee: 13 sprint and 8 distance gates

• Carmarthen, Wales: 4 sprint gates

• Colchester, England: 26 sprint and 16 distance gates

• Harrow, London: 2 sprint gates

• Kingsmeadow, London: sprint and distance lanes

• Leckwith Road, Cardiff: 28 sprint and 8 distance gates

• Norman Park, London: 16 sprint and 16 distance gates

• Newport, Wales: 42 sprint and 2 distance gates

Smart for life - maintenance free & always on

During construction, the magnetic gates are embedded in the asphalt and covered by the track surface. This means that if a track is re-topped the gates remain in place and active.

They are invisible and always on; there are no wires, force plates, laboratories, or cameras. For facilities there is no set up and no maintenance. Your track will be Smart for life.

Coaches can be Smart Coaches every day. There is no need for pens, paper, or stopwatches. All the data is visible in the diagnostics software, so you can compare data over time as well as between different athletes. Multiple athletes can be tested simultaneously.

We build athletics tracks to the precision required by World Athletics and the sport. Our Smart Technology is a continuation for this. When millimeters and milliseconds matter, don’t rely on satellites that are 20,000 miles away, cameras that require individual set ups, or dangling stopwatches.

Smart tracks were developed by Humontion, Sport Group’s technology partner and is exclusively available from Polytan in Europe and Asia Pacific, and from AstroTurf in the USA.

For more information visit Polytan and AstroTurf.

SAVING RUBBER & REDUCING MICROPLASTICS

AUGUST 26, 2020

With 50 years of experience we understand what is needed to install tracks in a responsible way.

In tracks, such as the Rekortan Gel Series or Rekortan M, where the EPDM rubber top layer is thrown, or ‘broadcast’ on to the liquid polyurethane layer, we focus on reclaiming the rubber and reducing the spread.

The art of ‘broadcasting’

“Broadcasting” the rubber is a skill and to the untrained eye there seems to be a huge amount of rubber being thrown on to the track. However, it is necessary to over-chip the rubber to get the full coverage needed to create a beautiful track.

The “broadcasting” can be done by machine, but typically we prefer using experienced installers who have years of practice in landing the rubber perfectly on the PU layer. It is important that the rubber doesn’t roll and become coated in polyurethane as this creates a shiny finish, or land too heavy as this causes it to sink and create ripples in the polyurethane.

The skill is throwing rubber in a very fine fan, so it settles with a full coverage avoiding heavy and light spots.

Consistency and timing is the key

During the installation the polyurethane team is in the lead, followed closely by the broadcast team, who are in turn followed by a crew member looking for ‘fatty spots’ where the rubber has sunk causing the polyurethane to come through. These spots create an unattractive glossy look so additional rubber must be thrown to cover them.

As there is only a 20-minute window before the polyurethane has set, this is a continual and fast-moving process. It may not be Usain Bolt speed, but with intense work, an experienced team can complete 100m a day.

Over-chipping with a mix of quality EPDM granules and powder gives the track the full coverage. The next day the track is swept to brush off any loose granules leaving a consistent and even finish. These loose granules are reclaimed and recycled.

Capturing loose rubber

Saving rubber and limiting microplastics is a top priority.

For the top layer, we allow 4.2 kgs of EPDM per square meter and with best practice we aim to reclaim up to 2 kgs per square meter. This means up to 45% of the rubber is reclaimed or unused.

24 tonnes saved at the Manchester Arena (UK)

At the recent installation of a Polytan/Rekortan M track at the Manchester Arena in the UK, we were able to recycle or repurpose 24 tonnes of EPDM. This was achieved by laying plastic catch sheets during the topcoat installation. The sheets captured EPDM rubber granules, which were reused as we progressed.

This slows the work but by using this method we saved 7 tonnes of unused EPDM and reclaimed 17 tonnes that will be repurposed in shock pads in future tracks.

Only clean rubber can be used back on the top layer, so it is important to use clean sheets and manage the process carefully.

Reclaimed rubber is also repurposed in shock pads for future tracks. Due to its excellent durability it has significant benefits as paving for high stress areas, such as the 100m start and the jumping and throwing areas. We also recycle it into e-layers for synthetic grass facilities, into playground and landscaping surfaces, and golf course pathways.

Filters protect the waterways

All drains and gullies are taped off during the installation to prevent rubber from escaping. Many new tracks are now designed with drains and gullies fitted with filters capable of capturing microplastics. We encourage this and promote it as best practice in design.

We also encourage track owners to have an ongoing maintenance program; filters are no good if they are not cleaned!

Best practice onsite

As well as managing the EPDM we focus on responsible construction and best practices in all areas, this includes:

• Recycling the PU containers (steel drums or IBCs)

• Site storage area on a hard surface, so any spillage is captured

• Covering and protecting mixing stations so any leak is controlled

Also, COVID Health and Safety is a now essential and will be for the foreseeable future.

28% OF WORLD ATHLETICS CERTIFIED TRACKS ARE POLYTAN/REKORTAN

SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

WORLD ATHLETICS CERTIFICATIONS MAINTAIN STANDARDS & INTEGRITY

Athletics is a sport of milliseconds and millimeters, with the results compared around the world. Records therefore only count on certified tracks; the sport must be sure that everyone is competing on an even and fair surface.

Tracks are always big projects and can be huge – for the SEA Games the stadium track was over 14,000m2. To achieve uniform thickness and flatness takes years of experience. With such precision required and small tolerances allowed, building a track is more complicated than other sports surfaces.

28% (the most) of all World Athletics certified tracks are from Sport Group.

Sport Group’s Rekortan and Polytan, with 50 years’ experience, are the market leaders in track surfacing. See bottom of page for certification numbers from key manufacturers.

Each market has its own complexities, and over the decades we have learned the necessary skills to deliver the most certified tracks around the world. Venues, from Melbourne to Manchester, trust us to deliver certified tracks for them. However, before the track…

…the base construction must be right.

As track systems are only 13-15mm, the asphalt layer is crucial to the flatness of the track. We therefore supervise all the works to ensure that everything built before us is to the right standard. We not only supervise the asphalt but also the curbs, drainage, and other fixed equipment such as the throwing cages. We did this recently in Manchester (UK) to ensure this track received a Class 1.

In some markets, such as Australia and New Zealand, we do the full design and construction.

WORLD ATHLETICS CLASS 1 AND CLASS 2 CERTIFICATIONS

World Athletics certifies athletics track facilities as either Class 1 or Class 2. To achieve this certification the track must be made with a World Athletics approved track system.

Class 1 Certified Tracks

This is the premier standard and is required for hosting major global athletics events.

The testing is completed onsite by an independent accredited testing lab. The test comprises a field report and a measurement report.

The field test (in-situ testing) report measures track thickness, flatness, force reduction (energy dissipation), vertical deformation (how spongy the track is) and other key requirements. An elite track cannot have softer or harder parts, as any tiny differences are amplified by elite runners at the top of their game.

The testing will measure the athletics track system thickness in over 200 places using a FloorTest tool, which inserts 3 long needles through the track system until they touch the underlying asphalt or concrete base. The testing is very demanding; a minimum of 90% of the total track system thickness must be at least 90% of the product’s approved thickness.

This means on a 13mm system, 90% of the track must be at least 11.7mm. The margin of error across 10,000 m2 is just 1.3mm!

Track smoothness is tested with a 4m long straight edge which is pulled across the entire track in all directions. This is extremely important, as athletes running at full pace must have complete confidence that the track surface is consistent and uniform underfoot.

Also, as many tracks are impervious to water, an undulation can create puddles.

For the installer, the most challenging places to meet the standards are where the track meets the D areas (where the throwing events are), and the transition areas where there is a change in slope.

The field testing can be expensive, so this is typically only done at venues that are going to host major competitions. These events generally require significant additional infrastructure as well, which can include a full-sized warm-up track for World Championships, Olympic Games & other major global events such as the 2018 Asian Games and the 2019 SEA Games which are also Sport Group (Polytan/Rekortan) tracks.

The second part of Class 1 testing is the Track and Field Facilities Measurement Report. This confirms the dimensional accuracy of the line marking, the track gradient, and associated areas such as throwing event landing sectors, comply with World Athletics requirements. This is crucially important as athletics is so precise; facilities must be standardized around the world, so it is fair for all.

Class 2 Certified Tracks

Class 2 tracks must have approved products and provide a conforming Track and Field Facilities Measurement Report. Class 2 tracks do not require the field report. This certification standard is designed to provide a more cost-effective solution for facilities that are not hosting major international competition.

The Class 1 and Class 2 reports are sent to the World Athletics technical committee for approval and they issue the certificate upon satisfactory review of all necessary supporting documentation and reports. A certification fee must be paid to World Athletics for each facility.

REKORTAN

AND POLYTAN ARE THE TRACKS TO TRUST

Polytan and Rekortan have been trusted by the most venues around the world for 50 years.

• 28% of all World Athletics Certified Tracks are from Polytan/ Rekortan (Sport Group)

• Polytan/Rekortan M track system is the most certified track in the world (153 certifications), the Manchester Arena (Class 1) was the most recent.

Numbers based on World Athletics list of certified tracks (Aug 2020)

* Why are USA certification numbers so low? The USA track market is large however World Athletics certifications have limited importance therefore most facilities don’t require this.

Redmond High School - Redmond, WA

Plattsburgh High School - Plattsburgh, NY

West Seneca CSD – Williamson NY Trinity

Minoru Track – Richmond BC, Canada

Mifflin County CSD – Lewistown PA

Lincoln Consolidated Schools – Ypsilanti MI Lake Placid CSD – Lake Placid NY

Donovan Middle School – Utica NY

Alliance High School – Alliance OH

Tappan Zee High School - Orangetown NY

Excelsior Springs High School – Excelsior Springs, MO

Susquehanna Community SD - PA

South Jefferson CSD - NY

Salem School District - Salem NH

Oswayo-Valley SD - PA

Manchester Regional Arena

Lakeway Christian Academy - TN

Greene CSD - NY

South Orangetown CSD - Blauevelt, NY

Wetumpka High School – Wetumpka, AL

Mt. Zion High School – Jonesboro, GA

Dacula High School – Dacula, GA

Central High School – Carrolton, GA

Bradwell Institute – Hinesville, GA

Destrehan High School – Destrehan, LA

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW

THE MOST ADVANCED COURT SURFACE FOR THE GAME’S BIGGEST STAGE.

As the official court surface of the US Open, Laykold and the United States Tennis Association have set a new standard in court quality control, playing performance and sustainability for the game’s biggest tournament. Our fully integrated global supply chain and vapour barrier designed specifically for the court system removes any risk that the surface is compromised, ensuring court performance, speed and consistency serve after serve. And with the best environmental credentials in the industry, the partnership heralds the most sustainable court system on the planet.

Agents for success

In Laykold, the USTA found a partner with the exacting standards, quality control, sustainability standards, innovation commitment and scale that the world’s biggest tennis tournament required. This is set to drive huge demand for Laykold court systems across the US and Asia and we’re now actively recruiting new agents (partners & installers) to help meet this demand. By becoming a partner or installer for Laykold, your business could benefit from the same Grand Slam success.

INDEX [ CLICK TO VIEW ]

• WHAT ROLE DOES SAND PLAY IN TENNIS COURT PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY? ► MARCH 21, 2020

• USTA SELECTS SPORT GROUP’S LAYKOLD AS THE NEW COURT SURFACE FOR THE US OPEN ► MARCH 23, 2020

• FIND OUT WHY THE US OPEN CHOSE LAYKOLD ► MARCH 23, 2020

• FIND OUT WHAT ISO CERTIFICATION MEANS AND WHY IT MATTERS TO THE SPORTS SURFACE INDUSTRY ► APRIL 8, 2020

• THE SCIENCE BEHIND COURT PACE RATINGS ► AUGUST 22, 2020

• AGENTS OF SUCCESS: HOW I’M GROWING MY BUSINESS AS A COURT INSTALLER ► SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

• TENNIS WINS ON THE BIGGEST STAGE ► SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

• SOME OF OUR 2020 PROJECTS ►

WHAT ROLE DOES SAND PLAY IN TENNIS COURT PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY?

MARCH 21, 2020

MAKING WORLD CLASS TENNIS COURTS REQUIRES A GRANULAR ATTENTION TO DETAIL

As granular as a grain of sand in fact. Here we explore why sand is so important to a court’s performance and durability and how to get it right.

SAND IS AN AGENT OF PACE AND LONGEVITY

Sand plays two important roles in a tennis court’s performance.

1. It controls the pace of the surface. Your sand rating is essentially your pace rating. Ensuring the right type and blend of sand will ensure consistency of surface pace and therefore, speed of play.

2. It provides increased abrasion resistance which, in its simplest and most important terms, prolongs the lifespan of the court.

So as invisible as it can (and should) be, sand is an extremely valuable ingredient in court manufacture and forms the basis of a surface’s performance and durability. But of course, it is not quite as simple as that.

THE SCIENCE IS IN THE BLEND

Ensuring optimal performance and longevity, requires you to get even more granular. It is not just the presence of sand that is important but the type and blend of sand that is used. It comes down to the specific angles of the grains and how they interact with the grains around them.

Wesley Baum, an R&D chemist and Technical and Field Support Manager for Laykold, explains;

“For optimal performance, you need a blend of round and angular sand. Whenever you put it down, the angular sand creates peaks and valleys. You have to wear those peaks down before you can get to the round sand beneath which creates superior abrasion resistance and adds to the lifespan of the surface.”

THE LONGEST WARRANTIES ON THE MARKET

Through R&D investment, Laykold has developed a proprietary blend of sand for its Masters System. The exact blend remains an industry secret but this, combined with a unique acrylic with a higher solids content which serves to lock the sand in more securely, provides consistent surface pace and enables us to provide five year warranties - the longest on the market.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SAND SURFACES?

The irony of this investment, is that a good court is invisible. It is only when issues rise to the surface and players start to complain, that the court enters the spotlight. A recent high-profile example of this was in the ATP Cup lead-up event to the Australian Open at the Queensland Tennis Centre in January when John Millman raised concerns about sand on the court. This is a challenge for all courts, especially at the top level. But why did it happen and what impact does it have?

Probable reasons include:

1. The use of sub-optimal, round sand that can come loose and roll out of the surface more easily.

2. Soft acrylics with a lower solids content that do not contain the sand as effectively.

The impact of sand surfacing on the courts in this way is threefold:

Sand rising means that the court speeds up and consistency of play is compromised.

As was visible in John Millman’s case, the possibility of players slipping and risking injury on the loose grains is increased so player welfare is at stake. So, arguably, is the fan experience. The surface friction will increase resulting in greater wear and tear and less durability which has a higher financial and environmental cost over the court’s shortened lifespan.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Sand, therefore, is a crucial ingredient in all courts, and especially those at the top level. The quality of the ingredients used and how they are mixed and blended is also a key component of a successful recipe. Courts are no different.

IN THE MARKET FOR NEW COURTS? GET GRANULAR

A good court is the unsung hero of the game, and the sand makes up a considerable part of its power. So if you’re in the market for resurfacing your existing courts or laying new ones, we strongly recommend getting granular. Ask about the grains and the specific blend of sand. Get your hands sandy. Because therein lies the secret for performance and durability.

LAYKOLD - OFFICIAL COURT SURFACE OF THE US OPEN

From this year, Laykold will be the official court surface of the US Open. Part of the reason we were trusted and chosen by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to provide the surfaces for their biggest tournament was because of the performance and durability assurances we could provide. Our proprietary blend of sand is at the foundation of this assurance and it is available worldwide as part of our Masters System from grassroots communities to Grand Slams.

USTA SELECTS SPORT GROUP’S LAYKOLD AS THE NEW COURT SURFACE FOR THE US OPEN

MARCH 23, 2020

FLUSHING, N.Y.– The USTA today announced that following an extensive RFP process, Laykold has been selected as the new court surface for the US Open and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The new agreement is in place for five years. The 2020 US Open begins on Monday, August 24 with US Open Fan Week and the US Open Qualifying Tournament. The Main Draw of the 2020 US Open runs from August 31, through September 13.

The new Laykold courts will be manufactured by Advanced Polymer Technology (APT), a member of Sport Group, the world’s largest business dedicated to sports surfaces. APT is unique in the industry for its fully integrated global supply chain – from raw materials to installation. This integrated supply chain will allow for the consistency in court quality control, playing performance and sustainability. Laykold courts are the only courts with vapor barrier designed specifically for the court system, which also greatly increases consistency in both court performance and court speed.

The Laykold courts also come with the strongest environment credentials in the industry. APT is the only ISO 14001 environmentalcertified court manufacturer in the world. As such, they are fully compliant with all aspects of sustainability and aligned with the USTA’s sustainability commitments and values.

“At the conclusion of the complete transformation of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, we felt it was time to explore all new approaches and technologies to court surfacing,” said Danny Zausner, Chief Operating Officer of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “During this exploration, Laykold quickly rose to the top, and working with them, we are confident we will have the best-playing and best-performing courts in the world.”

“Laykold has been trusted in the tennis court industry for 75 years and to add the US Open to our roster of major events around the world is a landmark moment for us,” said Jim Sacco, Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Polymer Technology. “We have been waiting for an opportunity to showcase our quality at the world’s biggest tennis tournament, and we are delighted to have been chosen. We are grand slam ready.”

Laykold also provides court surfaces for many professional tennis events and professional tennis exhibitions around the world, including the Miami Open and New York Open. The USTA has previously utilized Laykold at three Fed Cup ties held in the United States.

SPORT GROUP

Employing over 1,900 people and operating in 70 countries, Sport Group is the largest business dedicated to sports surfaces. Sport Group’s global businesses include AstroTurf, Polytan and APT. Sport Group’s global product brands are market leaders; LigaTurf (soccer) is used at FIFA headquarters, Rekortan (tracks) is used at the most Diamond League venues and Poligras (field hockey) has been used at 7 Olympic Games including Tokyo 2020, Laykold (courts) is used at the US Open, Miami Open, New York Open, and Fed Cups.

ADVANCED POLYMER TECHNOLOGY (APT)

A member of Sport Group, APT is a global manufacturer of sport surfaces including Laykold (acrylic courts) and LigaTurf and Poligras (synthetic turf). From Olympic stadiums to community facilities, APT creates safe, reliable, high performance surfaces. APT is an advanced chemical company, with research and development undertaken by chemists working with sports professionals to establish the specific characteristics required to assist athletes in performing at their very best.

LAYKOLD

Manufactured by APT, Laykold is Sport Group’s global court brand. It is the choice of premier tennis facilities across the world, including the Miami Open (since 1985), the New York Open, Fed Cup, and from 2020 the US Open and Western Southern Open. The Laykold range includes a wide variety of hard court, cushion court, and turf systems. Laykold is the only court brand with gel technology, these courts provide greater force reduction and are made from 60% renewal materials.

USTA

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization with more than 655,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world, and launched the US Open Series, linking seven summer WTA and ATP World Tour tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns approximately 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S. and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA’s philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships in addition to supporting tennis and education programs nationwide to benefit under-resourced youth through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com or follow the official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Chris Widmaier, USTA Communications, (914) 696-7284, widmaier@usta.com

Jessica McManus, Laykold Marketing Manager, +1 724 452 3034, mcmanus@advpolytech.com

FIND OUT WHY THE US OPEN CHOSE LAYKOLD MARCH 23, 2020

THE MOST ADVANCED COURTS CHOSEN FOR THE GAME’S BIGGEST STAGE.

Whether you’re a tennis aficionado or not, the cry of ‘New balls please!’ is likely to be one you’ve heard before. ‘New courts please!’ is decidedly rarer – and understandably so. It is a huge undertaking. The ground beneath the players’ feet is fundamental to their game and changing that surface is a big deal. But the prestigious US Open sent out this rallying cry to our industry for the first time in 42 years and Laykold was the brand they trusted with this ground-making partnership.

A WIN BUILT ON TRUST

The reasons that Laykold was chosen by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to provide a new court surface for their biggest tournament are multifaceted. But at its heart, it comes down to trust.

Elite players own and control every single facet of their performance from nutrition to match day performance and everything in between. The uniquely integrated global supply chain powering Laykold’s courts runs on the same principles of attention to detail and complete ownership of every stage of the process. Swap nutrition for raw materials, training for R&D and the ingredients for match day success are the same.

In Laykold, the USTA found a partner with the same exacting standards and quality control followed by the world’s biggest tennis tournament and its players. They found a partner that understood the level of quality required from elite sport with a track record of supplying surfaces for the Miami Open and Fed Cups through to the Olympic Games. They chose Laykold for their proven ability to provide a surface that players can step onto with complete trust.

ADVANCED PLAYING PERFORMANCE

Court performance is absolutely vital to the elite game. Laykold courts answer this need because;

• They are built with complete control of the value chain from raw materials to installation.

• They have the added benefit of being the only courts with a vapor barrier designed specifically for the court system rather than being taken off the peg.

In playing terms, this removes any risk that the surface is compromised, ensuring court performance, speed and consistency, serve after serve.

ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

Laykold was able to go beyond playing performance and demonstrate levels of environmental performance unmatched in the industry and which aligned with the USTA’s own sustainability commitments and values;

• Laykold courts are powered by Advanced Polymer Technology. APT is the only ISO 14001 environmental certified court manufacturer in the world.

• As such, Laykold could provide independent assurance that they are fully compliant with all aspects of sustainability and have the most advanced environmental processes in the industry.

• Due to its integrated supply chain, APT is the market leader in warranties. As such, Laykold courts have a lifespan which is unmatched in the industry with a knock-on benefit to the environment.

ADVANCING COURT SPORTS

A grand slam needs a court it can trust, and through a rigorous tender process, Laykold was able to prove why its courts are the most advanced, from playing performance to athlete welfare, warranties, processes, colors, chemistry and environmental performance.

The US Open’s call for ‘New courts please!’ was about so much more than paint and concrete. It stands as testament to the fact that there is so much more at play beneath the surface when it comes to a winning court.

TALK TO US

If you want to advance your courts, get in touch here to start a conversation about how we can tailor-make a solution for you.

LAYKOLD - OFFICIAL COURT SURFACE OF THE US OPEN

From this year, Laykold will be the official court surface of the US Open.

FIND OUT WHAT ISO CERTIFICATION MEANS AND WHY IT MATTERS TO THE SPORTS SURFACE INDUSTRY

APRIL 8, 2020

A QUESTION OF VALUE

‘What’s the best way of doing this?’ In a nutshell, this is the question that the International Organization for Standardization or ISO was created to answer. So, in its most simple terms, only the companies who are able to answer this question through demonstrable processes which are independently audited, can achieve this world-recognised mark of quality and trust.

While the question sounds simple, the process of achieving ISO certification and the value it drives is multifaceted. Here we explore what certification really means and why it matters to the sports surface industry.

GUARANTEED QUALITY, SAFETY, EFFICIENCY

As an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit, body, the ISO pools expertise from a wide range of proprietary, industrial and commercial standard organizations to develop global standards. The international standards it develops, give independent, worldclass specifications for services and systems to ensure quality, safety and efficiency.

CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT

In order to achieve certification, companies need to commit to the standards set by the ISO and the management systems needed to meet these standards. This is verified via independent third-party audits and the process is thorough and continual. Companies with the certification cannot rest on their laurels. They are routinely audited to ensure ongoing compliance with the defined standards and as those standards evolve and the bar is raised, organizations must upgrade their processes and re-certify to the latest version of the standard.

ISO certification, therefore, isn’t a one-off tick-box exercise. It isn’t just a nice proof point for the marketing team to communicate. It ensures that quality is part of a company’s DNA – from its planning to its performance evaluation and everything in between.

THE MOST ADVANCED PROCESSES IN THE WORLD

Laykold, manufactured by APT, is the only tennis courts brand made in the USA & Australia at ISO certified factories. APT is certified for ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems. But what does this actually mean?

ISO 9001:2015

- A Mark of Quality

As an ISO 9001 accredited company, APT and Laykold achieve consistency by following proven processes. This removes the risk of variation and provides product consistency. Our ISO procedures require us to:

• Adhere to ISO accredited manufacturing with strict control on process, formulation, and approved suppliers

• Carry out 100% final inspection and testing on all batches of product according to strict acceptance criteria before the product can be packaged and distributed

• Quality control checking includes color (delta E), viscosity, specific gravity, % solids, pH, and physical properties

• Assign specific batch numbers to products for traceability of the batch and its documentation

ISO 14001:2015

– A Mark of Sustainability

The ISO 14001 environmental standard helps organizations to find solutions to the big global challenges surrounding environmental stewardship. Combined with the Quality Management System certification, it enables transparency about products and best practices for limiting their impacts. Our ISO 14001:2015 certification means that we are able to:

• minimize how our operations negatively affect the environment

• comply with and go beyond applicable laws, regulations, and other environmentally oriented requirements continually improve our environmental practices and technology

PROCESSES YOU CAN TRUST. VALUE THAT’S GUARANTEED.

Together, both of our ISO certifications amount to a nonnegotiable commitment to providing our customers with the most reliable and effective products and services, while promoting environmentally conscious practices throughout our operations. The value this generates is multi-layered:

Financial

The life-span of our products is greater due to the highest quality standards allowing us to offer the longest warranties in the industry and the associated long-term financial efficiencies to customers

Environmental

Our processes and products are the most sustainable in the court industry and lower the cost to the environment

Reputational

Our certifications demonstrate a commitment to greater transparency, responsibility, safety and quality which matches and amplifies the values and requirements of our customers and stakeholders. Certification carries a transferable reputational value.

This is why, as a true chemical company rather than a simple court paint one, we consider ISO certification to be a fundamental requirement, not a nice to have. It goes beyond a badge, beyond marketing jargon and delivers proven value.

‘What’s the best way of doing this?’ is the question that the US Tennis Association asked of our industry when it put its US Open court contract out to tender at the end of last year. We have just been chosen and trusted with the opportunity to answer that for them. If you have the same question when it comes to installing or replacing your courts, we can help you to answer it. Don’t just take

THE SCIENCE BEHIND COURT PACE RATINGS

AUGUST 22, 2020

WHEN IT COMES TO THE SPEED OF A COURT, TOURNAMENTS SET THE PACE.

It is the court manufacturer’s job to pinpoint the tournament’s desired pace ratings as accurately as possible - a simple sentence to write but much harder to achieve in practice. Here we explore the science behind building a court to specific pace ratings and why it matters.

CREATING THE FASTEST COURTS ON THE PRO CIRCUIT.

The speed of a court determines how a player plays it. It also, therefore, determines the fan experience. So, for every tournament, there is much riding on getting it right and never more so than with the U.S. Open, a tournament known worldwide for being the fastest on the pro tennis circuit and exacting in its objective to remain so. At the time of writing, the courts for this year’s tournament are being laid and the margins are tiny.

SAND IS THE MAIN AGENT OF PACE.

And so too is the main factor that influences the court’s pace. Sand. And down to a granular level. It is not just the presence of sand that is important but the type and blend of sand that is used. The specific angles of the grains and how they interact with the grains around them are both agents of pace because they determine the levels of friction between the ball and the court. The sand goes through gradation analysis to test its sieve curve. The tighter the curve, the less chance of deviation to court speed.

HOW THE COURTS ARE INSTALLED IS ALSO A DETERMINING FACTOR.

Environmental circumstances like the temperature of the court and the ball all have to be taken into consideration. Installation on site is a far cry from a controlled lab environment which makes the task more challenging. How the courts are installed impacts their speed.

Wesley Baum, an R&D chemist and Technical and Field Support Manager for Laykold, explains;

“A broom-finished court will create more peaks and valleys in the sand which creates superior abrasion resistance and reduces the court’s speed. A squeegee finish will result in a tighter, smoother matrix which in turn, speeds the court up.”

SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE PROVIDE ADVANTAGE.

The formula for success requires R&D investment and scientific know-how built up over time to get it consistently right. Over a period of more than 25 years, APT and Laykold have carried out extensive surface testing to determine how to achieve a variety of Court Pace Ratings (CPR) between the ITF Category 2, 3 and 4 data points. The results have been used to develop a formulation database enabling us to perfect how we dial in those pace ratings and tailor surface speed to individual tournaments. We’ve also developed a proprietary blend of sand which ensures consistency of surface pace and speed of play.

PROVING PACE ACCURACY.

But you don’t need to take our word for it. The courts, once laid are independently tested by the ITF in three locations with 14 shots per location. This equates to 900 hours of testing in total for the U.S. Open alone. There is nowhere to hide.

Using our formulation database for pinpointing pace ratings, we are currently delivering court pace ratings for the U.S. Open that meet USTA expectations within one point of the requested pace. This is the result of years of R&D, proving that even the fastest courts cannot be rushed.

AGENTS OF SUCCESS: HOW I’M GROWING MY BUSINESS AS A COURT INSTALLER

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Having been in the court surfaces industry since 1987, Michael Edgerton knows a thing or two about what makes a court installation business a successful player. As owner of Sport-Tech Acrylics, Brewster, NY, a former ASBA Board Member and Tennis Division President, we asked him to share the story of his business growth.

1. You’ve been in the court installation business for over 34 years and must have seen a lot of change. What advancements have had the biggest impact on the growth of your business?

The techniques for installing courts haven’t really changed but I’ve worked on both sides of the fence as a sales representative for a manufacturer and as a court installer, and hands down, the biggest advancement is in the products themselves. ‘A’ list manufacturers are producing products with better yields which go further and fill the asphalt better for a much smoother surface which is a win:win situation all round. It produces a better end product for clients which has a reputational benefit for me and saves me time and money, increasing profit margins.

Some of the product innovations are game-changing as well. The arrival of cushioned surfaces like Laykold’s Gel Plus system which blend urethanes and acrylics have given me a higher-end product that is super for both private clients and public facilities looking for a more advanced surface.

2. Your business doubled in size over the last two years. What do you put this down to?

When I made the move from sales rep to installer, I have been very deliberate in the products I choose to work with. This is driven in part by demand and I’ve seen a definite shift towards the brands that are supplying the court solutions for the big international tournaments. If the pro tennis players are using it, then our clients want it too. There is a name recognition and an in-built trust that accompanies the products being served up at the very top end of the sport.

Secondly, I have to trust the product because at the end of the day, it is my reputation that’s on the line. It goes without saying that the product has to be good, but so does the technical support offered to ensure nothing goes wrong during installation.

I made the switch to Laykold and got both. Their partnership with the U.S. Open has been a big lead generation opportunity for me and dedicated support from their chemical engineers both through the sales process and on site at the point of installation have been key business drivers.

3. What are the key attributes you look for when choosing a court manufacturer to partner with?

Fundamentally, it is about the relationship for me. Yes, the products need to be good, but I look for manufacturers who can also work with me to solve problems, not simply do a good sales job and then walk away.

In this business, mother nature rules, and being able to work through the inevitable environmental and technical challenges that come with each job is crucial to my success. It’s also about joint learning which moves my business, and the industry, forward.

Flexible payment plans make a big difference to a business like mine too, enabling me to manage cashflow better. I look for partners who get my business, who understand how crazy it gets (this time of year especially), and who can flex accordingly. Much of that comes down to open communication and a human connection, which is where I place a huge amount of value.

4. How important is innovation when choosing a court brand to work with?

Innovation is a differentiator for me.

It helps me to stand out from my competitors, to tailor my solutions to each client so they get exactly what they need and more, it keeps clients coming back to me when the time comes to update their facilities and it helps me to future-proof my business. So I’d say it is pretty vital.

Laykold’s Masters Series and Gel Systems have been a good example of innovation in action for my business.

5. The environmental performance of courts is playing an increasingly important role. How do you balance profit and planet?

There is an increasing appetite for green technology and more environmentally-friendly practices in our industry so we try to do our bit. Choosing products with better yields means you use less product, fewer drums and generate less waste so that’s a great way of balancing both profit and planet.

We reuse materials such as buckets as much as possible and avoid painting when it’s raining and coats will run which avoids the need to use more product than is necessary and prevents chemicals leaking into the environment.

Green technology like Laykold’s Gel courts which are made from 60% renewables are very welcome innovations. There’s no compromise for player or environmental performance and it’s good for business too.

6. Every court installation job must bring its own unique challenges. Is there a project that stands out for you in terms of using the joint expertise of your crews and the court manufacturer to solve those challenges?

One of my school clients came to me asking for an upgrade to their existing facilities and this needed to be portable so that the space could be transformed for other sports outside of the tennis season. I worked together with Laykold’s chemical experts to develop a wood and acrylic court system for them which required insight and technical and field support beyond the knowledge of my crew alone. We worked 15 hour days side by side to get it right and the end result was a profitable job for me and an increased revenue generator for the school who now have the best courts in the area.

I’ve been in this business since I was 17, I have brilliant crews, but we don’t know it all. We are fast learners though and working alongside a manufacturer who offers training, expertise and support gives us the advantage – especially for the initial install of a new product.

7. How do you spot an inferior product? What are the ‘watch outs’?

‘B’ class products are not consistent. Quality control at the manufacturing plant is key. If the product looks and feels the same each time, this builds trust. If it doesn’t, time and money is lost in returning product.

In short, I expect the same level of quality and consistency I expect of myself and my crew from my manufacturer because clients don’t look past me to the manufacturer when it comes to reputational damage.

Low yields are also a tell-tale sign of an inferior product as is a brand that walks away after the sale is done.

8. It’s been a challenging time for the industry, but as lockdown eases in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, how do you plan to ensure your business continues to thrive?

In real terms, we got started five weeks late as a result of the pandemic as court installation was considered non-essential construction in New York. However, as restrictions have started to lift, business has picked up at a crazy pace and I currently have more demand than I can meet.

The pipeline for next year is looking healthy too as I’ve pushed jobs into next year rather than over-committing to clients this year and then not delivering. It’s about growing responsibly and for the long term, even if that ultimately means losing out on some jobs because I can’t get to them soon enough.

My sense is that tennis will be one of the sports to thrive in a postCOVID 19 world. It is conducive to social distancing which may be a part of life for a while to come. So I am optimistic for my business and for the industry. Growth can happen because of, not just in spite of, challenging times.

TENNIS WINS ON THE BIGGEST STAGE

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

“The USTA is very pleased with our decision to switch to Laykold as the surface of this year’s US Open. With excellent consistency across all courts, Laykold was able to meet the US Open pace rating and performance exactly.”

Daniel Zausner, Chief Operating Officer, USTA National Tennis Center, Inc.

2020 was Laykold’s first year as the official court surface of the U.S. Open and it was a privilege to play our part on the sport’s biggest stage.

The fact the tournament went ahead is a win for tennis and a huge credit to the USTA who maintained their vision and commitment to the game despite the toughest of circumstances.

ADVANTAGE ALL

Congratulations must also go to all of the players, winners and officials who gave it their all and helped to ensure that play could go on despite such challenging times for the global sporting scene. It was inspiring to see tennis make a safe and successful comeback and an encouraging sign that the sport will not only continue to survive but to thrive.

COURTING SUCCESS

Whilst Serena Williams was unable to clinch a home advantage and secure the elusive 24th Grand Slam singles title that will make her a joint record-holder, that day is surely just a matter of time and a semi-final win was still an incredible achievement.

As revealed at the U.S. Open press conference ahead of the tournament, Serena’s preparation for the competition left no stones unturned. Tournament Director Stacey Allaster announced that Laykold had been installed at Serena’s home. The US Open surface is installed with a Laykold Gel system which provides enhanced force reduction.

The insight into Serena’s preparation is testament to the focus, determination and attention to detail required to stay at the top for over 20 years.

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Maroon Creek – Aspen CO

Honolulu, HI

University of Hawaii, HI

Forest Glen Country Club – Naples FL

2020 US Open – Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing NY

Allegheny College – Meadville, PA

Gordon Ridge Community Housing - Ontario, Canada

PS3377K Brooklyn, NY

San Ysidro Middle School – Gardena, CA

Serena Williams – Personal Training Court, Jupiter FL

Berkshire School – Sheffield, MA

Nassau Coliseum, Long Island N

British International School - Boston, MA

2020 Fed Cup - Everett WA

2020 Davis Cup Blaisdell Center Honlolulu, HI

Grand Island CSD - NY

Trump Towers – Hollywood FL

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

The AstroTurf family of brands is unique in that they are made up of historic brands that paved the way for all others in their respective sports and recreational surfacing categories. For several decades our brands have been helping build champions and create memories on AstroTurf® fields, Rekortan® tracks, Laykold® courts, and SYNLawn® landscapes. From design to build, our team works with families and facilities across the nation and globe to deliver high-caliber sports and recreational surfaces that bring out the game in all of us.

INDEX

◗ Washington Huskies Ready to Go with New AstroTurf Installation at Husky Stadium

◗ The AstroTurf Corp Launches Interactive Virtual Campus to Showcase Products

◗ Southern Virginia University Installs New AstroTurf Field

◗ March 21st Proclaimed AstroTurf Day

◗ Hockey plays its part in Tokyo 2020 sustainability drive

◗ McNeese State Football Stadium Installs New Premium AstroTurf® Playing Surface

◗ Chicago Fire FC Announces New Partnership with AstroTurf

◗ Purdue Football Will Be Getting Game Ready on AstroTurf

◗ The College of New Jersey Ups Their Field Hockey Game with New AstroTurf

◗ Ultimate AstroTurf Fan Favorite D1 Baseball Field Named

◗ University of Missouri Upgrades Football Stadium Field to AstroTurf

◗ Mount Union Chooses AstroTurf for Stadium Field

◗ UNC Charlotte 49ers Installing a AstroTurf Football Field in Time for the 2021 Season

◗ Exciting AstroTurf® Upgrades at Liberty University Being Installed

◗ The 2020 Football Scoop Coaching Awards Presented by AstroTurf

◗ The University of Idaho to Start the 2021-22 Year with New AstroTurf Practice Field

◗ AstroTurf Has Been with The Toronto Blue Jays Every Step of the Way This Season

◗ Rice University Sticks with AstroTurf

◗ Virginia Commonwealth Installs World-Class AstroTurf Field Hockey System

◗ Fayetteville State University Sticks with AstroTurf® for New Field

◗ Stephen F. Austin State University Installing New AstroTurf Field, Rekortan Track

◗ Hawai’i Ready to Start 2021 Season on Campus with New AstroTurf Field

◗ Charleston Southern Upgrades to AstroTurf

◗ Brown University Installs New AstroTurf Surface for Field Hockey

◗ Keystone Scores Top Spot in Inc. Magazine’s List of the Fastest Growing Companies

◗ MLB, Division I installations highlight 2021 for AstroTurf

◗ Cleveland Browns, AstroTurf transforming Ohio fields

◗ AstroTurf’s “GO BIG” Projects are at the Heart of the Sport Tourism Boom

◗ AstroTurf partners with soccer leaders to form Soccer Advisory Council

◗ AstroTurf’s DeWolfe named chairman of the Synthetic Turf Council

◗ NCAA Field Hockey Championships loaded with AstroTurf teams

◗ 8 Reasons why re-topping your track can be a great idea

◗ Re-Top your track and celebrate another 10 years running

◗ Why locally made courts provide a fresh advantage

◗ Jim Tritt - Global sports surface expert

◗ The best tennis courts are measured by pace precision

◗ Last year’s balls, This year’s courts

◗ 7 of 12 Top hard court tournaments choose Laykold

◗ Some of Our 2021 Projects

WASHINGTON HUSKIES READY TO GO ALL OUT WITH NEW ASTROTURF INSTALLATION

AT HUSKY STADIUM

JAN 4, 2021 | FOOTBALL - PRESS RELEASE

Seattle, Washington – After a shortened four-game run in 2020, the Huskies are ready to reveal what they are capable of with a full 12-game season and a brand-new AstroTurf® home field. The University of Washington chose to install the most popular turf system developed by the leaders in high-performance synthetic sports surfaces, helping to kick off what is expected to be an incredible season for the veteran-heavy team.

The AstroTurf® 3D3 RootZone system is recognized as the top choice for player safety, stability, and durability. It takes the standard infilled turf system to a whole new level by adding a specially engineered RootZone layer. Multi-ply primary backing boosts dimensional strength, and a polyurethane secondary backing system offers world-class support for athletes. The Huskies will also benefit from Trionic fibers, AstroTurf’s patented fiber-blend, which is revolutionizing the synthetic turf industry. The University of Washington’s Alaska Airlines Field, coined as “The Greatest Setting” in college football because of its breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, and downtown Seattle, will get the advanced Trionic Blend 60, which is the same AstroTurf product that the school installed on the Huskies’ practice field in 2019.

The new AstroTurf surface will sit on a Brock PowerBase PRO™ shock pad that is precisely tuned and designed to reduce the likelihood of impact injuries in bigger athletes like those found in the NCAA and NFL. The system gives you a surface that is faster to play on and safer to land on.

The relationship between the University of Washington and AstroTurf® is a long one. The school was one of the first universities to install AstroTurf back in 1968 when synthetic turf made its first appearance on the college sports market. Since then, Washington Athletics has installed the AstroTurf® 3D3 RootZone system on the Huskies’ practice field and now, in 2021, on the field at Husky Stadium. Before that, the most recent upgrade was a $280 milliondollar remodel in 2013, which brought the capacity at the football stadium up to 70,138 seats.

“We are excited to continue our relationship with AstroTurf with the installation of a new field at Husky Stadium,” said Dan Erickson, the Associate Athletic Director, Events & Facilities at the University of Washington. “Our student athletes and staff are thrilled with the performance, durability and aesthetics of our practice field. The new field will be a tremendous enhancement to The Greatest Setting in College Football.”

Like AstroTurf, Coast to Coast Turf is familiar with the University of Washington campus and is excited to be back for the installation of Husky Stadium. Coast to Coast Turf previously installed the practice field in 2019.

“We are looking forward to being back at the University of Washington for another installation of the AstroTurf’s 3D3 RootZone system,” said Steve Webb, president of Coast to Coast Turf. “One of the top teams in the Pac-12 and the Greatest Setting in College Football deserves a premiere field and we’re ready to deliver on that. We’ve had a great relationship with the University of Washington and we’re looking forward to continuing that through the installation at Husky Stadium.”

A tough team to beat in the Pac-12 Conference, the Huskies boast eight Rose Bowl titles, two national titles, and the NCAA record for the longest winning streak in college football history. They are also known as one of the best defensive teams in the conference and are entering 2021 as a formidable force with an impressive starting lineup. When ranked against all 130 Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools, the Huskies’ all-time record ranks 20th by win percentage and 19th for total victories.

The players are already in training and more ready than ever for a high-energy start to the season. The Huskies had to cancel spring practice last year because of the pandemic and were only able to play four games for safety reasons.

Washington’s first game of the fall football season will take place at Husky Stadium on September 4th against the Montana Grizzlies. Tickets are on sale now, giving Husky fans the opportunity to return to the stadium to watch their team play live.

The new AstroTurf® field will be installed by Coast to Coast Turf, the company’s certified distributor in the Pacific Northwestern.

THE ASTROTURF CORPORATION LAUNCHES INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL CAMPUS TO SHOWCASE PRODUCTS

FEB

4, 2021

| PRESS RELEASE

Dalton, GA – Pushing the boundaries of performance and durability for the artificial turf market for over 55 years, AstroTurf Corporation has now set a new industry standard for digital marketing with the launch of the AstroTurf University Virtual Campus. This immersive online experience enables customers to step into AstroTurf’s world and explore the latest innovations in synthetic turf, court surfaces, artificial lawns, and track system technology.

The virtual university was designed to give potential customers a game-day perspective of AstroTurf products. This never-seenbefore digital environment is a complete collection of high-quality videos, insightful infographics, and photographs of existing fields and playing surfaces at schools, parks, and sports centers across America. It has everything athletic directors, facility managers, and other industry professionals require to discover opportunities to update and install surfaces.

But what makes this digital experience remarkable is the range of interactive, life-like features that take users on a journey through virtual stadiums and indoor and outdoor sports arenas.

“We wanted to give customers something next-level when exploring our products,” says Gary Jones, Director of Marketing at AstroTurf Corporation. “Whenever you step onto a new turf, you can picture the players, the crowd, the action. It’s powerful stuff. We wanted to bring that concept to the online world so people can get a genuine feel for design options, performance features, new technology, and to be able to envision real-life scenarios for their facility.”

When users enter the AstroTurf University Virtual Campus, they have the option to start at the Visitor Center, which includes a gear shop, a library of useful information for new and existing

customers, and the story behind the brand. They can enter the virtual campuses for AstroTurf, Rekortan, Laykold, and SYNLawn –all leaders in their respective sectors of the sports turf and playing field market – anytime.

Each virtual campus offers interactive tools and engaging surprises. For example, click at various points on an AstroTurf field to unlock insights on the RootZone, the Diamond Series, and other cutting-edge products that have helped make sports fields with AstroTurf legendary for decades. There’s also an intuitive configurator tool for users who want to design a custom field and explore different customization options.

Whether visiting the virtual campus for Rekortan indoor and outdoor track surfaces, Laykold sports courts, SYNLawn putting greens, playgrounds, other artificial grass surfaces, football fields, baseball diamonds, and other high-performance turf made by AstroTurf, viewers will leave the experience well-informed and fully inspired. From jumbotrons to overhead blimps for aerial views, no detail was spared in creating this life-like environment.

The AstroTurf University Virtual Campus is set to shift the scope of what’s possible when envisioning, planning, and installing new fields, sports tracks, courts, and more. And, it’s one more way the AstroTurf Corporation is bringing the industry into the future. The campus is available at astroturf.com. Anyone who wants to take a virtual tour through the AstroTurf virtual campuses can visit the official AstroTurf University page at www.astroturf.com/ virtualcampus.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY INSTALLS NEW ASTROTURF FIELD

FEB 12, 2021 | FOOTBALL, PRESS RELEASE

Buena Vista, VA – While the competitive season for college athletics was on hold this past fall due to the ongoing pandemic, Southern Virginia University moved forward with the installation of a high-tech new turf system at its Knight Stadium.

Manufactured by AstroTurf®—the leading producer of synthetic turf products in the United States—Southern Virginia’s newly upgraded field offers enhanced stability, improved safety— including compliance with concussion protocols—and an overall better experience for the University’s student-athletes.

For the upgrade of its primary competition field, Southern Virginia opted for one of the most innovative turf systems on the market today: AstroTurf’s 3D3 52 Blend turf system featuring highperformance Trionic fibers. A literal super-fiber, this chemically engineered material combines the player-friendly qualities of polyethylene with the intense durability and resilience of nylon polymers to achieve the ultimate playing surface.

The new field at Southern Virginia University also offers players better shock absorbency thanks to the sub-layer of crimped fibers, known as the RootZone, to stabilize the infill material and reduce torque to the lower parts of the body. As a result of this unique 3D3 Blend feature, players experience grass-like traction with the consistent shock attenuation and quality aesthetics only synthetic fields offer.

To meet the high demands of the school’s athletic program with 26 sports programs, Southern Virginia also ensured the longevity of the field with a 52-ounce face weight. This is a very dense stitching used primarily at stadiums and playing fields that see heavy use. More than half of Southern Virginia’s 500 student-athletes will regularly use the University’s new high-quality, consistent playing surface for practice and competitions.

To help facilitate the turf installation during a time of financial uncertainty surrounding the shutdown in college sports caused by the pandemic, PNC Vendor Finance provided a customized and innovative finance solution for Southern Virginia University.

“Southern Virginia was all set to purchase a new field before the pandemic began, but moving forward with the project during such unpredictable times presented some risk,” Tim Jordan, AstroTurf Regional Sales Manager said. “That’s when PNC came in and helped make it happen. The install of the field was amazing and was very fast without any hitches.”

Southern Virginia University is an NCAA Division III school and a member of the USA South Athletic Conference for the 2021-2022 school year. Since the launch of the school’s athletic program in 1997, the Knights have earned 40 small college national championships.

With the new field, student-athletes from the school’s football program, men and women’s soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and rugby have the opportunity to train on a synthetic turf system designed for competitive athletic programs and intense play.

“This was a needed upgrade for our athletic facilities, and we are very pleased with how the field turned out,” said Deidra Dryden, Athletic Director at Southern Virginia University. “While the pandemic-caused pause to college athletics was unexpected, it did present a unique window of opportunity to get this project done.

“We’re thankful to our partners at the AstroTurf Corporation and PNC for helping us finding the opportunity in the adversity!” concluded Dryden.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

MARCH 21ST PROCLAIMED ASTROTURF DAY

MAR 18, 2021 | PRESS

RELEASE

Dalton, GA – March 21, 2021 has been officially named AstroTurf Day in Dalton, Georgia, home to AstroTurf’s manufacturing facility since 1968. The Mayor of Dalton, David Pennington, made the proclamation to mark the 55th anniversary of the first major league game ever played on synthetic turf: the match-up between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 21, 1966 at the Houston Astrodome.

AstroTurf® is the original inventor of synthetic turf, and the company has been at the leading edge of athletic surface innovation for over half a century. AstroTurf® products have set the stage for some of the most iconic moments in sports history. They have served as the playing surface for 12 World Series, 11 Super Bowls, 10 Olympics, 8 Major League All-Star Games, and 32 NFL Pro Bowls. AstroTurf® is also the preferred turf for college athletic programs, high schools, and sports complexes across the United States.

The brand name is inspired by the Houston Astrodome, the world’s first domed multi-sports complex and the launching point for AstroTurf® synthetic turf products. At the time the facility was built, the Astrodome was a marvel of sports architecture. While stunning and thoughtfully designed to align with the progressive vision prevalent during the space race era, the structure had one fatal flaw: the clear Lucite panels of the dome created a nearblinding glare that made it almost impossible for athletes to catch pop-ups.

The ceiling was then painted to reduce the glare. This, however, created an entirely new problem. As the original Astrodome field was made from live grass, the painted dome deprived the turf of the sunlight it needed to stay alive. With dead grass, no one could safely play on the field.

This was when the Astrodome first installed, what was at the time, brand-new technology – a revolutionary playing surface developed by the engineers and scientists behind AstroTurf®, then known as “ChemGrass.”

and 1975 marked the first international field hockey game on AstroTurf® at Molson Stadium in Montreal. In 1980, the entire World Series was played on baseball fields installed with this ultradurable synthetic turf.

Part of what had made AstroTurf® such a well-known brand in modern sports is the company’s commitment to innovation. Over the years, the technology has continually improved, edging evercloser to the ultimate goal of replicating the feel, performance, and safety of natural grass while offering the strength and longevity of synthetic turf.

Today, AstroTurf® is owned by Sport Group, a global sports surfacing giant with manufacturing facilities all over the world. The company acquired leading sports surface manufacturers, including AstroTurf®, Rekortan®, a company renowned for developing worldclass track systems; Laykold®, the official playing surface of the US Open; and SYNLawn, the leader in artificial grass for playgrounds and professional golf. Active in over 70 countries, Sport Group has installed more than 30,000 synthetic turf fields and running tracks and is committed to supplying the world’s athletes – from Olympians to student-athletes – with superior playing surfaces that enable safe, high-performance play.

“We really appreciate this great honor,” said Heard Smith, AstroTurf CEO.” We are proud to be part of such a tremendous community, and we owe a lot of our success to the great people of Dalton, Georgia. We have to give so much credit to our employees and their hard work, dedication, and expertise in helping to build AstroTurf® into one of the most iconic brand names in all of sports.”

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

Battle at Bristol, Bristol Motor Speedway. September 2016

HOCKEY PLAYS ITS PART IN TOKYO 2020 SUSTAINABILITY DRIVE

MAR 22, 2021 | IN THE NEWS

March 12, 2021 – As you would expect from one of the biggest sporting spectacles on earth, the Olympic Games has an impact not just on sport but also on society and the environment. For Tokyo 2020, the theme of sustainability has been central to the planning of the Games since its inception, with the mega-event in Japan aiming to become the first carbon-neutral Olympics in history.

Learn more at http://fih.ch/news/hockey-plays-its-part-in-tokyo2020-sustainability-drive/

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

MCNEESE STATE FOOTBALL STADIUM INSTALLS NEW PREMIUM ASTROTURF® PLAYING SURFACE

MAR 29, 2021 | FOOTBALL

Lake Charles, Louisiana – In record time, McNeese State University installed premium AstroTurf® Rhino Blend 46 synthetic sports turf on the field at Cowboy Stadium after two devastating hurricanes in 43 days and the global pandemic put a halt to the 2020 football season.

On August 27, 2020, the deadly Category 4 Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana, the strongest storm to hit the state since 1856 with sustained winds as high as 150 mph and gusts reaching 180 mph. Much of the city of Lake Charles and McNeese State University was damaged or destroyed. Nearly a million people in the Gulf Coast region lost electricity and more than 1.5 million residents were ordered to evacuate.

McNeese’s campus suffered an estimated $200 million in damage. The violent winds ravaged Cowboy Stadium’s press box, snapping four light poles and shattering glass onto Louis Bonnette Field. Six weeks later, on October 9th, Hurricane Delta slammed into the same area, causing more destruction. The football field was underwater twice in less than two months. Keeping the previous turf was not an option.

TJ Marcum, a regional sales manager for AstroTurf, had spent five seasons as an assistant coach at McNeese State and had a special interest in the project. “It really hit home for me,” Marcum said. “The first hurricane devastated the area. They were starting to get things cleaned up when the second one came through and caused even worse damage. In October it looked like a war zone.”

AstroTurf came on board at a time when production usually slowed for the holidays, but the Cowboys were without facilities to train for the opening of the 2021 spring season and needed their home. The legendary AstroTurf quality control protocols and industryleading R&D efforts made the Rhino Series a good choice for a team

that wanted to increase the playing time and performance of their sports field. As the stadium whipped into shape, the team stayed in local hotels and trained at a local high school.

“AstroTurf was such a blessing,” said Tanner Stines, Senior Associated Athletic Director. “From the time the contractor and TJ Marcum got together, from the art layout, picking the colors, to the installation, it was second to none.”

The “never say die” Cowboy spirit drove the entire project to completion. Cowboy Stadium, with a 17,410 capacity, plays a vital role in the community. By the second week of January 2021, the Cowboys were back in their own facilities with new AstroTurf under their feet. “We were able to get the turf done – our guys were ready to go and the field just looks great,” said TJ Marcum. “It was a great process.”

With head coach Frank Wilson at the helm and AstroTurf on the field, the Cowboys overcame every obstacle in their way – a global pandemic, two major hurricanes, and a team without a home or facilities for five and a half months. The Division I Football Championship Subdivision powerhouse consistently leads the Southland Conference in attendance. They hold the league record with 16 FCS playoff appearances and are on an FCS-record streak of 15 consecutive winning seasons.

“The two hurricanes really hit us on the chin,” said Tanner Stines. “Considering the shape the site was in, we couldn’t be more pleased with AstroTurf. Win or lose, having the team play and the fans come out with that gameday excitement has been such a boost to our community.”

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

CHICAGO FIRE FC ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH ASTROTURF

APR 12, 2021 | PRESS RELEASE, SOCCER

Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has entered a multi-year partnership with AstroTurf, a leader in synthetic turf. AstroTurf becomes the Official Synthetic Turf Field Building Partner and the preferred vendor for all future synthetic turf projects. “AstroTurf’s innovative products and top of the line resources provide the performance and quality that is needed for our Academy and Juniors to train on the best surface available,” said Chicago Fire FC Senior Vice President of Community Programs, Engagement and Facilities Paul Cadwell. “In Chicago, the CIBC Fire Pitch is an important facility for both youth and adult soccer, and by improving the field we are able to enhance the overall experience for players of all ages.”

AstroTurf has begun installing a new surface at the CIBC Fire Pitch that features cutting edge LigaTurf System. AstroTurf is home to the most innovative soccer systems in the world. The LigaTurf series from AstroTurf is the result of their collaboration with worldwide partners in the soccer industry. The LigaTurf RootZone 3D360 Blend provides grass-like traction with reduced torque to lower extremities. It features the RootZone sub-layer, a texturized fiber that stabilizes the infill. The turf has a 60-ounce face weight, meaning it has very dense stitching. This system sits on a Brock pad for maximum shock absorbency. All of these factors combine to make a synthetic turf system that is stronger, safer, better, and more resilient.

“We are excited about two iconic names like AstroTurf and Chicago Fire coming together for this partnership,” said Carl Capellas, AstroTurf National Manager of Soccer. “We really wanted to partner with the Fire because we share in the desire of raising the standard of soccer turf in America. Our LigaTurf line consistently provides the highest standard of performance in the industry and is the choice of the elite in the world of soccer including Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and FIFA world headquarters.”

In addition to the new field installation at the CIBC Fire Pitch, the partnership incorporates facility signage as a Cornerstone Partner at the CIBC Fire Pitch and supporting partnership of the Chicago Fire Juniors and Chicago Fire Youth Invitational.

About Chicago Fire Football Club:

The Chicago Fire Football Club was founded in 1997 on the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire and will kick off its 24th season in Major League Soccer in 2021. The Fire have won six major domestic championship titles, including the 1998 MLS Cup, the 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups, as well as the 2003 Supporters’ Shield. The Club’s charitable arm, the Chicago Fire Foundation, was recognized as ESPN’s 2019 Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year. The Fire plays their home matches at historic Soldier Field. For more information, visit chicagofirefc. com.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

PURDUE FOOTBALL WILL BE GETTING GAME READY ON ASTROTURF

APR

14,

2021 | FOOTBALL, PRESS RELEASE

West Lafayette, Indiana – Purdue University has chosen the inventor and leading innovator of artificial turf for their football practice field at the Bimel Outdoor Practice Complex, providing the players with a world-class athletic turf for the 2021 training season. AstroTurf® fields have traditionally been a top choice among Big Ten schools.

The Bimel Complex, built in 2009, consists of two lighted 100-yard fields and is the primary practice area for Purdue Football. One field consists of Bermuda grass to match the field at Ross-Ade Stadium, and the other is synthetic turf. Purdue is installing AstroTurf® on the synthetic turf field, located north of the Mollenkopf Athletic Facility.

For the new training field, the Purdue University Athletics program chose AstroTurf®’s RootZone 3D3 Blend. This high-tech turf features a texturized layer of fibers, known as Trionic fibers, which are engineered to hold down the infill and minimize migration, thus offering superior durability, grass-like traction, and a safer playing surface.

In addition, the AstroTurf®’s RootZone 3D3 Blend 60 oz. 2-inch turf will be installed over a Brock SP14 pad for even greater shock absorbency and stability. These two cutting-edge athletic turf products will give the football team a field they can play on safely, no matter how hard they train. The university was impressed with the safety aspects, as well as the durability of the turf.

Purdue University is the founding member of the Big Ten Conference (B1G), the oldest Division 1 collegiate athletic conference in the country. The school’s football team, known as the Boilermakers, is one of the most competitive in the West Division of the Big Ten.

The Boilermakers boast a history of 64 winning seasons, including 19 seasons with eight or more victories, 10 with at least nine wins, and one season with at least 10 wins. Purdue has five unbeaten seasons in its history, and the Boilermakers have won an impressive eight Big Ten Conference titles.

The football program is also known for cultivating top-flight quarterbacks. Three have been selected for induction into the College Hall of Fame – Bob Griese, Mike Phipps, and Mark Herrmann – while two are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame – Griese and Len Dawson. Griese, Dawson, and Drew Brees have all gone on to become Super Bowl champion quarterbacks, making Purdue one of two universities that can claim multiple quarterback champs. The entire Purdue Football Program is primed for an excellent year. The new AstroTurf® practice field will give them a powerful training environment, setting them up to prepare for an exciting year. Purdue will open the 2021 season on September 4th against Oregon State. The game will be played on the Boilermakers’ home turf at Ross-Ade Stadium.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY UPS THEIR FIELD HOCKEY GAME WITH NEW ASTROTURF

APR 23, 2021 | PRESS

RELEASE

Ewing, NJ – The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Lacrosse and Field Hockey teams are now playing on one of the most advanced field hockey surfaces in the world. Manufactured by AstroTurf®, the leading innovator in synthetic turf products, Poligras Platinum is a high-tech, tufted system designed to provide optimum ball surface interaction and deliver a consistent playing experience for today’s athletes. After training and competing on the field at Lions Stadium, which is the home field for the school’s soccer and football teams, the Lacrosse and Field Hockey programs are looking forward to taking their game up a notch with their own dedicated playing surface.

This new field is particularly exciting for the Women’s Field Hockey and Women’s Lacrosse teams, both of which have captured more than 10 NCAA Division III championship titles. The College of New Jersey Women’s Lacrosse team has earned 12 championship titles, the most recent in 2006. The Women’s Field Hockey team has captured 11, with the most recent championship title won in 2014.

“We are thrilled with how the new turf at our Field Hockey & Lacrosse facility turned out’” said Executive Director of Athletics Amanda DeMartino. “Aside from being beautiful, it provides not only the proper but also a state-of-the-art playing surface that we were aiming for. We are so excited for our student-athletes to be able to utilize this surface and are extremely proud of how the project turned out.”

With a state-of-the-art field at the TCNJ Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex, these teams will be the ones to watch in the 2021-2022 NCAA Division III playing season. The phenomenal Sharon Pfluger directs both the field hockey and lacrosse programs. She ranks among the all-time leaders in wins nationwide for both sports and has been coaching The College of New Jersey Lions for more than 35 seasons.

The Poligras Platinum system that the athletes will be playing on was used at the Olympic Games in London in 2012 and in Rio in 2016, and it’s one of AstroTurf®’s most widely-used products worldwide. Consisting of tufted polyethylene fibers, the field features a multidirectional closed surface that demonstrates unbeatable ball rolling behavior. It also comes with a high stitch density, which creates a much more compact appearance than other modern field hockey systems.

“We are already receiving great feedback on the performance of the field and how much athletes are enjoying the new facility,” said Melissa Twist, AstroTurf’s National Manager of Field Hockey Fields. “TCNJ has always had an exceptional field hockey program. This field is well deserved by the program’s winning history, and I’m excited to see the impact it has.”

The procurement of the new field was made possible by AstroTurf®’s association with Sourcewell, a self-sustaining government agency enabled by state statute to serve its publicsector members. AstroTurf® completed an end-to-end upgrade for TCNJ, installing a ball stopper and netting system with 40-foot high poles, as well as a new wireless Daktronics scoreboard using Playing Surface as their subcontractor.

The new field was installed over a base layer and a 26-millimeter elastic layer (E-layer), done by ATT Sports. AstroTurf removed the old surface layer and then installed the Poligras Platinum field hockey system.

AstroTurf® has a long history of innovation and leadership in the world of field hockey. Back in 1975, it was AstroTurf ® that helped change the sport when the first International Field Hockey game was played on the company’s synthetic playing field in Montreal. At the same time, field hockey has shaped AstroTurf®’s history. Always focused on offering athletes the best possible playing surface, it was the company’s quest to develop specialized knitting equipment and innovative manufacturing processes that have kept AstroTurf at the forefront of the industry and established its reputation as a leading provider of field hockey’s most elite surfaces.

AstroTurf® is recognized as the Official Artificial Surface Provider of both USA Field Hockey and the National Field Hockey Association and a preferred supplier for FIH. With the new field hockey field at The College of New Jersey, the company is also proud to be a part of the journey of such an incredible group of college athletes.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

ULTIMATE ASTROTURF FAN FAVORITE D1 BASEBALL FIELD NAMED

JUN 16, 2021 | BASEBALL, PRESS RELEASE

Boone, NC – Talk about a 1-2 punch. Appalachian State’s baseball field features a state-of-the-art AstroTurf playing surface and is surrounded by the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. That combination, and an amazing fanbase, helped earn the Mountaineers the title of Ultimate AstroTurf Fan Favorite D1 Baseball Field.

Beginning in April with 48 teams, the contest featured two teams each day matched up on Twitter. Fans could then vote on their favorite field. The team receiving the most votes moved onto the next round. Thousands and thousands of votes were recorded from the start of the contest through crowning the champion in June.

Following four rounds of matchups, three teams remained: Appalachian State, Pittsburgh and Washington State. Each team received tons of fan support in the final days of voting, but the Mountaineers were the clear winner based on Twitter responses.

“Looking across Division I baseball facilities it’s awesome to see this kind of recognition, said Kermit Smith, head baseball coach at Appalachian State. “The detail that went into the designing and installing this playing surface was second to none. I’ve told everyone that it plays as good as it looks.”

The installation at Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Stadium is part of a growing number of Division 1 Baseball programs to join the AstroTurf® Diamond Series family as they selected the premier synthetic baseball system in the industry.

Appalachian State’s field features the AstroTurf Diamond Series RBI System which includes multiple artificial turf components that have been specifically engineered to emulate the look, feel, and performance of both the grass and clay portions of a

baseball field. Diamond Series turf systems from AstroTurf are well-known throughout the sport of baseball for delivering the ultimate in playability, durability and ballpark aesthetics. Well over fifty Division 1 Baseball schools are playing on the Diamond Series which accounts for over 70% of all D1 baseball schools with artificial turf.

Appalachian State University’s baseball program, which competes in the East Division of the Sun Belt Conference, has been to the NCAA tournament 6 times. The Mountaineers have captured six conference championships and one conference tournament championship.

Appalachian State is a member of a long list of AstroTurf Diamond Series customers that include elite programs such as Vanderbilt, Michigan, Kentucky, Duke, Ohio State, Washington State, West Virginia and many more.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI UPGRADES FOOTBALL STADIUM FIELD TO ASTROTURF

JUN 21, 2021 | FOOTBALL, PRESS RELEASE

Columbia, Missouri, – The Missouri Tigers will start the 2021 college football season on a newly installed athletic field made by the leaders in synthetic turf technology, AstroTurf®. This exciting upgrade for Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium will feature two cutting-edge products – one of AstroTurf’s most innovative systems, the RootZone 3D3 turf system with 60-ounce Trionic fibers, and a Brock PowerBase Pro pad, which will boost the shock absorbency and stability of the field.

The AstroTurf® RootZone 3D3 system is purpose-built to enhance longevity and increase safety for athletes. The patented Trionic fibers form a texturized layer that stabilizes the infill material and minimizes migration. With grass-like traction, the players will benefit from industry-leading support and performance, enabling them to train hard and play harder.

Missouri Head Football Coach Eliah Drinkwitz in front of MU’s new AstroTurf field

“We love our AstroTurf 3D3 field,” said Eliah Drinkwitz, the Missouri head football coach. “It is fast underfoot for our pro-tempo offense. It’s got a great look to it and it appears like natural grass. We are really excited to play on it this fall.”

This upgrade is one more chapter in Faurot Field’s storied history. The stadium was built in 1926, and today it’s the third-largest sports facility in the state. The field is named after long-time coach and former athlete Don Faurot, who was involved with the school for an incredible eight decades. As a graduate student, he helped lay the sod for the stadium when it was built. In 1995, the year he passed away, he dropped the last square of the grass turf that was installed in June of that year.

The field still boasts the iconic rock “M” above the stadium’s north end zone. In 1927, a group of freshman students built the “M” using leftover rocks from the original construction. To this day, senior players take home a rock at the end of the final home game, and incoming freshmen always whitewash the letter before the first home game. This year, the eye-catching structure will look

particularly glorified next to the freshly installed AstroTurf®. This installation at Missouri has special meaning for the team at AstroTurf®. The company’s regional sales manager for Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, Curtis Wilson, played for the Mizzou Tigers in 1987 and 1988, and he went on to being a ninth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 1989.

“Missouri has tremendous people with high integrity that always do a great job,” said Wilson. “Missouri being my alma mater, it’s really meaningful to me that they selected us and put their trust in us.”

The field was expertly installed by Symmetry Sports Construction, a certified AstroTurf distributor.

The University of Missouri is part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), home to some of the most competitive college football in America today. Led by Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz, the Tigers went 5-5 last season, finishing third in the SEC East division. Drinkwitz is known as one of the leading offensive strategists in college football and has a long history in the sport. Before being named Head Coach at Missouri in 2019, he led 20th ranked Appalachian State to a 12-1 winning season and the Sun Belt championship, beating Louisiana 45-38 on December 7th.

The 2020 college football season was cut short for Missouri because of the pandemic. Now, the players are ready for a highenergy season on the new AstroTurf surface.

Mizzou Football will face Central Michigan on their upgraded home turf on September 4th. They’ll play a total of seven home games on Faurot Field this year, giving Tigers fans plenty to look forward to. Home games include matchups with Southeast Missouri State, North Texas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida, and tickets are available now through the school’s website.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

MOUNT UNION CHOOSES ASTROTURF FOR STADIUM FIELD

JUN 23, 2021 | FOOTBALL, PRESS RELEASE

Alliance, OH – Known as the team to beat in NCAA Division III football, the Mount Union Purple Raiders now have a brandnew winning advantage. With a freshly installed AstroTurf® 3D3 turf system and Trionic Blend 52 fibers, the players will host home games on a field that offers unrivaled stability, safety, and performance, as well as impressive aesthetics.

After putting the game on hold in 2020 because of COVID-19, the Purple Raiders are looking forward to another knockout season with a state-of-the-art field engineered by the leaders in synthetic turf technology. The new AstroTurf® system was installed at Mount Union Stadium, giving the oldest college football stadium in Ohio a cutting-edge upgrade and enabling the strongest Division III team to give it their all for a year in sports the whole world has been waiting for.

Head coach Geoff Dartt will enter his second season Mount Union, but the first full season on the sideline. He did lead the Purple Raiders to victories over Muskingum, John Carroll, Marietta, and Heidelberg in the spring of 2021.

Those victories marked the school’s 31st Ohio Athletic Conference title. The Raiders in the spring 2021 led the nation in total offense (548 yards per game), team passing efficiency (182.84) and passing offense (409 yards per game).

Prior to becoming head coach, Dartt spent seven years as an assistant coach for the Purple Raiders and five of those years as offensive coordinator. In five years as offensive coordinator, his unit has led the nation in nine different statistical categories including leading the nation in scoring three times.

A native of Port Clinton, Ohio, Dartt was a three-year letter winner as an offensive lineman at Mount Union. He was part of three national championship teams (2002, 2005, 2006) and was an AllOhio Athletic Conference selection in 2007. He graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. This will be the second recent AstroTurf® installation for the University of Mount Union Athletics. In 2018, the school upgraded its practice field with artificial turf using AstroTurf®’s RootZone

3DSF system. The practice field, the Sean M. Moore Field at Wable Park, is used by all of Mount Union’s athletic programs, including football, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s lacrosse.

The new field at Mount Union Stadium is the home turf for the football team and the men’s and women’s soccer teams. The RootZone 3D3 system, AstroTurf®’s most popular synthetic turf product, provides players with a number of benefits, including grass-like traction, consistent shock attenuation, and minimized torque to lower extremities. It includes a texturized layer of fibers, known as the RootZone, which are more effective at holding the infill material in place. This results in less infill migration and minimal rubber splash, as well as better shock absorption for the athletes.

The University of Mount Union is the top Division III football with 13 national championships, including recent wins in 2015 and 2017, and boasts 12 undefeated seasons. Notable alumni include former NFL greats Jim Ballard, Cecil Short, Pierre Garcon, and Scott Woolf, as well as Nick Sirianni, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, Jason Candle, head coach at the University of Toledo, and Matt Campbell of Iowa State.

Playing in the Ohio Athletic Conference, the Purple Raiders have an incredible record with 30 conference titles in 35 years and a 24year streak from 1992 to 2015. During that time, they went 214-2 against all of their conference opponents.

They’ll kick off the fall season on September 4th against Westminster College. On the 18th, they’ll play their first home game on the new AstroTurf® at Mount Union Stadium against the Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

UNC CHARLOTTE 49ERS INSTALLING A NEW ASTROTURF FOOTBALL FIELD IN TIME FOR THE 2021

SEASON

JUN 29, 2021 | FOOTBALL, PRESS RELEASE

The 2021 Charlotte football season will be a season of firsts for the 49ers: the first home game against an ACC opponent; the first meeting with a Big 10 team; the first time facing a pair of Power 5 opponents; and, after six years in Conference USA, the first game against league member Louisiana Tech.

And to make sure the stadium is ready, UNC Charlotte Athletics is installing a state-of-the-art turf system at McColl-Richardson Field at Jerry Richardson Stadium, the home playing field for the Charlotte 49ers.

Made by AstroTurf®, the leader in synthetic turf innovation, the new playing surface will be a major performance and aesthetic upgrade. Now that spring practice has wrapped up, the Charlotte 49ers football players and coaching staff, led by head coach, Will Healy, are looking forward to playing a competitive fall season on world-class turf. The project begins in late May and will be completed on June 21.

UNC Charlotte opted for one of AstroTurf’s most advanced products, the RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend system. The new turf features texturized layers of fibers, which have been purpose-built to hold down the infill layer and minimize migration. AstroTurf’s patented Trionic fibers achieve a safer playing surface because of their grasslike traction. They also bolster the stability and strength of the field.

In addition to the RootZone 3D3 turf system, McColl-Richardson Field is getting a Brock SP17 shock pad, which will enhance shock absorption and guarantee HIC and G-Max measurements. The new field will also have a brand new 49ers logo on the midfield, as well as custom colors for the end zone backgrounds and the field border.

“We are extremely excited to have AstroTurf provide our playing surface at Jerry Richardson Stadium, said Cass Ferguson, the assistant athletic director of facilities and events for the Charlotte. “Through AstroTurf and the Brock padding system we are providing a high-level playing surface for our football team.

“On top of the great product for our student-athletes, we have been able to highlight our bold new brand in an attractive fashion that will capture attention across the country. Definitely gold standard!”

This will be Coach Will Healy’s second full season at the helm after the 2020 college football season was cut short due to COVID-19 restrictions. Last year, the Charlotte 49ers finished 2-2 in the East Division.

An NCAA Division 1 FCS independent team in 2013 and 2014, the 49ers have played in Conference USA (C-USA) since 2015. A relatively young football program, UNC Charlotte played its first home game at Jerry Richardson Stadium on August 31, 2013, against Campbell University and its first bowl game in 2019 against the Buffalo Bulls.

Coach Healy has done an impressive job so far, bringing out the best of the athletes. Charlotte is currently ranked fourth in C-USA East behind Marshall, Florida Atlantic, and Western Kentucky. The school has also sent a number of players to the NFL in recent years, including edge rusher Alex Highsmith, who went from underrated high school athlete to finishing his senior year at UNC with 15 sacks, the third-most in the FBS, and offensive lineman, Cameron Clark, who was drafted by the New York Jets in 2020. For the 2021 NFL draft, MVP Ben DeLuca signed with the LA Chargers, Tre Harbison and Romeo McKnight went to the Cleveland Browns, and starting center Jaelin Fisher earned an invitation to the Pittsburgh Steeler’s rookie minicamp.

The first game on the new stadium turf will happen on September 4, 2021, when the UNC Charlotte 49ers play against Duke University Blue Devils. Duke plays in the Atlantic Coast Conference and has been coached by David Cutcliffe since 2008. The team has had a rocky history, including several breakout seasons since 2013. The 49ers-Blue Devils match-up will be one to watch.

The 49ers will also play Gardner-Webb, Middle Tennessee State University, Florida Atlantic, Rice, and Marshall on the new AstroTurf field at Jerry Richardson Stadium this year. Tickets are now available online.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

EXCITING ASTROTURF® UPGRADES AT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BEING INSTALLED

JUN 30, 2021 | BASEBALL, FOOTBALL, PRESS RELEASE

The Liberty Flames Hold onto Their Record for the Highest Number of AstroTurf® Athletic Fields in the U.S.

Lynchburg, VA 1 – Liberty University is undergoing a major athletic field upgrade in June, providing all of the school’s athletes with best-in-class playing surfaces made by the leader in synthetic turf innovation, AstroTurf®. This summer, the practice football field, baseball field, and softball field are all receiving new turf installations. Also, Liberty is expanding four recreational fields and upgrading the turf with one of AstroTurf’s most popular products, the RootZone 3D3 Blend system.

This is a monumental decision because it gives all of the school’s athletes, including those competing on Liberty’s NCAA Division 1 teams and intramural players, the best of the best in playing surface technology.

AstroTurf® products are recognized worldwide for their durability, safety, and performance. Integrating advanced engineering and superior construction, AstroTurf® fields feature grass-like traction and incredible stability, enabling athletes to play with confidence. While there are numerous colleges, universities, and high schools across the country that feature AstroTurf® products, and many that have two or even three, Liberty University has over one dozen, including four indoor Laykold courts at the Crosswhite Athletic Club and an impressive collection of high-performance fields.

Williams Stadium, home to the school’s football program, received a new AstroTurf® RootZone 3D3 Blend system in 2015. Liberty’s football team competes in the NCAA Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision as an independent and is the first Big South school to win 5 consecutive Sasser Cups.

The Liberty Indoor Practice Facility, a stunning athletic facility featuring 70-foot high ceilings, also features a RootZone 3D3 Series turf, as does Kamphuis Field at Liberty Softball Stadium. Kamphuis Field has been recognized as one of the top collegiate facilities since its opening in 2015.

That’s not all. The men’s and women’s NCAA Division 1 lacrosse and field hockey teams all practice and compete on AstroTurf®. Worthington Field at Liberty Baseball Stadium, which opened in 2013, features AstroTurf’s Diamond Series Baseball Turf. Even the batting cages have an AstroTurf® playing surface.

Equipped with the best playing fields, the Liberty University Athletics programs have always thrived. The school is a member of the ASUN Conference for 17 of 20 varsity sports. The football team, coached by Hugh Freeze, won the Cure Bowl in 2019 and is looking forward to a promising 2021 season. The Flames return 10 out of 11 starters and have brought on an explosive player, former Utah running back T.J. Green.

Several of Liberty’s baseball players have been drafted by Major League Baseball, and the team made it all the way to the NCAA Division 1 regional tournament finals in 2013. In softball this year, the Lady Flames clinched the regular-season conference title with a three-game sweep, and the baseball team went on a 13-game winning streak and has gone five to three against ACC competition. Overall, Liberty Athletics earned its highest number of ASUN Conference crowns in 2021, taking titles in Men’s Indoor Track & Field, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Basketball, Men’s Golf, and Men’s Tennis.

“AstroTurf’s product is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to maintain,” said Brian Hinkley, Liberty’s assistant director of grounds for athletics facilities. “They communicate and provide excellent service.”

With these new AstroTurf® installations and field upgrades, Liberty University continues to provide its student-athletes with highperformance playing surfaces and to send a message that they are 100 percent supported by the school.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

THE 2020 FOOTBALL SCOOP COACHING AWARDS PRESENTED BY ASTROTURF

JUL 6, 2021 | FOOTBALL

The 2020 football season was a year like none before. Filled with stops and starts and challenges never faced by colleges and coaching staffs, schools were faced to make tough decisions and navigate the uncertainty from week-to-week.

Still, the season was filled with great performances, amazing plays, and outstanding coaching. With the fall and spring seasons now finished and as we begin to count the days until the 2021 season, we are honored to announce the winners of the Football Scoop Coaches of the Year awards presented by AstroTurf. These awards are the only set of awards that recognize the most outstanding position coaches in college football.

The finalists for each award were selected from nominations by coaches, athletic directors, and athletic director personnel. The prior winners of the award then choose the winner from the list of finalists. If asked, most of the winners will tell you that this award means much more than others because it is chosen by their peers. Now in its 12th year, the Football Scoop Awards presented by AstroTurf has grown into a highly anticipated event within the football coaching profession. Awards are handed out to the winners at a reception during the American Football Coaches Association Convention each year.

This year’s winners include Offensive Coordinator of the Year, Steve Sarkisian of the University of Alabama. Defensive Coordinator of the Year, Mike Hankwitz, Northwestern; Special Teams Coordinators of the Year, Zac Alley and Winston Venable, Boise State; Quarterbacks Coach of the Year, Aaron Roderick, BYU; Running Backs Coach of the Year, Robert Gillespie, North Carolina; Wide Receivers Coach of the Year, Holmon Wiggins, Alabama; Offensive Line Coaches of the Year, Rob Sale and DJ Looney, Louisiana Lafayette; Defensive Line Coaches of the Year, Charlie Partridge; Linebackers

Coach of the Year, Joe Gillespie, Tulsa; Defensive Backs Coaches of the Year, Perry Eliano and Colin Hitschler, Cincinnati; Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year, Chad Scott, Coastal Carolina; Football Operations Directors of the Year, Michael Hazel, Penn State and Will Glikison, Rutgers; FCS Coordinator of the Year, Ryan Carty, Sam Houston; NAIA Coordinator of the Year, Phil Kleckler; Director of Player Personnel, Lee Wilbanks, Indiana.

Football Scoop and AstroTurf are excited to partner together to present these well-deserved awards each year.

“It was amazing to see these coaching staffs adapt and adjust to the weekly challenges during the 2020 season,” said Chris Stephens, Communications Manager at AstroTurf. “I’m sure that it was impressive to see them work behind the scenes to have their players ready to go each week. It’s great to recognize these coaches and personnel each year, but especially this year.”

For more information about each individual award, please visit www.footballscoop.com

About Football Scoop

Created in 1999, FootballScoop.com is the premier source for coaching job information and has long been the most widely viewed website by coaches, athletic directors, strength & conditioning coaches, operations and equipment staff across America. As the leading coaching job information venue, FootballScoop.com serves our viewers’ needs by providing firsthand, timely & accurate information for our audience. FootballScoop.com is the premier provider of official job postings.

About AstroTurf®

THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO TO START THE 2021-22 YEAR WITH NEW ASTROTURF PRACTICE FIELD

JUL 22, 2021 | FOOTBALL, PRESS RELEASE

Moscow, Idaho – The University of Idaho athletics program is getting a major upgrade in time for the start of the 2021 season. The school installed a high-performance turf system made by AstroTurf®, the leaders in playing surface innovation, at the outdoor east field next to the Kibbie Dome.

As the official practice field for the Idaho Vandals football team, the new improvements are expected to help the football program excel this year. The Vandals will be getting game-ready on the new turf, giving them a leading-edge sports surface to reset on after a shortened spring season.

“The new outdoor turf gives us another tool to improve,” said Idaho head football coach Paul Petrino. “Our facilities here at the University of Idaho, from the renovated Kibbie Dome to the brand new ICCU Arena and projects like this, continue to set us up as a premier institution. I cannot wait to get the guys out on the new field this summer and fall to prepare for 2021.”

The AstroTurf® practice field was made possible by generous contributions donated by Greg and Debra McDonald and the DuRae Scott McDonald Foundation. It will be a key resource for the football team, who will start their fourth year in the Big Sky Conference in September, as well as the Vandals soccer program, club sports, and intramurals.

The Vandals soccer program also will benefit from the new installation.

“We’re excited about the new field and the possibilities it presents,” said head soccer coach Jeremy Clevenger. “Scheduling in the Dome can be challenging. Having this high-quality surface as an option for training will allow us to continue competing for Big Sky Championships.”

The new field was installed with one of AstroTurf’s most popular products – the RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend system. It combines the company’s patented RootZone, a texturized layer of synthetic fibers purpose-built to enhance shock absorption and increase stability, resulting in a safer playing surface. The system also comes with a secondary backing system. Underneath is a premium Brock Pad PowerBase Pro, which adds another layer of cushioning to help protect student-athletes from injury.

The AstroTurf® system was installed by Coast to Coast Turf, the company’s exclusive distributor in the Pacific Northwest.

“The University of Idaho is really following through with their commitment on providing their student-athletes with the highest level of facilities possible,” said Coast to Coast Turf President, Steve Webb. “We are thrilled to have been identified as being able to deliver a system that is unmatched in the industry for safety, performance, and durability.”

The East Practice Field is only one of several athletic facility upgrades the University of Idaho has in the works. Memorial Gym and the Swim Center were renovated over the summer, and the 4,200-capacity Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) Arena will be completed this fall.

The Vandals athletics program is taking things to the next level with all of these upgrades, ensuring student-athletes are training and competing with state-of-the-art facilities and providing fans with premium gathering places that represent the care poured into UI athletics.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. The University of Idaho just placed 109 student-athletes on the 2020-21 Big Sky Fall AllAcademic Teams, including 45 football players. This will also be the third time that players Conner Whitney, Logan Prescott, and Logan Kendall earned this accolade.

After being ranked 24th by Athlon Sports in its Football Championship Subdivision preseason poll in February and feeling the pressure throughout the preseason, the Vandals are ready to break out with important wins in September. They kick off the season at home against Simon Fraser on the 4th, followed by away games against Indiana, Oregon State, and UC Davis. Other home games this year will be against Portland State, Montana, Northern Arizona, and Southern Utah.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

ASTROTURF HAS BEEN WITH THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY THIS SEASON

JUL 28, 2021 | BASEBALL, PRESS RELEASE

The Toronto Blue Jays Are Coming Home to a New World-Class AstroTurf Field

Toronto, ON – After 670 days away from the Rogers Centre in Toronto, the Blue Jays will return to their home field on July 30th. And they will play their first game north of the border since September 2019 on a newly installed AstroTurf baseball field, a project that has been in the works for more than a year.

While holding spring training and games in the States earlier this year due to COVID safety restrictions, the team has been collaborating with the manufacturer of state-of-the-art synthetic turf to create the ultimate playing surface. Combining AstroTurf’s leading product for the sport – the RootZone Diamond Series turf system – with the extra shock absorption provided by a Brock SP17 pad, they succeeded in doing exactly that.

The RootZone Diamond Series RBI 60 ounce was chosen by the Blue Jays for its player interaction, safety, ball action, and ball performance.

“They wanted the best surface around for the best baseball athletes in the world. They had specific boxes to be checked when finding that,” said G. Aaron Klotz, AstroTurf’s National Manager of Baseball Sales.

“They took their time, hired a third party to administer these tests and examined all products available in the marketplace – and ultimately they selected the best.”

“The Blue Jays put our Diamond Series through a vigorous testing procedure that graded safety, durability, ball interaction and playability. For four months they broke down all turf companies in the same manner. It was quite the process and I’m not quite sure anyone has ever done this when selecting a turf provider.”

The RBI fiber blend includes 2-inch high polyethylene monofilament fibers for a grass-like appearance and slit film fibers to enhance resistance to wear. The RootZone, which is a texturized fiber system purpose-built to reduce infill migration, boosts ball playability and achieves realistic ball hops and speeds.

Step one was for AstroTurf to create a test plot in Dunedin, FL., home of the Blue Jays spring training facility. AstroTurf was able to create an agility field with the exact replica playing surface that would be installed in the Rogers Centre.

Some of the team’s top players tested the field earlier this year to

ensure it was exactly what they wanted. They also brought on a thirdparty firm to conduct independent testing, hired a private firm to compare other turf systems with AstroTurf’s, and worked directly with the installation team at AstroTurf to customize the field, getting the perfect ratio for the field, so it performs exactly how the players want it to.”

“The goal was to have the Blue Jays bring down their top players and let them see how the ball plays on the field,” Klotz said. “During spring training, we worked with the players, coaches, Head Grounds Keeper, Tom Farrell and their Director of Sport Science, Brandon Stone, to perfect this field with the exact ratio of infill. It was a total team effort, and we are very excited on how it turned out.”

“Based on the results and performance of our RBI system, AstroTurf came out on top,” Klotz added. “We can’t wait to watch the best in the world compete on our turf.”

When the Blue Jays went from Florida to their temporary home turf in Buffalo, NY, AstroTurf went with them, doing the batting cages, hitting facility, and bullpen. “Wherever they went, they brought AstroTurf – it truly is a partnership we are very proud of,” says Klotz.

The Blue Jays will play the Kansas City Royals on July 30th, which will be the start of a 10-game homestead. They’ll also have matchups against Cleveland and the Boston Red Sox.

One key to the entire journey was AstroTurf’s experienced installation team anchored by Jose Nunez and his crew.

“Having those guys was a huge part of what we were able to do,” Klotz said. “They did the previous installation at the Rogers Centre and it was a big-time bonus to have those guys back on board and for them to be familiar with the process. They did such a great job. They were rock stars.”

Klotz added that the entire AstroTurf team played a huge part in the project.

“When you’re talking about a team that truly understands the game of baseball, from top to bottom. I’d put our team and group up against anyone in the game.”

About AstroTurf®

Blue Jays Agility Field in Dunedin, FL

RICE UNIVERSITY STICKS WITH ASTROTURF

AUG 10, 2021 | FOOTBALL,

PRESS RELEASE

Rice University Owls Get the Works with Brand-New AstroTurf® Football Field at Rice Stadium

Houston, TX – Rice University football re-ups with Astroturf®, the iconic company that invented the synthetic turf industry in the 1960s. The Rice Owls are set to kick off their first home game for the 2021 season on a newly installed AstroTurf® RootZone 3D3 60-ounce turf, a high-performance playing surface that will enable them to completely unleash on the field.

Owl fans can follow the progress of the installation live via a webcam sponsored by Symmetry Sports Construction. The field is being expertly installed by Symmetry Sports Construction, a certified AstroTurf distributor.

With a 2-inch pile height and a Brock YSR shockpad, the new field offers unrivaled support and shock absorption. The Owls’ RootZone 3D3 system also comes with special features, including a unique monofilament fiber that’s purpose-built to increase resilience. The RootZone itself is a proprietary infill stabilization system of textured nylon. It holds the premium sand and BrockFill infill in place efficiently, which prevents splash and migration. All of these elements come together to form a consistent surface that athletes prefer. And that lives up to AstroTurf’s longstanding reputation for producing products that enhance durability, safety, and sports performance.

This system, that includes AstroTurf’s 3D3 technology over a BrockPad and BrockFill was recently awarded Innovation of the Year by STMA. Often found in Texas installations, this system captures the latest advances in the sports construction industry.

The new AstroTurf field at Rice Stadium is one more chapter in the company’s storied history with Rice Athletics. The stadium, which is located less than two miles from the Houston Astrodome, the venue that introduced AstroTurf to the world, was one of the first Division 1 football fields that was converted to synthetic turf in 1970. Even more noteworthy, the 1974 Super Bowl at Rice Stadium was the very first Super Bowl played on an AstroTurf field.

The recently finished Robert L. Waltrip Indoor Training Center, an 80,000 square foot inflatable structure built to house practices for the school’s intercollegiate sports teams in addition to intramural and community events, is also an AstroTurf RootZone3D3 60-ounce Trionic system field. Completed in 2020, the Waltrip Center is the latest in over $54 million in upgrades and new construction projects directly benefitting each of Owls’ 16 intercollegiate programs over the past seven years. AstroTurf® also installed the endzone replacements at Rice Stadium in 2018 with the Owls’ updated branding.

This latest installation for the football team will replace the RootZone 3DM system AstroTurf installed at the stadium in 2014. It is also the perfect project to mark the start of an exciting season for the Owls.

Despite missing out on half of their games due to COVID-19, the Owls made national headlines by shutting out 15th ranked Marshall on the road in 2020 and and enter their first season on their new playing surface having won five of their last eight games.

The Owls are sitting on a talented returning starting, including 19 of 22 starters from last season in addition to the return of several key starters from 2019 who missed last season.

After opening the 2021 season with a road contest at Arkansas on September 4th , their new field will have its debut when the Owls host cross-town rival Houston in the 40th Bayou Bucket, which will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network. The home schedule also includes games with Texas Southern, Southern Mississippi, North Texas, WKU, and LA Tech. Tickets are on sale online.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH INSTALLS WORLD-CLASS ASTROTURF FIELD HOCKEY SYSTEM

AUG 11, 2021 | PRESS RELEASE

Virginia Commonwealth Installs World-Class AstroTurf Field Hockey System

Richmond, Virginia – After a historic spring season, the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Division 1 field hockey team, led by Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year, Stacey Bean, will be starting the fall season on brand-new, state-of-the-art turf. VCU is installing a top-of-the-line AstroTurf® system at Cary Street Field, demonstrating the school’s enduring support for its athletes by providing them with a winning athletic surface engineered for elite play.

Fast-playing and remarkably consistent, the new AstroTurf® installation uses a unique knitted nylon turf to ensure unmatched ball speed and durability. The AstroTurf® 12 system is the original AstroTurf® made for the sport, and it’s the preferred choice for field hockey at top schools nationwide, including Boston University, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and Princeton.

Ever since the game transitioned from natural grass to synthetic turf, every single NCAA Division 1 Final Four tournament has been played on an AstroTurf® Surface.

For the layer beneath the turf, VCU chose a 26 mm E-Layer, a premium shock pad made with a special polyurethane binder. This E-Layer offers outstanding shock absorbency and is totally solid underfoot. Combined with the knitted turf above, it acts as an ultra-safe, ultra-consistent playing field. Both the turf and the shock pad are highly porous, giving the Rams a safer surface in wet conditions.

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank the administration at VCU and the staff at AstroTurf for their work on this install,” Bean said. “We are excited to start the season on this new AstroTurf 12 pitch. It’s a fantastic product that will provide our players with a world class surface to train and compete on”

AstroTurf has shown its unwavering commitment to the game over the years, supporting players at all levels through its involvement in USA Field Hockey, the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, and FIH. This new installation at Virginia Commonwealth University is one more proud step forward for the company.

VCU Field Hockey is the team to beat in the Atlantic Conference. The Rams finished the spring 2021 regular season with a perfect 7-0 record and won the Atlantic 10 Regular Season Championship for the first time in history. In June, Synapse Sports named Coach Stacey Bean the Synapse Coach of the Year, and several players won multiple accolades this year, including Maite Sturm (All-Atlantic 10 First Team, All-Championship Team, and Synapse Sports Second Team All-American), Janne Wetzel (Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year, All-Atlantic 10 First Team, Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team, and Synapse Sports Second Team All-American), and Bridget McCormick (Synapse Sports All-Rookie All-American Team and Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year).

The new AstroTurf surface at Cary Street Field is a welcome upgrade for VCU Field Hockey, as well as other Division 1 and club sport athletes. Cary Street Field is home to VCU Women’s Lacrosse and is used by both club and intramural athletes.

“AstroTurf has long been a visionary and innovator in producing a surface that provides elite playability and tremendous durability,” added Bean. “The A12 product installed at Cary Street Field is a direct result of that vision and innovation.”

The Rams will play the first game of the fall season at home on August 27th against American University. Other home games for 2021 include matchups with William & Mary, ODU, Bellarmine, Saint Joseph’s, Georgetown, and Wake Forest.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY STICKS WITH ASTROTURF® FOR NEW FIELD

AUG 11, 2021 | FOOTBALL, PRESS RELEASE

Fayetteville, North Carolina – After years of stadium-packed home games and numerous championships, the FSU Broncos are upping the ante with a brand-new turf system from the same leaders in synthetic turf technology they chose 13 years ago, AstroTurf®. The installation project will be completed this summer, so the Fayetteville Broncos will be playing on their new high-tech AstroTurf® football field starting this fall.

For the upgrade, FSU went with one of AstroTurf’s most popular products, the RootZone 3D3 blend system. The RootZone will be in both end zones, and the installation includes a total of 89,000 square feet of high-performance turf. The system features texturized layers of fibers that hold down the infill layer and minimize infill migration. This results in superior stability, enabling athletes to unleash both in practice and in the game.

The Broncos will also benefit from AstroTurf’s patented Trionic fibers, which consist of polyethylene fused with nylon to achieve the ultimate wonder-fiber. A player-friendly, soft texture and unbeatable strength and resilience come together to provide athletes with grass-like traction and an overall safer playing surface.

The old field, the AstroPlay system, was installed 13 years ago. It held its own in both performance and aesthetics, which is one reason why Fayetteville State University’s Luther Nick Jeralds Stadium is known for being one of the most well-kept stadiums in North Carolina and a top pick for tournaments.

“In 2007, Fayetteville State was the first in the CIAA to shift from natural grass, said athletics director Anthony Bennett. “We continue to strive for the best for our student-athletes and, right now, AstroTurf is just that. The new field will ensure a safe playing surface as we continue to feature one of the best facilities in the conference.”

In recent years, the Broncos, headed by Richard Hayes since 2016, have proven themselves to be one of the hardest to beat teams in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). They were Western Division champions in 2017, 2018, and 2019 and have pulled off a number of hot winning streaks, including a five-game streak in 2017 and back-to-back championship appearances in 2018.

Before that, the Broncos won the 2009 CIAA football championship and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs. They also took home back-to-back CIAA championships in 2002 and 2003.

After being forced off the field for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FSU is eyeing a 4th consecutive appearance in the CIAA football championship game this year.

The FSU Broncos will open the season at Elizabeth City State University on September 4th. Their first home game is on September 25th

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY INSTALLING NEW ASTROTURF FIELD, REKORTAN TRACK

AUG 11, 2021 | FOOTBALL, PRESS RELEASE

Nacogdoches, Texas – 2021 will be a big year for SFA athletes. After announcing the move to the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) earlier this year, Stephen F. Austin State University and the SFA Athletic department put the wheels in motion to complete a major upgrade at the Homer Bryce Stadium. Thanks to support from private donors, the school is installing a state-of-the-art AstroTurf® football field, enabling the Lumberjacks to play on high-performance synthetic turf in time for their first game as WAC members.

The track and field team will also benefit from a new playing surface starting this year with a high-tech Rekortan BV track system.

Ryan Ivey, the SFA Director of Athletics, says, “This was a project that was really needed. Not just the football field, but the track resurfacing as well. This project is going to impact 60 percent of our student athletes.

According to Ivey, these new installations will benefit almost all of the student-athletes at SFA. And, by choosing the leaders in athletic surface technology, the SFA Athletics program can now boast a top-of-theline competition surface, improved safety, and impressive aesthetics at Homer Bryce Stadium.

“The softball team, the baseball team, the soccer team, everyone is going to be able to take advantage of this. It’s really alleviated some safety issues and will serve so many athletes.”

The new track features a paved base mat, which boosts resilience, and a top layer of rubber and solid-pour polyurethane.

The field is being expertly installed by Symmetry Sports Construction, a certified AstroTurf distributor.

The football field is an AstroTurf® RootZone 3D3 system, one of AstroTurf’s most popular products. It provides the extreme stability offered by the company’s patented Trionic fibers, along with grass-like traction and improved durability. SFA is also installing a Brock Pad SP 17 underneath the turf system to further enhance shock absorption.

The new football field and track system will be known as the Jimmy W. Murphy Field. Murphy was inducted into the Lumberjack Athletic Hall of

and has contributed over $2 million

Stephen F. Austin State University over the years to support football scholarships and enrich the SFA football program.

The field is expected to be completed soon, coinciding with the Lumberjack’s flagship year as WAC members. SFA, along with the other Texas 4 schools – Abilene Christian, Lamar, and Sam Houston State – are departing the Southland Conference on July 1st. They will all play in the Southwest Division of the Western Athletic Conference, which also includes UTRGV and Tarleton State.

“I was familiar with AstroTurf from my time at Texas A&M UniversityCommerce,” Ivey said. “We had AstroTurf on our football and softball fields. There were a lot of data points and references were able to use. This installation is something that can really set us apart.”

“From the customer service at Symmetry Sports and AstroTurf, everyone was so helpful during the entire process. They were great to work with. Everyone was accountable. It wasn’t just show up and put it down. Everyone was here to work through the process.”

SFA has earned numerous accolades over the years. Most noteworthy are recent FCS playoff berths in 2009, 2010, and 2014. Also, just this year, two talented Lumberjacks were named to the 2021 Freshman All-American Team – offensive lineman Justice Guillory and defensive lineman Caleb Fox. Wide receiver Xavier Gipson was made an honoree on the Sophomore All-American Team.

The Lumberjacks will play their first game at home on the new AstroTurf® field against the Tarleton State Texans on September 4th.

“Everyone is really excited,” added Ivey. “We are coming off of eight Southland Conference championships in various sports this past year and now moving to the WAC. We’ve got a ton of momentum and this place is really buzzing.”

About AstroTurf®

Fame in 1979

HAWAI’I READY TO START 2021 SEASON ON CAMPUS WITH NEW ASTROTURF FIELD

AUG 12, 2021 | FOOTBALL, PRESS RELEASE

Honolulu, Hawaii – The University of Hawai’i will begin the 2021 football season on a premium AstroTurf® field at the freshly retrofitted T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. After Aloha Stadium announced its plans to cease fan-attended operations for the foreseeable future, UH had to act quickly to ensure the Rainbow Warriors football team would have a home playing field ready in time for the 2021 season.

Thanks to a $1.5 million-dollar donation from the Clarence T.C. Ching foundation and the work of the University of Hawai’i Foundation, the $8.5 million-dollar project is already well underway. Installation for the new AstroTurf® football field will be completed in time for their first home game in September. UH chose a classic AstroTurf® product for Ching Field – the AstroTurf® Rhino SF 42. Manufactured using industry-leading quality controls and the company’s legendary synthetic turf technology, the Rainbow Warriors can count on a durable, highly stable playing surface. It combines multi-ply primary backing with a polyurethane secondary backing system to achieve a durable field that can stand up to heavy usage.

As part of the Ching Field upgrade, the school is also adding grandstands to the athletic complex’s stadium, which will expand the seating capacity from 3,500 to 9,000 in 2021. The plan is to continue expanding in 2022 to reach 15,000 seats, which is the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) minimum. The project includes press boxes, hospitality suits, new bathrooms, and a new scoreboard, too. The UH football program will call Ching Field home for at least the next three years while the Aloha Stadium is rebuilt. Aloha Stadium has been the home field for the Rainbow Warriors since 1975, making 2021 the first time the team won’t be playing at Aloha

in nearly half a century. City leaders in Honolulu are currently discussing plans for building a new Aloha Stadium, which will be part of a larger proposed Entertainment District project that includes retail shops, hotels, and housing.

UH, led by Head Coach Todd Graham, will play six home games during the 2021 season, with plans for seven in 2022 and 2023. After an exciting 5 – 4 season in 2020, the sky’s the limit for the Rainbow Warriors in 2021.

This will be Coach Graham’s second year with Hawai’i. Graham, a seasoned college football coach and the former Head Coach at Arizona State, became the first Hawai’i coach to win his debut game since Bob Wagner did in 1987. He also led the team to a bowl game victory at the end of last year – UH beat Houston 28 to 14 at the New Mexico Bowl on December 24th.

Hawai’i was the Western Athletic Conference champions in 1992, 1999, 2007, and 2010.

On September 4th, the Rainbow Warriors will go up against Portland State University for their first home game on the new AstroTurf® field. UH fans can also watch them compete against San Jose, Fresno, New Mexico, San Diego, and Colorado this year at T.C. Ching Field.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UPGRADES TO ASTROTURF

AUG 16, 2021 | FOOTBALL, PRESS RELEASE

Charleston, SC – After an exciting 2-2 spring season and weeks of hardcore training, the Charleston Southern University (CSU) Buccaneers are more than ready for the fall 2021 game season. To make the year even more worth waiting for, the Bucs will be playing on a new AstroTurf® football field engineered to enhance safety, playability, and durability.

The school’s athletic program worked closely with AstroTurf® to ensure the new installation was completed in time for the 20th Big South Conference season.

“We are extremely pleased with the installation of our new turf,” said Jeff Barber, director of athletics at Charleston Southern. “The entire process, from the very beginning to the end, was run as smoothly and efficiently as it possibly could have been. I greatly appreciated the communication between our department and AstroTurf as we navigated through all the steps.”

CSU chose one of AstroTurf’s most competitive products for the project, the RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend 60. A leading-edge turf system, RootZone 3D3 fields are a cut above thanks to their texturized layer of fibers that hold down the infill. This special RootZone layer improves shock absorbency, reducing the risk of injury on the field. It also serves to minimize infill migration, a major factor in synthetic turf degradation.

The quality of AstroTurf’s turfed surface was independently tested by Michigan State University. Michigan found that playing on the turf effectively reduces torque to the lower extremities. These safety and performance benefits are one of the main reasons why both athletes and field owners prefer AstroTurf®.

In addition to boosting playability, the new field will also get an aesthetic upgrade. The athletic department’s updated logo – the three-color Bucky head – will be at mid-field. The end zones will get a refresh with a bold navy background and the Buccaneers wordmark. To comply with the new NCAA legislation passed in the spring, the CSU also chose to extend the gold and navy coaching boxes to the 20-yard line.

“Now that the installation is complete and usage has begun, we have received nothing but great reviews from our players and fans,” added Barber.

Charleston Southern University Football is led by former NFL player and Notre Dame all-time leading rusher Autry Denson. An inspiring leader who knows how to bring out the best in his players, Denson is expected to steer the Bucs to a strong finish this year. Charleston Southern was picked to finish fourth in the Big South Conference, although they have their sights on the top-three seeded teams, Monmouth, Kennesaw State, and North Carolina A&T.

The Buccaneers also placed two players on the preseason AllConference First Team Defence – senior Shaundre Mims and junior Cody Cline. The Bucs have been putting in long hours to prep for what should be a gripping college football season, and they’re gearing up for their opening game on September 11th against The Citadel Bulldogs. Home games this year include match-ups against Monmouth, Hampton, Campbell, and North Carolina A&T.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

BROWN UNIVERSITY INSTALLS NEW ASTROTURF SURFACE FOR FIELD HOCKEY

AUG 26, 2021 | PRESS RELEASE

Providence, Rhode Island – The upcoming fall season will be one to remember for Brown University Field Hockey. The Bears will play on a brand new state-of-the-art surface manufactured by the leaders in synthetic turf, AstroTurf®. Purpose-built to enhance ball roll consistency and increase safety, the new field, the AstroTurf® System 90, will empower the Bears to push themselves hard both in practice and on game days.

2021 also marks the 11th season with Head Coach Jill Reeve at the helm. A former Olympian, 12-year national team member, and USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Reeve is adept at drawing out the best in her players. Over the past decade at Brown, she has coached 28 student-athletes to All-Ivy honors and has led her team to many surprise wins.

This will also be the first season with Assistant Coach Keighan Richardson. A graduate of Bryant University, where she was co-captain her senior year and named to the First Team AllMAAC team and the All-MAAC Tournament Team her junior year, Richardson brings a wealth of experience to the table. Joining Reeve and long-time Assistant Coach Jillian Coppola, Richardson will be instrumental in helping the Brown Bears take their level of sportsmanship up a notch.

“The turf is spectacular, and the timing of its unveiling comes at the perfect moment,” said Head Coach Jill Reeve. “This field is symbolic of our journey as we kick-off our 2021 season. It highlights Brown’s commitment to the program and our student-athletes. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

The AstroTurf System 90 features A12 knitted nylon. Our System 90 provides low ball bounce and non-directionality fibers to enhance the ball roll while providing the athletes a firmer feel under foot. For the layer underneath the knitted nylon, Brown University went with a 3/8” Armacell Pad for enhanced shock absorption.

AstroTurf® has been considered the gold standard in the sport ever since the game was played on an AstroTurf® system at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Uniform and predictable, it is the field hockey turf of choice at top universities around the country, including Rutgers University, Duke University, and the University of Maryland.

Goldberger Family Field, the official home turf for the Brown Bears field hockey team, is a regulation-sized field hockey field. It only has lines for the sport and is the exclusive practice and competition field for Brown Field Hockey.

In addition to installing a new AstroTurf® system, Goldberger Family Field also has a new Daktronics scoreboard, spectator stands, and a press box. It’s a well-deserved, end-to-end upgrade for a hard-working team of student-athletes.

“We’re excited about the recent turf replacement at Goldberger Field which will provide our field hockey student-athletes and coaches with a new state-of-the-art field when they return to play this fall,” said Vice President of Athletics and Recreation M. Grace Calhoun ’92, Ph.D. “Our new high-quality playing surface provides our program with another tool to improve and is a testament to the university’s ongoing commitment to facility enhancements and upgrades to our Division.”

The Bears start the fall field hockey season with three straight home tilts beginning on September 3rd. They play Saint Francis, followed by Merrimack on September 5th, and local rival Bryant on September 10th. Brown will host a total of nine home games this year, giving fans plenty of opportunities to come out and support the team.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

KEYSTONE SPORTS CONSTRUCTION SCORES TOP SPOT IN INC. MAGAZINE’S LIST OF THE FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES IN PENNSYLVANIA

SEP 14, 2021 | PRESS RELEASE

After a year of astronomical growth, Keystone Sports Construction, a certified AstroTurf® distributor located in Exton, Pennsylvania, earned the number-one position in Inc. Magazine’s list of the fastest-growing private companies in the state. The magazine also ranked Keystone as the fourth fastest-growing company in the construction industry and the 113th fastest-growing company in America.

Here is a link to the complete list. www.inc.com/inc5000/2021

The leadership team at Keystone Sports Construction, including owners Chris Wright and Russell Lydanne II, Vice President of Sales Ben Seleznow, and Vice President of Operations Adam Al-Halal, credit their people for the company’s success.

“Despite the logistical challenges that are facing so many companies, we’ve been able to overcome. We’ve got great people here to perform the work,” says Seleznow.

The company is also known for being a client-focused business that sets a high bar for quality. According to Seleznow, “The two things we really focus on are quality installations and exceeding our clients’ expectations. We are always working to build top-flight facilities.”

Keystone Sports Construction grew 3,678 percent in the past year. Founded in 2013, the company is committed to providing industry-leading sports installations that ensure durability and player safety. It offers facility owners end-to-end single-source design-build services and installs only the best athletic surface sports systems, including turf fields made by the company that invented artificial turf, AstroTurf®

“We couldn’t have done this without our amazing team and clients,” said Lyddane. “This is just the beginning. Our continued desire to disrupt the sports construction industry by offering best in breed

products accompanied with world class customer service, is the perfect recipe for further growth!”

With solid growth not just in 2020 but also over the past three years, Keystone is building an impressive track record and emerging as a young company to watch. It’s also playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth in Pennsylvania. The businesses on Inc. Magazine’s list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. brought in a total of $248 billion in revenue and added 2.5 million jobs to the national economy.

Landing in the top 200 in America is a huge feat for any company, and at 113th, Keystone Sports Construction is really demonstrating its strength in the industry. By customizing artificial turf solutions and going above and beyond to ensure every product they install has been independently tested and proven to last, facility owners and managers know they’re getting the best of the best with a Keystone Sports installation project.

“The Inc. Magazine ranking is a well-deserved honor. Keystone is an incredible company with a dedicated team,” said Scott Franks, AstroTurf’s national manager of distributor relations. “They’ve done an outstanding job installing AstroTurf® systems at sports facilities throughout the region – we’ve seen nothing but stand-out work every time. We’re proud to be a part of their journey and we are excited to contribute to their growth by creating playing surfaces with the best sport-specific performance, durability and player protection.”

The number-one ranking details for certified AstroTurf® distributor Keystone Sports Construction can be found in Inc. Magazine’s September issue. The magazine features the top 500 companies in its printed publication.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

MLB, DIVISION I INSTALLATIONS HIGHLIGHT 2021 FOR ASTROTURF

SEP 27, 2021 | FOOTBALL - PRESS RELEASE

With new turf installations at over a dozen top schools and revitalization projects with Major League Baseball, 2021 is turning out to be a standout year for AstroTurf®, the creator of worldclass athletic surfaces. Throughout the spring season and summer training, AstroTurf® completed a large number of notable projects, ensuring football teams at schools across the country, from Seattle, Washington to Fayetteville, North Carolina, were ready to kick off the fall season on brand new turf.

Facility upgrades include a replacement field at McNeese State, which was in dire need of new football turf after going through two devastating hurricanes, a replacement field at the retrofitted T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, the temporary home turf for the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during renovations at Aloha Stadium, and a new field for the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. The oldest college football stadium in Ohio, Mount Union Stadium, home of the Mount Union University Purple Raiders, is another on the list of iconic sports facilities across the U.S and Canada with a new AstroTurf® field this year.

With a renewed focus on high-quality sports facilities, it’s clear that athletic departments and coaches across the U.S. are looking for ways to give their players every possible advantage. A solid training staff, good coaches, and top-notch training equipment are all essential for empowering athletes to be competitive. However, a premium surface with excellent shock absorption, minimal risk of torque, and consistent footing can also be a major factor in keeping players safe and enabling them to push their limits, both in practice and games.

In 2021, many schools chose AstroTurf® to meet this need. As a result, the company will be well-represented during the college football season this fall.

Several teams, including the Washington Huskies, Missouri Tigers, Rice Owls, and the University of North Carolina Charlotte 49ers, will

compete on AstroTurf’s most popular product in college football –the RootZone 3D3 turf system.

With a multi-ply primary backing system, a polyurethane secondary system, and a customizable infill layer, the RootZone 3D3 system is designed to increase playability and shock absorption while also reducing infill migration and ensuring a high-performance surface for years.

Missouri Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz calls it a great fit for his players saying, “It is fast underfoot for our pro-temp offense.”

At the University of Idaho, which opted for the RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend system for the Vandals’ official practice field, Head Coach Paul Petrino explains, “The new turf gives us another tool to (help us) improve.”

And at UNC Charlotte, Cass Ferguson, the Assistant Athletic Director of Facilities and Events, says, “For our student-athletes, we have been able to highlight our bold new brand in an attractive fashion that will capture attention across the country. Definitely gold standard!”

It’s not just the state-of-the-art playing fields. AstroTurf is also known for delivering top-level service on every project, as noted by Tanner Stines, Senior Associated Athletic Director at McNeese State. “AstroTurf was such a blessing. From the time the contractor and (regional sales manager) TJ Marcum got together, from the art layout, picking the colors, to the installation, it was second to none.”

With the college football season in full swing, the company looks forward to watching the teams give it their all on AstroTurf®.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers state-of-the-art multisport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. A growing number of high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams, as well as municipal sports fields, continue to choose AstroTurf-branded products for their durability, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

CLEVELAND BROWNS, ASTROTURF TRANSFORMING OHIO FIELDS

OCT 6, 2021 | FOOTBALL - PRESS RELEASE

East Cleveland, OH – One field at a time, the Cleveland Browns are building back Ohio football. After a $7 million dollar renovation project launched in the spring, the new field at Shaw Stadium is officially ready for play. Funded by the Cleveland Browns and team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam as part of the Browns Give Back program, the new field will provide student-athletes with a stateof-the-art playing surface for games, practices, and local events.

A world-class turf manufactured by the leaders in synthetic turf innovation, AstroTurf®, the new installation marks nearly a century of the field’s history and celebrates the start of a new era for East Cleveland athletics. At the dedication ceremony, Superintendent of the East Cleveland School District Dr. Henry Pettiegrew remarked, “We’re going to use this field to access our future. We will make you proud of this field, and we will have fun on this field.”

Built in 1923, Shaw Stadium has been a lodestone for the sport and the location of countless historic football moments at all levels of play – high school, collegiate, and pro. In its early days, it was the home field of the Cleveland Rams (now the Los Angeles Rams). Decades later, in the 1960s and 70s, the Cleveland Browns held practices at Shaw Stadium, as did the football teams for the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University).

The field has since served as the home turf for Shaw High School; however, the school hasn’t been able to host a home game there in years. Before the upgrade, the area was in poor condition with worn-down bleachers and a spotty grass field. Now, with a freshly installed AstroTurf system and a brand-new look, East Cleveland has a lot to look forward to.

The field is AstroTurf’s finest – the RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend system. It features a texturized layer of fibers that hold down the infill, resulting in next-gen durability and stability. The orange

Browns helmet logo is painted on the 20-yard line, and the Red Cardinals logo is painted at midfield.

As a high-quality synthetic field, Shaw Stadium is now much easier to maintain, which will ensure everyone from the high school football team to cheerleaders and soccer players always have access to a premium surface for training and competitions.

The new field is part of the Browns Give Back program, an initiative started by the NFL team and the Haslam family to support youth football in Ohio. Over the past five years, Browns Give Back has renovated a total of ten fields, including five in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, which were finished in 2016, John Adams High School and John Marshall High School in 2017, George Daniel Field and Roy C. Start High School in 2018, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Northeastern Ohio and Ellet High School in 2019, and now Shaw Stadium in 2021.

All except for the Roy C. Start High School project feature AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend system.

While the renovation at the historic Shaw Stadium is an exciting milestone, Browns Give Back is far from done. The program is already planning the 11th field upgrade at Akron Archbishop Hoban.

About AstroTurf®

ASTROTURF’S “GO BIG” PROJECTS ARE AT THE HEART OF THE SPORT TOURISM BOOM

OCT 11, 2021 | PRESS RELEASE

Dalton, GA – The sports tourism industry is booming. More and more multi-field complexes are opening every year. These facilities are designed to be meccas for traveling teams. They aim to provide guests with everything they need for successful tournaments –hotels, shopping, restaurants – and of course, high quality athletic surfaces.

Building these large facilities and hosting community events, travel teams and tournaments demand a lot.

The level of investmentwhether private dollars, public dollars, or a blend – requires that every step of the process from concept to completion is executed efficiently. The solvency of the facility and the economic impact on the community depend upon thorough attention to every detail. Synthetic turf is practically a requirement for the long-term success of multifield complexes. Maintenance of natural grass surfaces at complexes with large footprints quickly becomes unfeasible, at least at a level that justifies the rental fees that keep these facilities in business.

The AstroTurf® “GO BIG” program has provided more than 250 fields for these mega sports complexes and has been center stage for thousands of events that have had tremendous economic impacts on their communities. One such shining example is the Panama City Beach Sports Complex in Panama City Beach, Florida who has credited much of their success to AstroTurf®.

“Aside from a superb end product, we’ve been impressed by how responsive the AstroTurf team has been,” said Jamie Cox, The General Manager of the Panama City Beach Complex. “From the feasibility study to the turf installation, expert guidance was there at every stage. We constantly receive positive feedback on our playing surfaces from athletes, coaches, and tournament directors.”

The PCB Complex estimates that some of their tournaments have had an economic impact of over $10 million for the community. Families that travel to these sports destinations contribute much to the local economy in the way of spending on food, gas, lodging, shopping, entertainment, and taking advantage of everything that the area has to offer.

“The Panama City Beach Complex’s success has everything to do with careful planning and finding a good partner in the process early on,” said Steve Coleman, AstroTurf VP of Design Build. “AstroTurf® has earned a reputation within the turf industry as a company that focuses on innovative technologies and sport-specific playability. We were able to recommend surfaces to PCB that balanced factors such as player protection, heat mitigation, superior aesthetics, and durability. Our ability to offer them everything from feasibility studies, to site analysis, to superior surface selections, to an expert installation provided them with a partner that was more than capable in getting their project across the finish line.”

As Covid restrictions are easing up, tournaments at these multifield complexes are now in full swing and the demand for sports destination tourism is going to be at an all-time high. AstroTurf® is currently working on “GO BIG” projects in multiple states that will positively affect the quality of life of many communities.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, highly innovative, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.

SHIPYARD PARK- CHARLESTON, SC

PANAMA CITY BEACH COMPLEX

ASTROTURF PARTNERS WITH SOCCER LEADERS TO FORM SOCCER ADVISORY COUNCIL

OCT

26, 2021 |

SOCCER - PRESS RELEASE

DALTON, GA – AstroTurf, the inventor of synthetic turf and a leading innovator in the industry, has partnered with some of the top leaders in the sport of soccer to launch the AstroTurf Soccer Coaches Advisory Council. As AstroTurf continues its commitment in developing the best possible products for each sport, we felt it was important that we were getting input from those whose expectations for safety, durability, and performance are of the highest priority. The council will meet to discuss product expectations, challenges, and technological advancements that are coming more and more rapidly in soccer surfacing. We have traveled to fields around the world, consulted doctors who specialize in lower extremity injuries, experts in natural grass, and we have assembled the most experienced and knowledgeable minds in synthetic turf to bring a superb soccer turf system to market.

In adding to our knowledge base, we felt that we should involve some of the most important leaders and stakeholders in the sport. This group will be instrumental in helping AstroTurf achieve its mission of providing its end users with an upper echelon synthetic surface. The AstroTurf Soccer Advisory Council is just one more way that AstroTurf is helping to move the industry and the sport of soccer forward. “What an amazing group,” said Carl Capella, AstroTurf’s National Manager of Soccer Sales. “This advisory council shows AstroTurf’s commitment to the sport of soccer and providing the best possible playing surface. Soccer continues to grow in popularity and these individuals will provide important input as we continue to work to provide the best playing surface for playability, durability and safety.”

Soccer is the world’s game and continually grows in popularity. At AstroTurf, we are doing our part to facilitate that growth. Using pristine natural grass as the benchmark, we commit significant resources to studying every aspect of a grass fields performance including playability, durability and safety. We use this data and couple it with our turf know how to manufacture the best turf product for soccer. Further, bolstering our efforts, the SportGroup has allowed us the collaborate with our worldwide partners in the soccer industry. We particularly work closely with our European team members, who enjoy a majority market share of high-end club’s match or training pitches. You can see some of those clients in this brochure. These fields represent the best performing synthetic turf pitches in the world… LigaTurf.

LigaTurf is now offered in the United States exclusively by AstroTurf Corporation and its partners. The latest LigaTurf systems have emerged as the result of the global collaboration of our Research and Development teams around the chemistry, biomechanics, ball roll, and energy restitution to make the beautiful game even more beautiful on LigaTurf.

AstroTurf — It’s one of the most iconic brands in sports.

We ensure that every inch of product meets and exceeds the highest standards of performance, quality and durability. With over 50 years of experience and millions and millions of square feet of synthetic turf in use worldwide, AstroTurf products bring more technological expertise and real-world know-how to the game than any other brand.

AstroTurf continues to build on its golden past as part of SportGroup.

SportGroup is today’s true global sports surfacing giant, with manufacturing facilities around the world. Active in more than 70 countries, SportGroup has installed more than 30,000 turf fields and running tracks. SportGroup was created by selective acquisitions of the leading turf, track, indoor and outdoor sports surface manufacturers.

Jay Vidovich, PITTSBURGH PANTHERS - HEAD SOCCER COACH

Jay Vidovich, one of America’s most respected and accomplished soccer coaches, was named the third Pitt men’s soccer head coach at the University of Pittsburgh in December of 2015. Vidovich and the Panthers concluded one of the most memorable seasons in Pitt men’s soccer history in 202021, finishing with a school record 16 wins, nine conference victories and a NCAA College Cup appearance, the first the program has seen. The Panthers finished 16-4 (9-1) and clinched the school’s first ever Coastal Division crown with a 5-0 shutout victory at home over Virginia April 8, 2021.

Randy Waldrum PITTSBURGH PANTHERS - HEAD SOCCER COACH

Randy Waldrum enters his third season at the helm of the Pittsburgh women’s soccer program in 2020. He was announced as the fourth head coach in Pitt women’s soccer program history by Director of Athletics Heather Lyke on December 19, 2017. The legendary women’s soccer coach ranks 14th in NCAA history in career head coaching victories (408) while also ranking sixth amongst active head coaches.

Dave Galas, LANE UNITED - MANAGING DIRECTOR

Dave studied mathematics and biology at the University of Oregon and has since worked in software and hardware engineering at the Los Alamos National Labs, UO Neuroscience Labs, and PMC Sierra. He founded Lane United in 2013 seeking to put a team in the vacant Civic Stadium. Dave’s hard work with the Eugene Civic Alliance towards that goal paid off with the opening of Civic Park in 2020. His passion for soccer extends back to his childhood in Europe watching Liverpool FC, St. Etienne, and the Dutch national team. His favorite footballers of all time are Kenny Dalglish and Johan Cruyff.

Jared Embick AKRON ZIPS - HEAD SOCCER COACH

Jared Embick, who had previously served as the Zips’ associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, officially became the seventh head coach in the history of The University of Akron men’s soccer program in December of 2012. During Embick’s time at Akron, the Zips have posted the highest winning percentage in the nation with an overall record of 210-53-31 (.767), including a 60-6-5 (.880) mark in MAC play, while securing 11 conference tournament titles, 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament and three appearances in the College Cup final.

Frank Yallup, MONTERREY FOOTBALL CLUB - GENERAL MANAGER

Yallop has spent more than 40 years in professional soccer as a player and coach at all levels of the game. A native of Watford, England, Yallop played for 16 years in his home country with Ipswich Town in the Premier League and EFL Championship, and later in Major League Soccer for the Tampa Bay Mutiny. He was the Head Coach for the San Jose Earthquakes from 20012003 where he led the team to two MLS Cup titles. He then spent two years coaching the Canadian National Team before returning to the U.S. in 2006 to coach the LA Galaxy. He continued his tenure in the MLS when in 2008 he returned to San Jose and later at the Chicago Fire from 2013 to 2015. Most recently, Yallop has been integral to the growth of the USL Championship, serving in coaching and leadership positions with the Phoenix Rising FC, Fresno FC and Las Vegas Lights FC.

Josh Keller, UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE - VICE PRESIDENT

A former professional player who made almost 100 appearances in Major League Soccer during his career, Keller has since moved into the sport’s front office, where he has made a significant impact on the growth of the USL off the field. Keller joined the USL in 2017 and has played a key role in securing national partnerships that have driven increased revenues for the organization and its clubs, including the USL’s Preferred Supplier program that has helped make world-class goods and service organizations part of gameday for clubs across the USL ecosystem.

ASTROTURF’S DEWOLFE NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE SYNTHETIC TURF COUNCIL

NOV 8, 2021 | PRESS RELEASE

Dalton, GA – The Synthetic Turf Council has named AstroTurf’s Todd DeWolfe as chairman following its annual membership meeting in October in Tucson, Arizona.

DeWolfe, who serves as the vice president of business development for AstroTurf, previously served on the board, including as vice chairman this past year.

“I’m very proud and humbled to have been elected to Chair the Board of Directors at the STC, said DeWolfe. “It’s extremely important to AstroTurf to volunteer and give back to our industry which has given back to so many. Following in the footsteps of some giants of our industry is truly an honor.”

For the 2021-2022 term, the STC Board Officers include DeWolfe, Vice Chairman Mark Klementti, Sports Field Consultant, R.K. Associates; Secretary Holli Durchik, Project Manager, Foresite Design Inc.; Treasurer Shaun Garrity, National Sales Manager, USGreentech; Director-at-Large Terra Erickson, Sales Manager, Sportsfield Specialties Inc.; Immediate Past Chairman Laith Ross, Senior Principal, RossTarrant Architects.

Board of Directors include Thomas Boehme, CEO, Genan Inc.; Ed Norton, Partner, HNP, LLC; Eric O’Donnell, Managing Director, Sports Labs U.K. Ltd.; Shannan Powell, Senior Manager, ForeverLawn of Tampa Bay; Larry Ridgeway, President and CEO, PrecisionJet/ TurfBond; Matt Ross, Regional Vice President, Shaw Sports Turf; Thomas Shay, Principal, Woodard & Curran.

“I’d like to congratulate all of our Board members and Award winners,” said Dan Bond, STC President and CEO. “With our industry leaders in place, the STC is in a strong position to improve the world through synthetic turf.”

A graduate of Central Michigan University in Recreational Facility Management, DeWolfe spent time working for businesses that built sports facilities before entering the turf industry in 1998. Todd’s twenty plus years in the turf industry, his time in sports construction, and his work in his family’s excavation business have all worked together to make him uniquely qualified for his new role with AstroTurf®.

As the Vice President of Business Development, DeWolfe develops products, strategic initiatives, and activities aimed toward keeping AstroTurf® the leader of the synthetic turf industry.

The 2022 STC Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Oct. 1719, 2022, in Washington D.C.

About the Synthetic Turf Council (STC)

The STC is the world’s largest member organization representing the synthetic turf industry. Founded in 2003, the STC is a resource for credible, independent research on the safety and environmental impact of synthetic turf, as well as technical guidance on the selection, installation, maintenance, and environmentally responsible disposal of synthetic turf. STC membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other specialty service companies. For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.

About AstroTurf®

NCAA FIELD HOCKEY

CHAMPIONSHIPS

LOADED WITH ASTROTURF TEAMS

NOV 9, 2021 | PRESS RELEASE

The inventor of synthetic turf and leader in field hockey, AstroTurf, will again be well represented in this year’s 2021 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championships.

Of the 18 teams advancing to this year’s tournament, 16 play home games on AstroTurf. The semifinals and finals will also take place on AstroTurf at the University of Michigan at Phyllis Ocker Field Hockey Field in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

AstroTurf has been the surface at every NCAA Division I Final Four tournament since the game transitioned from natural grass.

Ten conferences were awarded automatic qualification. The four lowest automatic-qualification teams will compete in two opening round games beginning Wednesday, Nov. 10th. The remaining six automatic-qualification teams were placed in the bracket.

The conference champions included Maine (American East), North Carolina (Atlantic Coast), Saint Joseph’s (Atlantic 10), Liberty (Big East), Rutgers (Big 10), Harvard (Ivy League), Delaware (Colonial Athletic Association), Miami University (Mid-American), Fairfield (Northeast), American (Patriot League).

Nine out of the ten conference champions play on AstroTurf.

The remaining field consists of Louisville, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Syracuse, Penn State, Northwestern, and Iowa.

First-and second-round games will be played on four campus sites November 12 and 14. Michigan will host the semifinals and final Friday, November 19 and Sunday, November 21, at Phyllis Ocker Field Hockey Field in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The semifinals will be available on ESPN+ and the championship game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

North Carolina is the defending national champion, claiming its ninth NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship title with a 4-3 overtime victory over Michigan at Karen Shelton Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on May 9, 2021.

Karen Shelton Stadium is also an AstroTurf field.

AstroTurf has a long history of innovation and leadership in the hockey world. It’s the brand that changed the sport. Specialized knitting equipment and manufacturing history has kept AstroTurf at the top of hockey world’s elite surfacing.

Today, leading fiber technologies and modern plant have enabled AstroTurf to deliver high quality hockey fields through a full range of systems.

About AstroTurf®

8 REASONS WHY RE-TOPPING YOUR TRACK CAN BE A GREAT IDEA

9 JULY 2021

COST

Re-surfacing your existing track before a full-depth replacement is necessary could cost up to 50% less – saving you money withoutcompromising performance.

LONGEVITY

Re-topping your track can keep it running for an additional 7-10 years. Coupled with the correct maintenance, the Rekortan Resurface Seriescan give your track a life-span of over 30 years. To find out more about Rekortan Re-Surface Series download the product sheet here.

ENVIRONMENT

Our Rekortan Gel tracks are made from 88% renewable materials. These green credentials become even more sustainable when the productlifetime is extended. Re-topping the existing track components has a much lower environmental cost.

ATHLETE SAFETY

Re-surfacing an old track immediately improves the athlete experience. It restores cushioning, provides optimal force reduction on athlete’sjoints and removes any cracks and loose crumb which could lead to falls.

TIME

As well as giving you back years in lifespan, re-topping takes your track out of commission for less than a week. If new asphalt is required, completelyreplacing your track takes at least 30 days. So on average, re-topping ensures that your venue is up and running again 5 times sooner.

DIAMOND LEAGUE QUALITY

Tracks can be re-topped to World Athletics elite standards. Venues in the UK including the Manchester Arena and Alexander Stadium in Birminghamhave both been resurfaced to Diamond League and elite event standards.

A SMART DECISION

Rekortan tracks can be re-topped with our unique SMART technology. The magnetic gates embedded in the track connect to a sensor wornby the athlete, providing them with advanced diagnostic information on force, agility, speed and endurance.

EVERYONE IS DOING IT

From Diamond League and elite World Athletics venues to top U.S. Colleges, Rekortan re-surfaces hundreds of venues each year. Don’t get left behind.

RE-TOP YOUR TRACK AND CELEBRATE ANOTHER 10 YEARS RUNNING

16 JULY 2021

WHY THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO RESURFACE YOUR TRACK.

Getting tracks up and running again

As the world resurfaces from COVID-19, track venues around the world are starting to spring back into action. The sport facilities that are the heartbeat of so many communities are coming to life again but it has been a challenging time for the health of our cities, schools and stadia. With so many running tracks laying dormant due to the pandemic, the time and budget pressure to get up and running to full speed again is high. For many venues, it is a race for survival.

On track to benefit the environment

The pandemic has also been a stark reminder of our impact on the environment. When the world locked down, the air above China’s Wuhan, cleared. Ditto Venice’s Canals. As production opens up again there has never been a greater emphasis on the need for, and ability of, the human race to reduce its carbon footprint.

This is why, as the world resurfaces from COVID-19, now could be the ideal time to resurface your track.

Rekortan Gel tracks are made from 88% renewable materials so they have always been an environmentally healthy choice. But their green credentials become even more sustainable when the life-span of the track is extended. Re-topping existing track components has a much lower environmental cost as it can keep your track running for an extra 7-10 years.

Keeping tracks running for 30 years or more

In 2020, Rekortan retopped Wales’ Newport Stadium, injecting new life into a 23 year old surface that is on track to last 30 years as a result.

In Wollongong, Australia, the Kerryn McCann Athletics Track was re-topped from red to blue in 2017, extending its lifespan beyond 30 years.

Re-surfacing to Diamond League Standards

Environmental gains are not made at the expense of performance gains. Our resurfacing projects at the Manchester Arena and Alexander Stadium in Birmingham are proof of this. Both World Athletics certified venues, we have re-topped both tracks and maintained their elite standards over 19 and 20 years respectively.

Safeguarding athlete performance

In terms of athlete performance, resurfacing an old track immediately improves the athlete experience. It restores cushioning, provides optimal force reduction on athletes’ joints and removes any cracks and loose crumb which could lead to falls.

Getting tracks up and running again sooner

Given the weeks and months that COVID-19 has left tracks dormant, the benefit of minimising the time that lanes are left empty can’t be overstated. As well as giving back years in lifespan, re-topping takes a track out of commission for less than a week. If new asphalt is required, completely replacing your track takes at least 30 days. So on average, re-topping ensures that a venue is up and running again five times sooner.

Green tracks cost less

The reduced environmental cost of re-topping is matched by the economic saving. Resurfacing an existing track before a full-depth replacement is necessary could cost venue owners up to 50% less – saving money without compromising performance or the environment.

Track longevity benefits everyone

Choosing a track system that is made of high quality, integrated components that are suitable for the local climate will increase durability. As with anything, good maintenance is also key to a track’s lifespan. Add to this, the ability to re-top that surface before a complete replacement is required and you start to see tracks far outperforming their expected lifespan which is good for venue owners, athletes, local communities and the environment. It is the race that everyone wins.

WHY LOCALLY MADE COURTS PROVIDE A FRESH ADVANTAGE

FEBRUARY 3, 2021

LAYKOLD IS THE ONLY GRAND SLAM SURFACE MADE ON THREE CONTINENTS

Sport is no stranger to the phenomenon of a home advantage. What is less visible, is the benefit that a home grown sport surface can provide. As eyes turn to the start of the Grand Slam circuit with the Australian Open in February, the courts may not be the first thing they see. But a tennis court’s performance, just like a player’s, is impacted by whether or not it has had to travel and whether it is in its natural environment or has to acclimatise. A locally made court has the home advantage. As the only Grand Slam surface made in Australia, USA and Germany in ISO certified factories, Laykold offers a local advantage across three continents. Here is how.

1. Long distance travel can cause the product to spoil or settle. This means it takes longer to mix and is more prone to streaking which results in an inconsistent surface. By contrast, a locally-made Laykold court system, can be freshly installed within 7-14 days of manufacture.

2. Custom-made for the local climate. Each region comes with its own unique environmental challenges from UV intensity to moisture control. Laykold redesigns and custom-makes its court systems to meet these increased demands – going beyond compliance with international standards.

3. Locally-made lasts longer. With intrinsic local climate innovation and regional teams available for colour-matching and problem solving, our court systems come with 5 year warranties – the longest in the business. 16 years of objective evidence gives us confidence that our locally-made courts will last beyond this.

4. Local ingredients lower costs and carbon footprint. 75-80% of a court formulation is mineral fillers, sand and water. Sending these fillers around the world is a huge waste of energy and money. Sport Group therefore has dedicated acrylic production facilities in the USA, Europe, and Asia Pacific that serve those regions using local sand and rainwater.

5. Buying in local currency costs less. Our regional customers have no exchange rate risk, they are able to buy on account and typically don’t have to buy full containers meaning they can be more cost-efficient. Therefore, the financial and environmental cost of buying local is much lower.

6. Expert technical support in real time. We have experienced local teams comprised of chemists, chemical engineers, civil engineers, application specialists and logistics professionals who can provide technical support via a local call or on-site support. They are backed by a global innovation team for rapid idea-sharing and troubleshooting.

7. Supply chain stability. Sport Group is unique in the sports surface industry in owning its entire global supply chain, providing protection against raw material shortages or compromises with third party suppliers and the expensive alternative of air freighting.

8. Consistent quality you can trust. As the only sport surface manufacturer with ISO 9000 certification our formulations and processes are continually improved. So whether you are buying from our ISO-certified factory in Australia, USA or Germany you will receive the same high level of product quality and consistency from within your own market.

DRIVING BROADER ECONOMIC VALUE AND SUPPORTING JOBS

In Australia, the US and Europe, manufacturing is a crucial part of the economy. As of February 2020 922,000 people are employed in the manufacturing sector in Australia1 which comprises 5.7% of the country’s total GDP2.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), manufacturing in the U.S. accounts for 11.39% of the total output in the economy and employs 8.51% of the workforce – an average of 12.8m people. This rises to 28.5m people in the EU3, with manufacturing accounting for 14.78% of Europe’s total GDP in 20194.

Sport Group employs 1900 people across these markets and further supports hundreds of local customers – most of whom are family-run businesses. Buying locally helps to protect these jobs and injects money back into the local economy at a time when it needs it most.

TRUSTED AND CHOSEN FOR THE WORLD’S BIGGEST TOURNAMENTS

Global expertise and knowledge-sharing paired with local manufacturing, R&D and installation capability means that Laykold can provide world class systems at a local level. The world’s best players will step out onto fresh Laykold courts at the Miami Open in March and at the US Open in August. Customers in Australia and Europe can have the same Grand-Slam quality in their own back yards within days. Locally-made makes sense and you don’t have to look far to see why. The answer is on your doorstep.

JIM TRITT - GLOBAL SPORTS SURFACES EXPERT

FEBRUARY 12, 2021

As regions and countries look to contain COVID-19 and protect public health and economies, buying locally has never been more important. Laykold, Sport Group’s leading court brand for 75 years is the only Grand Slam surface made in ISO certified factories in Australia, the US and Germany, offering a locally-made choice across three continents. We spoke to Jim Tritt, Sport Group’s leading court systems expert based in Melbourne for a fresh perspective on the ‘home advantage’ of a locally-made court.

What is your role at Sports Group and how did you get there?

I am the COO of Sport Group Asia Pacific which means I oversee all manufacturing, quality control, and product development in the region from our Melbourne facility. My route here was via the US where I joined Sport Group in 1995 as a research chemist. I went on to work in R&D, quality control and product management there before moving to Australia in the early 2000s where I was tasked with commissioning and building our factory in Melbourne. This facility benefitted from the expertise and experience I had acquired in our US market but with local manufacturing, environmental and employment standards front of mind.

“The financial and environmental cost of buying local is much lower.”

- JIM TRITT, COO OF SPORT GROUP ASIA-PACIFIC

Tell us about your tennis court manufacturing experience.

I began working on tennis court development and innovation in the US where I developed a number of the Laykold top coats and base layers that make up our current systems. From our bespoke facility in Melbourne I was able to recreate these for local conditions as well as driving new court product innovation for the region. So my court manufacturing experience is made up of both international knowledge and local expertise over 26 years which has been crucial in staying ahead of the game.

What are the benefits of buying locally-made tennis courts?

There are many answers to that question so I’m going to break it down.

1. Long distance travel can cause the product to spoil or settle. As court acrylic is water-based it is susceptible to bacteria if left unused for too long which can impact its film quality. It is also comprised of sand which is 50% denser than water. The impact of time, vibration and heat associated with shipping can cause the sand to sink to the bottom of the container where it creates a hard pack which can’t be redispersed. This means it takes longer to mix and is more prone to streaking which costs customers time and money and results in an inconsistent surface. By contrast, a locally-made Laykold court system, can be freshly installed within 7-14 days of manufacture.

2. Custom-made for the local climate. Each region comes with its own unique environmental challenges. Take Australia’s intense UV light. We’ve spent extensive R&D hours developing our products in a UV chamber to ensure long-term colour stability which we’ve achieved even for less-stable colours like our Vibrant range which are made with organic pigments. We’ve also optimised the working time of our products so that, for example, even on a windy day with direct sunlight and low relative humidity typical in Southern Australia they won’t dry too quickly and streak. The increased demands of the local environment and local standards often means going above and beyond compliance with international standards.

3. Locally-made lasts longer. With intrinsic local climate innovation and regional teams available for colour-matching and problem solving, our court systems come with 5 year warranties – the longest in the business. 16 years of objective evidence in the region gives me confidence that our Melbourne-made courts will last beyond this.

4. Local ingredients safeguard costs and carbon footprint. 75-80% of a court formulation is mineral fillers, sand and water. Sending these fillers around the world is a huge waste of energy and money. Sport Group therefore has dedicated acrylic production facilities in the USA, Europe, and Asia Pacific that serve the local markets. In Australia we use local sand and our products are made exclusively with rainwater which we collect in a 20-ton tank at the Melbourne factory meaning we don’t waste a single drop of water there. If we’re making our Grand Slam quality US Open blue for an Australian customer, we’ll do it on Australian soil, rinsing the tank with rainwater which then becomes part of the next batch.

5. Installed with local knowledge. In Australia we work with a high percentage of concrete substrates which raise greater challenges with moisture control. Our understanding of concrete chemistry and the Australian ground conditions has allowed us to develop vapour barriers and optimise court installation to avoid water rising through the surface which can cause blistering.

6. Buying in local currency costs less. Our regional customers have no exchange rate risk, they are able to buy on account and typically don’t have to buy full containers meaning they can be more cost-efficient. So the financial and environmental cost of buying local is much lower.

7. Expert technical support in real time. We have an experienced local team comprised of chemists, chemical engineers, civil engineers, application specialists, logistics professionals, and relationship managers who can provide technical support via a local call or onsite support. They have access to a global innovation team for rapid idea-sharing and troubleshooting across a wide variety of potential environmental or site-specific issues.

8. Supply chain stability. A global shipping crisis is one of the side-effects of COVID-19 and so having supply chain stability is more important than ever. Sport Group is unique in the sports surface industry in owning its entire global supply chain, providing protection against raw material shortages or compromises with third party suppliers and the expensive alternative of air freighting.

9. Consistent quality you can trust. We are the only sport surface manufacturer with ISO 9000 certification which involves continuous improvement of our formulations and processes. This means that whether you are buying from our ISO-certified factory in Australia, USA or Germany you will receive the same high level of product quality and consistency from within your own market.

10. And finally, beyond the product itself there is a broader question of value. Manufacturing is a crucial part of the Australian economy. As of February 2020, just shy of 1 million people are employed in the manufacturing sector in Australia which comprises 5.7% of the country’s total GDP. We employ 150 people within our Melbourne operation and support a further 300 local customers – most of whom are family-owned businesses. Imports pose a significant threat to local jobs and wealth creation. Buying Australian-made helps to protect these jobs and stimulates the local economy at a time when it needs it most.

FORGET SPEED RATINGS. THE BEST TENNIS COURTS ARE MEASURED BY PACE PRECISION.

With Laykold, you can now order your court speed to within 0.5 of a point!

JULY 16, 2021

The world’s best tennis players regularly hit the ball over 100mph, they must react in a faction of a second and their timing has to be sublime. They play in the zone, flowing from moment to moment, within this rarefied space the pace of the court itself is crucial to performance and outcome.

Now, with Laykold, the world’s best tournaments can demand pace precision like never before, matching the extraordinary accuracy of the elite athletes who play on their courts.

Traditional Speed Ratings are behind the pace

An average first serve in men’s tennis is approximately 115 mph, which gives a returner 0.47 seconds to react. These are intense performance parameters which are not matched by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) court speed classifications.

The ITF classifies courts in categories of 1 to 5, with court pace ratings (CPR) based on a relatively wide-ranging points scale. For example, a medium/fast court would have a CPR of 40-45. So traditionally, determining the pace of a court has not been an exact science, and does not match the exacting performance needs of the most highly trained athletes on the planet.

Laykold and the US Open set a new standard for pace precision

In 2020, the US Open, the fastest hard-court tournament in professional tennis, selected Laykold for its first change of court manufacturer in 42 years. With both tournament organizers and players requiring consistent pace on practice and competition courts, Laykold needed to serve up its scientific strengths.

Tapping into 25 years of exhaustive surface testing, Laykold developed a formulation database that enables its scientists to perfect how they dial in those pace ratings. This allows speed to be tailored to individual tournaments to within 0.5 of a point.

After the 2020 US Open, Daniel Zausner, Chief Operating Officer, USTA National Tennis Center reported that;

“With excellent consistency across all courts, Laykold was able to meet the US Open pace rating and performance exactly.”

A granular level of accuracy

To deliver this level of pace precision, the type and blend of sand used in the court surface is critical. The specific angles of the grains and how they interact with the grains around them determine the levels of friction between the ball and the court, rendering them agents of pace.

As Wesley Baum, R&D Chemist and Technical and Field Support Manager for Laykold explains:

“Our proprietary blend of sand goes through gradation analysis to test its sieve curve. The tighter the curve, the lower the chance of deviation to court speed, ensuring consistency of surface pace and speed of play which is a major factor in pinpointing the level of pace accuracy that Laykold courts can now achieve.”

Setting the pace for the court surface industry

Ensuring accuracy across the different courts (43 in total) is all part of Baum’s job:

“The way that the US Open is set up, there are 13 practice courts and they’re used by the public across the year, so the pace for those courts is set at medium. However, a medium-fast pace is required for the US Open so we need to adapt those court speeds for the tournament as well as dialling in exact pace ratings across all of the main tournament courts. It is a very tailored and meticulous process which has taken years of trial and expertise to optimise.”

Baum will be with his crew at Flushing Meadows for five weeks to install the surface to the US Open’s exacting standards. The precise pace they request remains a well-guarded secret, but the Laykold crew will hit it within 0.5 of a point. Their experience, backed by 25 years of R&D, is setting a new pace for the court surface industry.

LAST YEAR’S BALLS. THIS YEAR’S COURTS

AUGUST 12, 2021

Western & Southern Open (Cincinnati) is the first major tournament to use recycled balls, on its Grandstand Court.

For the first time, a major U.S Open Series tournament is using recycled balls in its court surface, keeping balls on the court (literally) and out of landfill, a joint initiative between the USTA, Recycled Balls, Wilson Tennis and Laykold.

The statistics are striking: the US Open changes balls every nine games per match, which soon adds up to some 70,000 balls per tournament. In the US alone, over 100 million balls annually end up in landfill, and with a slow rate of decomposition (400 years), the challenge to keep tennis balls from heading straight to landfill is one that Laykold, the official surface of the Western & Southern Open (aka Cincinnati Masters) is keen to tackle.

The Western & Southern Open, a prestigious tournament dating back to the 19th century, is one of the Masters 1000 tournaments on the ATP Tour and Premier 5 tournaments of the WTA Tour, and this year, its Grandstand court has a little something extra in its base: a recipe for sustainability.

Due to Covid 19 and the need to reduce travel, last year’s W&SO tournament was played in New York. Balls from this tournament and the 2020 US Open (which switched to Laykold courts after 42 years of the same previous supplier), served, sliced and volleyed by stars such as Serena Williams, Dominic Thiem and Naomi Osaka, were collected and crushed, then added to the base layer of the Grandstand Court (capacity 5000), prepared and installed by Laykold.

With the tournament heading back to the Lindner Family Tennis Center this year, Laykold has completed the works on all courts: Center Court (capacity 11,500), Grandstand Court, Court #3 (capacity 3500) and Court #9 (capacity 2500), as well as nearby practice courts.

Laykold’s proven ability to provide surfaces that players can step onto with confidence goes beyond playing performance, demonstrating levels of environmental performance unmatched in the industry and aligning with the USTA’s own sustainability commitments and values.

Laykold courts are powered by Advanced Polymer Technology (APT), which ISO 9001 Quality Management certified, in addition to being the world’s only ISO 14001 environmental certified court manufacturer. With its integrated supply chain, APT is the market leader in warranties, meaning that Laykold courts have a lifespan unmatched in the industry, with a knock-on benefit to the environment.

Laykold is the choice of 7 of the top 12 hard court events in USA and Canada: with its ISO certification and commitment to innovation and sustainability, Laykold is the clear choice to give your court the competitive advantage.

SEVEN OF 12 TOP HARD COURT TOURNAMENTS CHOOSE LAYKOLD

AUGUST 25, 2021

BACK AT ASHE

Pace precision and consistency continue to be key for US Open courts

Following the 2020 US Open, played without its traditionally enthusiastic supporters, it’s shaping up to be a great 2021 tournament at Flushing Meadows, with crowds warmly welcomed back to Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Last year’s tournament, despite the absence of tennis fans, marked the successful debut appearance of Laykold as the official surface of the US Open, the first new supplier and installer of US Open courts in 42 years.

The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the tour year, is known for being the fastest hard-court tournament in professional tennis, with tournament organizers and players demanding precise pace on both practice and competition courts. To meet these needs, Laykold taps into 25 years of exhaustive testing, scientific research, its formulation database and know-how to enable us to dial in the requested pace rating to within 0.5 of a point, ensuring consistency.

US Open proven excellence

After the success of the 2020 US Open, where star players Naomi Osaka and Dominic Thiem were victorious, Daniel Zausner, Chief Operating Officer of the USTA National Tennis Center, acknowledged that “with excellent consistency across all courts, Laykold was able to meet the US Open pace rating and performance exactly.”

The 2021 tournament gives Laykold the chance to consolidate its position as the leading major events court surface in the U.S and Canada, with seven of the top 12 hard court events trusting Laykold as their court surface: the US Open, Western & Southern Open, Miami Open, Canadian Open, Dallas Open, Winston Salem Open and Tennis in the Land (Cleveland).

Last year’s balls, recycled into this year’s courts

Laykold recently made headlines at the 2021 Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, installing the world’s first major tournament court surface made with recycled balls (collected from the 2020 US Open and Western & Southern Open tournaments that were both played in New York because of Covid).

ISO proven quality

Laykold’s proven quality standards and dedication to player comfort and sustainability continue to be another one of the driving reasons for choosing Laykold.

As the only U.S and global court manufacturer to be both ISO 9001 certified for quality management and ISO 14001 certified for environmental management, Laykold presents a distinct advantage and is the market leader on sustainable practices, with our Gel Technology system made from 60% renewable resources.

“Across the US, Canada, Australia, Asia and Europe, Laykold is taking tennis court quality to a new level,” says Jeff Bryant, Laykold US National Sales Manager. “We are proud that Laykold is leading on player and environmental performance.”

Laykold: Trusted and chosen for over 75 years.

DAVISON HIGH SCHOOL – DAVISON, MI

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE – CHARLOTTE, NC

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY – NORTH CHARLESTON, SC

CARTHAGE HIGH SCHOOL – CARTHAGE, NY

CAMDEN HIGH SCHOOL – KINGSLAND, GA

CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY – BUIES CREEK, NC

CAIRO HIGH SCHOOL – CAIRO, GA

CIBC FIRE PITCH – CHICAGO, IL

BROWN UNIVERSITY – PROVIDENCE, RI

FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY – FAYETTEVILLE, NC

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY – LYNCHBURG, VA

LASSITER HIGH SCHOOL – MARIETTA, GA

KENT CITY HIGH SCHOOL – KENT, MI

JOHN MUIR HIGH SCHOOL – PASADENA, CA

JACKIE ROBINSON TRAINING FACILITY – VERO BEACH, FL

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO – MOSCOW, ID

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII – HONOLULU, HI

HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL – KENNESAW, GA

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY – TALLAHASSEE, FL EA SPORTS

NOBLESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL – NOBLESVILLE, IN

ROYAL OAK MEMORIAL PARK – ROYAL OAK, MI

MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL – LAWRENCEVILLE, GA

MISSOURI UNIVERSITY – COLUMBIA, MO

MINERAL RIDGE – MINERAL RIDGE, OH

MICHIGAN TECH – HOUGHTON, MI

MCEACHERN HIGH SCHOOL – POWDER SPRINGS, GA

MASTER’S ACADEMY – OVIDEO, FL

MANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL – MANVILLE, NJ

LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY – LOCK HAVEN, PA

ROXANA HIGH SCHOOL – ROXANA, IL

RIDGELAND HIGH SCHOOL – RIDGELAND, MS

RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL – MATTERSON, IL

PURDUE UNIVERSITY – WEST LAFAYETTE, IN

POPE HIGH SCHOOL – MARIETTA, GA

PECOS SPORTS COMPLEX – PECOS, TX

PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL – PASADENA, CA

OWYHEE HIGH SCHOOL – BOISE, ID

OSBORNE HIGH SCHOOL – MARIETTA, GA

OAK HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL – OAK HARBOR, WA

TULSA UNION HIGH SCHOOL – TULSA, OK

TUFTS UNIVERSITY – MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MA

TORONTO ROGERS CENTRE – TORONTO, CANADA

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN UNIVERSITY – NACOGDOCHES, TX

ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL – SANTA MARIA, CA

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL – LA CANADA, CA

SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY – BUENA VISTA, VA

SHAW HIGH SCHOOL – EAST CLEVELAND, OH

JUNIPERO SERRA HIGH SCHOOL – GARDENA, CA

RUSSELLVILLE HIGH SCHOOL – RUSSELLVILLE, AR

IROQUOIS HIGH SCHOOL – ERIE, PA

BRENHAM HIGH SCHOOL - BRENHAM, TX

EDNA KARR – NEW ORLEANS, LA

DEL ORO HIGH SCHOOL – LOOMIS, CA

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY – EWING, NJ

CHABOT COLLEGE – HAYWARD, CA

WHEELER HIGH SCHOOL – MARIETTA, GA

WALTON HIGH SCHOOL – MARIETTA, GA

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY – RICHMOND, VA

VILLA RICA HIGH SCHOOL – VILLA RICA, GA

ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL – LUBBOCK, TX

RICKARDS HIGH SCHOOL – TALLAHASSEE, FL

RICE UNIVERSITY – HOUSTON, TX

MOUNT UNION COLLEGE – ALLIANCE, OH

MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY – LAKE CHARLES, LA

JACKSBORO HIGH SCHOOL – JACKSBORO, TX

ONONDAGA

OAK HARBOR TRACK

MANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL TRACK

JOHN MUIR HIGH SCHOOL TRACK

WARRENSBURG HIGH SCHOOL TRACK

WETUMPKA HIGH TRACK

UTICA COLLEGE 1

RIO LINDA TRACK

PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL TRACK

RUCKER PARK, NEW YORK, NY

GUSH

SUNNYSIDE PLAYGROUND HOUSTON, TEXAS

TRIASSIC PLAYGROUND FLUSHING, NY

THE

FIRST NAME IN TURF

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW INDEX

The AstroTurf Family of Brands is unique in that they are made up of historic brands that paved the way for all others in their respective sports and recreational surfacing categories. For several decades our brands have been helping build champions and create memories on AstroTurf® fields, Rekortan® tracks, Laykold® courts, and SYNLawn® landscapes. From design to build, our team works with families and facilities across the nation and globe to deliver highcaliber sports and recreational surfaces that bring out the game in all of us.

About AstroTurf®

For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurfbranded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit AstroTurf’s newly redesigned website at www.astroturf.com.

◗ Northwestern University Miller Ballpark Evanston IL

◗ The 2021 Football Scoop Coaching Awards Presented by AstroTurf

◗ Astroturf Corporation Scores a Trifecta with Carthage Central High School in Upstate Nevada

◗ NCAA Softball Elite Continue to Trust the AstroTurf Diamond Series

◗ Simmons Bank Liberty Bowl.

◗ AstroTurf Day Celebrates History, Milestones

◗ New AstroTurf baseball field a win for UCLA Bruins, Veterans

◗ Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions and AstroTurf® Making Big Moves in Colorado

◗ AstroTurf Completes Two Major League Baseball Replica Fields at The Ripken Experience™ Aberdeen

◗ University of Arkon

◗ Northern Illinois University Elevates its Athletics Programs with New AstroTurf® Soccer, Baseball Fields

◗ Duke University Field Hockey Brings Green Technology to United States with New Installation

◗ New AstroTurf Field at Camping World Stadium Receives Official Seal of Approval from FIFA

◗ Warrensburg H.S. Completes Sports Facility Upgrades with Full Suite of AstroTurf® Corporation Products

◗ University of Louisville Trager Stadium

◗ Monterey Bay F.C. Chooses FIFA-Approved AstroTurf® Field for Home Pitch at New Cardinale Stadium

◗ Holy Cross Is Resurfacing Hart Turf Field & Track using State-of-the-Art Athletic Surface Technology

◗ AstroTurf Announces New Distributor For Great Lakes Region

◗ University of Evansville

◗ AstroTurf Completes New Hockey Fields for Three Big Ten Teams

◗ Fargodome Gets a New AstroTurf Magic Carpet in Time for the 2022 NDSU Bison Football Season

◗ Wingate University

◗ Mount Holyoke College Updates the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Field with Elite AstroTurf® System

◗ New AstroTurf Baseball Field in the Philippines

◗ Metropolitan State Assembly Athletic Complex University

◗ Liberty Trusts AstroTurf for Field Upgrades at Williams Stadium, Field Hockey Stadium

◗ Marshall University Trusts AstroTurf for Another Field Upgrade at Joan C. Edwards Stadium

◗ Akron Zips Football Starts the 2022 Season with New AstroTurf and a Branding Refresh

◗ Colorado School of Mines Updates its Football & Soccer Fields with leading edge AstroTurf Systems

◗ The City of Dothan Installs State-of-the-Art AstroTurf to Complete $12M Rip Hewes Stadium Renovations

◗ MSU Denver Chooses AstroTurf for Three New Fields at the Assembly Athletic Complex

◗ University of Washington Upgrades Husky Ballpark with Leading-Edge AstroTurf

◗ Field Hockey National Champion Middlebury College adds AstroTurf System

◗ AstroTurf Becomes the Exclusive Dealer for SISGrass in the United States

◗ AstroTurf’s replica MLB fields at Ripken Experience honored by ASBA

◗ 2022 Project Galleries

THE 2021 FOOTBALL SCOOP COACHING AWARDS PRESENTED BY ASTROTURF

In a year when terms like “NIL” and “transfer portal” captured headlines, it was the action on the field and the welcome sound of fans returning to stadiums that that highlighted the 2021 college football season.

And, boy, were there highlights.

For the first time since 2018, no team finished undefeated, a Group of Five team advanced to the college playoff and numerous colleges, universities accepted invitations to new conferences and numerous NCAA records were set on the field.

Still, the backbone of college football remains its coaches. And we are honored to announce the winners of the 2021 FootballScoop Coaches of the Year awards presented by AstroTurf. These awards are the only set of awards that recognize the most outstanding position coaches in college football.

◗ Offensive Coordinator of the Year – Jeff Grimes, Baylor

◗ Defensive Coordinator of the Year – Jim Knowles, Oklahoma State

◗ Quarterbacks Coach of the Year –Zach Kittley, Western Kentucky

◗ Running Backs Coach of the Year

– William Peagler, Michigan State

◗ Wide Recievers Coach of the Year

– Brian Hartline, Ohio State

◗ Tight End Coach of the Year –Todd Hartley, Georgia

◗ Offensive Line Coach of the Year – Jim Harding, Utah

◗ Defensive Line Coach of the Year – Shaun Nua, Michigan

◗ Linebackers Coach of the Year –Ron Roberts and Caleb Collins, Baylor

◗ Defensive Backs Coach of the Year – Phil Parker, Iowa State

◗ Special Teams Coordinator of the Year – Jay Harbaugh, Michigan

◗ Football Operations Director of the Year – Ben Thienes, San Jose State

◗ Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year – Scott Sinclair, Georgia

◗ FCS Coordinator of the Year – David Braun, North Dakota State

◗ Division II Coordinator of the Year – Ryan Hodges, Ferris State

◗ Division III Coordinator of the Year – Nick Brady, Delaware Valley

The finalists for each award were selected from nominations by coaches, athletic directors, and athletic director personnel. The prior winners of the award then choose the winner from the list of finalists. If asked, most of the winners will tell you that this award means much more than others because it is chosen by their peers. Now in its 13th year, the FootballScoop Awards presented by AstroTurf has grown into a highly anticipated event within the football coaching profession. Awards are handed out to the winners at a reception during the American Football Coaches Association Convention each year.

◗ NAIA Coordinator of the Year – Andrew Rode, Morningside

◗ FootballScoop & AstroTurf are excited to partner together to present these well-deserved awards each year.

For more information about each individual award, please visit www.footballscoop.com

About FootballScoop

Created in 1999, FootballScoop.com is the premier source for coaching job information and has long been the most widely viewed website by coaches, athletic directors, strength & conditioning coaches, operations and equipment staff across America. As the leading coaching job information venue, FootballScoop. com serves our viewers’ needs by providing first hand, timely & accurate information for our audience. FootballScoop.com is the premier provider of official job postings.

ASTROTURF CORPORATION SCORES A TRIFECTA WITH CARTHAGE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL IN UPSTATE NEYADA

Carthage, NY – Carthage Central High School in Carthage, NY, recently completed three major upgrades with the AstroTurf Corporation. A Class A school competing in the Frontier League of Section 111 of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Carthage has a long history of producing top-notch athletes. The high school is home to professional lacrosse players Casey Powell, Ryan Powell, Mikey Powell, and Mario Ventiquattro. Carthage football made its first state championship appearance in 2019, and all of the sports teams, from outdoor track to soccer, are known for being highly competitive.

Showing their commitment to all of the student-athletes, the Carthage Comets Athletics program installed a series of next-gen products – a new RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend 52 football field, a Rekortan BSS track, and all-weather Laykold acrylic tennis courts.

“Carthage Comets Athletics chose some of the leading playing surface products for high school athletics on the market today. We’re thrilled to be the company behind the new turf, track, and tennis courts at Carthage Central,” says Ryan Matthews, regional salesman for AstroTurf.

With this new turf installation, the Carthage Comets football, lacrosse, and soccer teams will practice and play on one of AstroTurf’s most advanced products: the RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend system.

The turf is purpose-built to outlast standard synthetic fields. The texturized layers of fibers are designed to keep the infill in place and reduce migration. The players will also benefit from enhanced safety and stability, thanks to AstroTurf’s patent-pending Trionic fibers. Made from

a blend of nylon and polyethylene fused at the molecular level, they offer both incredible resilience and player-friendly grass-like traction.

To optimize player performance even more, the school decided to install a Brock SP14 shock pad underneath the turf. This premium pad will boost shock absorption and guarantee HIC and G-Max measurements. The Comets also have a brand new logo on the midfield and custom colors on the end zones and borders to match the school’s colors, scarlet red and gray.

“AstroTurf was a great company to work with from start to finish,” said Jason Brown, Carthage athletic director and assistant principal. “They walked us through each step and really turned out a top notch product!”

The new turf looks even more stunning surrounded by a freshly installed Rekortan BSS WB track. It’s a charcoal-colored track with Red Pantone 185C exchange zones. Rekortan tracks are the best in the world. They are the top choice for more than 300 world-certified tracks, and over 2 million square meters of Rekortan are installed around the world each year.

To complete the school’s world-class athletic surface upgrade, Carthage Central opted for Laykold acrylic courts. Laykold is the surface for all the major tennis competitions, including the US Open, the Miami Open, and Davis Cup Events. With a hard court coating, the acrylic system resists wear from the elements, ensuring a smooth, safe playing surface for years. The new courts are scarlet red with a gray border, matching the custom colors of the turf and track.

All three of these leading-edge athletic surfaces come from the global leader in high-performance and environmentally-friendly playing surfaces: AstroTurf. The athletes will start 2022 playing on exceptional turf, track, and court surfaces, making it a great time to be a Carthage Comet.

NCAA SOFTBALL ELITE CONTINUE TO TRUST THE ASTROTURF DIAMOND SERIES

Dalton, Ga – With a new round of artificial turf installations at several of the nation’s top collegiate softball facilities, AstroTurf seals its position as the leading provider of playing surfaces for NCAA schools. From Boston College to the University of Hawaii, the best softball programs in the country are empowering their players with the superior durability, realistic ball bounce, and high performance that AstroTurf’s Diamond Series turf systems provide.

AstroTurf’s most recent Division I softball installations include a new field at Oklahoma State University’s Cowgirl Stadium. After testing several turf systems, Coach Kenny Gajewski opted for the RootZone Diamond Blend RBI, which combines a texturized fiber system that curls down and reduces infill migration with legend-shaped polyethylene monofilament fibers that ensure an attractive, grass-like look and strong wear resistance. Oklahoma State is well known for having one of the premier softball programs in the country – now it also has one of the best facilities, too.

The University of Michigan also recently chose AstroTurf’s Diamond Series RBI system for the turf at Alumni Field at the Wilpon Complex. Home to 17 NCAA Regional tournaments and four NCAA Super Regionals, the Wolverines’ home turf in Ann Arbor is one of the most modern softball fields in the Big 10 Conference and continues to be a point of pride for the team.

Campbell University SoftballIn October of 2021, AstroTurf installed its Diamond Series HR turf system at the Amanda Littlejohn Stadium in Lillington, North Carolina for the Campbell University Camels. Campbell University took home the Big South Softball Championship title last year with a win over the USC Upstate Spartans.

Another elite NCAA softball team playing on a freshly installed AstroTurf field for the 2022 season is Florida A&M’s Lady Rattlers. FAMU replaced the existing clay infield and natural grass outfield at its 37-year-old complex with a state-of-the-art RootZone Diamond OPS synthetic turf system.

Commenting on the upgrade, Vice President and Director of Athletics Kortne Gosha said, “We were extremely excited to partner with AstroTurf on this project. It was very important that we developed a premier studentathlete experience to perform in all weather conditions [and to] reduce grounds and upkeep expenses.”

Villanova’s Wildcats are also getting a major upgrade. Their Diamond Series RBI turf system at Pike Softball Field will convert their existing natural grass field to artificial turf. Villanova is coming off its first Big East Championship in 2021.

And Liberty University completed their AstroTurf upgrade last June, bringing an innovative RootZone Diamond Blend RBI field to Kamphuis Field, one of the top collegiate softball facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Coach Dot Richardson, who has an outstanding 258-190 record after eight years at Liberty, commented on the new field, “We have been blessed to partner with AstroTurf for our softball stadium, which is one of the state-of-the-art facilities in the nation. We enjoy the durability, performance, and aesthetics of the product. AstroTurf is committed to excellence, and we appreciate our partnership.”

The University of Connecticut also went with AstroTurf’s Diamond Series OPS for its new turf installation at the Burrill Family Field last March.

“Our athletes and our program as a whole are very grateful to have such a beautiful facility,” said head coach Laura Valentino. “Our field is one of the best in the Northeast, if not the best, and we are appreciative of AstroTurf’s partnership and hard work.” Other elite college softball teams playing on AstroTurf include last year’s NCAA National Champions, the University of Oklahoma Sooners, the University of Incarnate World, Saint Joseph’s University, University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, Fresno State, and the University of Oregon.

With the ability to tailor the field to create a home-field advantage and to drastically reduce the maintenance costs that come with a natural-grass field, all while boosting longevity and performance, the Diamond Series is a clear home-run for the nation’s top softball programs.

ASTROTURF DAY CELEBRATES HISTORY, MILESTONES

Dalton, GA – The scoreboard on the Houston Astrodome read “You are about to witness an historic event,” on March 21, 1966 to commemorate the first major league baseball game played on a synthetic surface.

More than 55 years later, we continue to mark that historic day with the second annual AstroTurf Day. Established in 2021 in Dalton, Georgia, home to AstroTurf’s manufacturing facility since 1968, we celebrate our history and milestones as well as the future.

The second annual AstroTurf Day is set for Monday, March 21, 2022.

AstroTurf® is the original inventor of synthetic turf, and the company has been at the leading edge of athletic surface innovation for over half a century. AstroTurf® products have set the stage for some of the most iconic moments in sports history. They have served as the playing surface for 12 World Series, 11 Super Bowls, 10 Olympics, 8 Major League AllStar Games, and 34 NFL Pro Bowls. AstroTurf® is also a preferred turf for college athletic programs, high schools, and sports complexes across the United States.

The brand name is inspired by the Houston Astrodome, the world’s first domed multi-sports complex and the launching point for AstroTurf® synthetic turf products. At the time the facility was built, the Astrodome was a marvel of sports architecture. While stunning and thoughtfully designed to align with the progressive vision prevalent during the space race era, the structure had one fatal flaw: the clear Lucite panels of the dome created a near-blinding glare that made it almost impossible for athletes to catch pop-ups.

Immediately recognized as an effective solution and ideal playing surface for professional athletes, synthetic turf was quickly adopted by both professional and college-level sports. In 1967, Indiana State’s Memorial Stadium became the first outdoor installation. By 1974, the first Super Bowl was played on AstroTurf®, and 1975 marked the first international field hockey game on AstroTurf® at Molson Stadium in Montreal. In 1980, the entire World Series was played on baseball fields installed with this ultra-durable synthetic turf.

Part of what had made AstroTurf® such a well-known brand in modern sports is the company’s commitment to innovation. Over the years, the technology has continually improved, edging ever closer to the ultimate goal of replicating the feel, performance, and safety of natural grass while offering the strength and longevity of synthetic turf.

Today, AstroTurf® is owned by Sport Group, a global sports surfacing giant with manufacturing facilities all over the world. The company acquired leading sports surface manufacturers, including AstroTurf®, Rekortan®, a company renowned for developing world-class track systems; Laykold®, the official playing surface of the US Open; and SYNLawn, the leader in artificial grass for playgrounds and professional golf. Active in over 70 countries, Sport Group has installed more than 35,000 synthetic turf fields and running tracks and is committed to supplying the world’s athletes – from Olympians to student-athletes – with superior playing surfaces that enable safe, high-performance play.

MAR 15 2022 | BASEBALL | PRESS RELEASE

NEW ASTROTURF BASEBALL FIELD A WIN FOR UCLA BRUINS, VETERANS

Los Angeles, CA – The new practice field at Jackie Robinson Stadium is ready for action, marking a leap forward for the UCLA Bruins and the U.S. veterans who benefit from the facilities at UCLA’s Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles campus. It’s named the Branca Family Field in honor of the three-time All-Star legend Ralph Blanca – the Dodger who stood next to Jackie Robinson on April 15, 1947, the most remembered opening day in Major League Baseball history. The new turf is a state-of-the-art AstroTurf Diamond Series playing surface that will support UCLA’s nationally renowned baseball program, as well as the school’s decades-long commitment to helping U.S. veterans.

UCLA has been supporting veterans for over 70 years through a unique partnership with the VA. It began with a post-World War II medical affiliation between UCLA’s School of Medicine and the VA healthcare center. Today, the school and VA offer multiple joint services and programs, including the Veteran Family Wellness Center and the Center of Excellence on Veteran Resilience and Recovery. All of these services are located on the VA West Los Angeles campus – which is also home to the 10.1-acre Jackie Robinson Stadium, the home field of the UCLA college baseball team. With the new AstroTurf field, it’s now also home to the official UCLA Bruins’ practice field.

This project completion marks a milestone for today’s team, but it also symbolizes an important piece of baseball history. Jackie Robinson – who was a U.S. Army veteran, along with being the first African American to play in Major League Baseball – is now honored alongside his former friend and fellow Brooklyn Dodger, Ralph Branca.

The training field is part of a larger multi-million dollar stadium grounds upgrade, made possible by several generous and well-known donors. John Branca, Ralph Branca’s nephew, eminent

entertainment attorney, and graduate of UCLA School of Law, donated $1 million. Philanthropist and widow of UCLA baseball star Jack Gifford, Rhodine Gifford, also donated $1 million. Jack Gifford was elected to the UCLA Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990, and he, along with his wife, has shown tremendous support to UCLA baseball over the years.

Other major donors include current and former Major League Baseball stars Gerrit Cole, Troy Glaus, Brandon Crawford, Chase Utley, and Eric Karros. All are former Bruins players.

Through 17 seasons as UCLA’s head coach, John Savage has established the Bruins as a consistent national championship contender. Savage helped UCLA reach college baseball’s pinnacle in 2013, as the Bruins won their first-ever NCAA baseball title. Under his guidance, UCLA has advanced to the postseason in 12 of the last 16 seasons, hosting an NCAA Regional in six of the last 10, including four-straight from 2010 through 2013.

“The new practice facility at Jackie Robinson Stadium is a game changer in so many ways,” said Savage. “Our ability to use the field for all kinds of development for our players is essential. The AstroTurf field provides opportunities and capabilities that our players didn’t have in the past.” Savage completed his 17th season as UCLA’s head coach in 2021. He is currently the third longest-tenured head coach in UCLA baseball program history and has gone 589-382-1 in the past 17 seasons.

“We are using the field for ground balls, team defense, base running, bunting, team offense, pitcher’s fielding practice and bullpen sessions,” added Savage. “The quality of the turf is terrific. It’s like playing on a natural field. The speed, the hops, the play-ability is at a very high level.” In 12 trips to the postseason at UCLA, Savage has compiled a 44-25 record (.638 winning percentage), recording the most postseason victories of any head coach in program history.

With Savage at the program’s helm, UCLA advanced to the College World Series in 2010, 2012, and 2013, and reached the best-of-three championship series in 2010 and 2013. UCLA

defeated Mississippi State, two games to none, at the 2013 College World Series. In 2010, the Bruins advanced to the championship series for the first time in school history, falling two games to none to South Carolina.

Savage’s strong work with UCLA’s program has been equally evident in player development and the MLB Draft. Over his 17 seasons in Westwood, UCLA has produced 117 draft selections. Under Savage, the Bruins led or co-led all NCAA schools in draft selections in both 2019 (13) and 2021 (10), and produced a first-round draft pick in three consecutive years (2019-21) for the first time in program history. In addition, he has coached 22 players at UCLA that have competed in the major leagues. Having entered the synthetic turf industry over 50 years ago with a new baseball field at the Houston Astrodome, this project is also important to AstroTurf.

“We’re honored to create the new training field at the Jackie Robinson Stadium. We put the best into our turf systems, and we know this field is going to be a good thing for everyone who gets to play on it,” says Pat Cassa, a regional sales manager for AstroTurf.

The Branca Family Field is an AstroTurf RootZone Diamond Blend OPS system with exceptionally durable slit film fibers and an organic infill. Combining RootZone technology and AstroTurf’s cutting-edge synthetic clay and grass surfaces, players can count on enhanced ball play, realistic sliding distances, and advanced temperature control.

The UCLA Bruins – who won the National Championship in 2013 and are already off to a strong 2022 season with wins over Texas and Oklahoma, will train on the all-weather field yearround. The field will also serve as a recreational space for veterans and their families.

With this brand-new turf, the Jackie Robinson Stadium will continue holding its position as one of the top facilities in college baseball, while also representing one of the most important stories in the history of the sport.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN TURF SOLUTIONS AND ASTROTURF® MAKING BIG MOVES IN COLORADO

Multiple Sports Complexes and Schools to Benefit from New Turf Projects in 2022

Colorado – April, 2022 – Synthetic turf design and build company Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions and AstroTurf®, the leader in artificial turf innovation, have teamed up to enhance playing fields across the state with leading-edge turf systems. These new playing surfaces are stateof-the-art and designed to improve performance while making Colorado’s sports complexes and school fields more eco-friendly.

The largest project is in Brighton, where two multi-field baseball and softball complexes are getting major upgrades. Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions is installing AstroTurf® on several fields at both the Brighton Sports Complex and Pawlowski Fields.

Using AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 Trionic 52 system, which comes with durable slit-film fibers and tailored infill ratios, athletes will experience unmatched playability. This turf series features the RootZone, a texturized layer of fibers that encapsulates the infill material. The RootZone minimizes interference from infill splash as the ball hits the surface and ensures realistic ball movement.

Additionally, local youth leagues and other teams will be able to access the fields year-round, which means no more canceling games because the infield is too wet to play on after rain.

“We’re really excited about the Brighton fields. Combined, they’re going to cut down on water usage and maintenance work for the city in a big way. And at the same time, kids leagues, adult athletes, coaches – everyone is going to love playing on the new turf,” says Lacey Hartman, President of Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions.

But the Brighton sports complexes are only the beginning. The Colorado-

based company is also installing AstroTurf® fields at Otero Junior College in La Junta, three Brighton School District middle schools, and the historical Runyon Field Sports Complex in Pueblo.

The Otero Rattlers are getting a new AstroTurf® Diamond Series RootZone RBI infield and rebuilding their base to resolve drainage issues. Vikan Middle School, Prairie View Middle School, and Overland Trail Middle School are all converting their natural grass fields to synthetic turf systems. The district chose AstroTurf’s Diamond Series with RootZone 3D Decade systems, which come with 10-year warranties.

Established in 1934, the Runyon Field Sports Complex is the oldest ballpark in Pueblo, Colorado. Babe Ruth played a game there, and from 1947 to 1958, it was the home of the Pueblo Dodgers. Since then, it’s been the heart of amateur baseball outside of the Denver Metropolitan area.

Continuing the tradition of excellence at Runyon, the Runyon Field Board of Directors is replacing the Corsentino Field with new artificial turf. They chose the Diamond Series RootZone OPS baseball turf system, ensuring exceptional wear resistance and the realistic ball movement that AstroTurf’s Diamond Series baseball fields are known for.

All of these fields will provide years of high-performance play, giving athletes of all levels the tools they need to thrive – which is exactly what Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions and AstroTurf® are all about. Being awarded such a high number of projects at once lets these two companies show even more players and facility managers the difference an AstroTurf® field makes.

About Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions: Serving Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico for over 20 years, Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions is a regional distributor of AstroTurf® systems. Their team excels at converting grass fields to synthetic turf and designing playing field surfaces to maximize performance, longevity, and environmental benefits. The company specializes in sports fields, playgrounds, and residential turf landscaping.

APRIL 2022 | FOOTBALL | PRESS RELEASE

ASTROTURF COMPLETES TWO MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL REPLICA FIELDS AT THE RIPKEN EXPERIENCE™ ABERDEEN

Dalton, GA – The Ripken Experience™ Aberdeen, the premier youth baseball destination in the hometown of Cal Ripken, Jr. and Bill Ripken, has two new leading-edge AstroTurf® baseball fields. With these new fields, the complex offers a total of nine fields, all modeled after past and present Major League Baseball stadiums.

This latest project gives even more young baseball players the chance to play the game in state-of-the-art facilities specially designed to mimic the Major League experience. From the walk-up music and player announcements to the perfectly manicured baseball diamonds, ballplayers get to step into the world of Major League Baseball, whether they’re attending a camp or clinic, or competing in a tournament. The Ripken Experience™ chose AstroTurf’s

Diamond Series Diamond-i OPS synthetic turf systems for the two new fields. Purposebuilt to enhance playability, Diamond Series fields include legend-shaped polyethylene fibers to mimic natural grass, a synthetic clay infield engineered to provide a more natural sliding distance, and AstroTurf’s RootZone®, a texturized fiber system that reduces infill migration and creates realistic ball hops. “The Diamond Series is the best of the best when it comes to baseball turf systems. We know these new fields will serve their purpose well – to let even more young athletes experience the feel of playing in the big leagues,” says Aaron Klotz, Manager of Baseball Sales at AstroTurf. “We’ve been making technologically advanced baseball fields for over 50 years, and the fields in Aberdeen are a labor of love for the next generation of baseball.”

“The initial response we’ve received from our teams who have already experienced playing on the new AstroTurf fields has been incredible,” said Lauren Morris, General Manager of The Ripken Experience™ Aberdeen. “The field conditions remain immaculate through all seasons and conditions.”

The new AstroTurf® fields are replicas of Citi Field, the home field of the New York Mets, and PNC Park, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In addition to these fields, The Ripken Experience™ Aberdeen is also home to youthsized replicas of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Memorial Park, Citizen’s Bank, and Nationals Park. There’s also a full-sized replica of Old Yankee Stadium, the home of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 2008.

There are also 15 batting cages, 16 bullpens, and a warm-up area, all created to give young players an authentic taste of MLB.

Young athletes can experience playing on the new Citi Field and PNC Park AstroTurf® fields through The Ripken Experience™ baseball tournaments, camps, and clinics. They can also immerse themselves in the Big League Experience through week-long tournaments that include games, opening day and skills competitions, and player and coach gifts.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ELEVATES ITS ATHLETICS PROGRAMS WITH NEW ASTROTURF® SOCCER, BASEBALL FIELDS

DeKalb, IL – Northern Illinois University announces plans to replace two athletic fields on campus, taking an important step forward on the school’s quest to further support student-athletes and ensure the future success of NIL athletic programs. The university’s Board of Trustees recently approved the installation of new AstroTurf® fields at the Northern Illinois University Soccer and Track & Field Complex, and at Ralph McKinzie Field, home of NIU Huskies Baseball.

The school already boasts some of the best sports facilities in the state, and now with these much-needed upgrades, NIU studentathletes, as well as local sports programs that make use of the fields, will benefit from being able to hold practices, games, and tournaments on state-of-the-art playing surfaces.

“We are very excited about the playing surface upgrade this summer,” said men’s soccer coach Ryan Swan. “The high performing turf will allow us to further develop as a team. Furthermore, the surface upgrades will really enhance our style of play.

“We couldn’t be more excited about our partnership with AstroTurf. We are excited to be able to practice and play on a top-of-

the-line surface that provides playability, consistency, durability, and aesthetics.”

For the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex, AstroTurf® will install a LigaTurf soccer turf system with the RootZone 3D3 blend. LigaTurf is purpose-built for elite soccer play and offers the next best thing to a natural grass field, but without the maintenance requirements or the weather vulnerability issues.

“Northern Illinois has a long tradition of successful soccer, and they are really doing some great things there, said Carl Capellas, Manager of Soccer for AstroTurf. “The soccer field has not been to their level for a long time and that’s why they are getting the LigaTurf line.

“The relationship we have with the school and the AstroTurf products sealed the deal. The relationships and the system sold them on a durable system that’s going to last a long time.”

The Huskies will benefit from the predictable playing surface and incredible durability that AstroTurf® soccer fields offer. The RootZone is engineered to minimize infill splash, helping the turf to stay intact for longer. And the field will also make practice and games safer, enabling the players to push harder when on the pitch. AstroTurf’s LigaTurf RootZone 3D3 soccer turf helps to protect the joints and ensures optimal cleat release, making it a giant improvement over the current turf, which is 14 years old.

For Ralph McKinzie Field, NIU opted for AstroTurf’s Diamond Series RBI baseball turf. It features a RootZone layer to reduce

interference from infill splash and create more realistic ball hops and high-tech legendshaped fibers for unrivaled durability. For this project, the school is replacing the existing dirt and natural grass infield and installing new turf in the foul territory areas. The visiting team bullpen is also getting an upgrade.

“The players and fans both are going to love this new field,” said Aaron Klotz, AstoTurf’s National Manager of Baseball Sales. “The players are going to love the predictable bounces the Diamond Series will give them. Our recipe for baseball systems is the best in the business.”

The upgrade at Ralph McKinzie Field is the first step in the school’s planned Walt and Janice Owens Ballpark project. Walt Owens, known fondly as “Coach O” on campus, was a professional baseball player – he played as both a pitcher and outfielder for the Detroit Stars of the Negro American League – and former NIU baseball head coach. He was also a professor at Northern Illinois University from 1973 until 2007.

When the project is completed, the baseball complex will be formally dedicated in honor of Walt Owens, who passed away in 2020, and his wife, Janice Owens.

The new AstroTurf® fields at the Soccer and Track & Field Complex and Ralph McKinzie Field are part of a larger effort to improve facilities for NIU student-athletes. These upgrades are adding premiumquality resources to the campus that will enable current student-athletes and future generations to get more out of their time being a Huskie.

DUKE UNIVERSITY FIELD HOCKEY BRINGS GREEN TECHNOLOGY TO UNITED STATES WITH NEW INSTALLATION

Durham, NC – Duke Field Hockey is the first collegiate team in the United States to call AstroTurf’s Poligras Tokyo GT (Green Technology) field hockey system their home turf. The university is installing the new state-of-the-art turf at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium in June, making the school a trailblazer for eco-friendly athletic surfaces while providing the student-athletes with a superior field they can feel proud to play on.

The field upgrade is part of a larger renovation project for Duke Field Hockey, made possible by the support of generous donors, including Susan Sabiston, widow of Jim Sabiston, successful businessman, father, and longtime supporter of Duke’s women’s sports. In addition to the new AstroTurf® field, the field house is being renovated and extended, giving the Blue Devils a brand-new locker room and common areas for meetings and team bonding.

But the stand-out feature for the Blue Devils will be the blue Tokyo GT turf. Specially designed for the Tokyo Olympics, it’s unlike

every other artificial turf system out there. To help the Olympics meet its carbon-neutral goal, AstroTurf® drew upon a vast team of chemical engineers, testing materials scientists, construction engineers, and other experts from Europe, Australia, and the United States to create the ultimate eco-friendly field hockey turf. AstroTurf’s lineup of field hockey Green Technology will again be on display at the Olympics in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028.

With its unique construction, Poligras Tokyo GT will save water, preserve resources, and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. Instead of relying on traditional polyurethane and nylon to construct the synthetic grass filaments, AstroTurf® created a field that consists of 60 percent sugar cane – a sustainable crop that captures CO2 from the air.

“This will be the first Poligras Toyko GT field in the United States market and we’re excited it’s coming to Duke University,” said Melissa Vassalotti-Twist, AstroTurf’s Director of Field Hockey. “Bringing this green technology to the hockey market in the United States is a big deal. This is really the future of hockey.”

“We have about 60 of our green technology systems installed internationally, but this is the first one in the US. We’re excited to bring this technology to the field hockey community – providing Climate Positive Hockey.”

Paired with AstroTurf’s Tokyo GT surface will be a new 10mm e-layer paved in place for elite international and high-level collegiate hockey. The Blue Devils will benefit from playing on a field that offers safety, performance, playability, and longevity– for our people, for our planet.

Two-time ACC and NFHCA South Region Coach of the Year, Pam Bustin says of the upgrade, “I cannot wait to begin the next era of Duke True in our new home and upon our new turf!”

Added Twist, “Coach Bustin was an integral part of the decision process. She was not only interested in the Toyko GT product, but green technology going forward. Coach Bustin is a big advocate for reducing water usage and the green movement for our sport. Knowing this is the way of the future was key. With this, Duke will lead the way for the future of field hockey green surfaces in the United States. This forward thinking aligns with the FIH plan to be waterless by 2028.”

The newly renovated field will be ready for action when the girls’ field hockey team returns to campus for preseason training in August. The blue turf will also be at the forefront of the sport later in the year when Duke University hosts the 2022 ACC Field Hockey Championship this fall.

NEW ASTROTURF FIELD AT CAMPING WORLD STADIUM RECEIVES OFFICIAL SEAL OF APPROVAL FROM FIFA

Orlando, FL – April, 2022 – Orlando’s famous Camping World Stadium received its FIFA Quality Field Certificate on March 11, 2022, setting the stage for an exciting international match on a FIFA-approved turf in late April and making Orlando an even more attractive candidate host city for the World Cup in 2026. The city recently installed a new AstroTurf® field at the stadium as part of a major, multi-year stadium renovation project.

“If you want to be a host city for the World Cup, you need to show that you’re giving back to the community through turf projects, youth programs, and this really helps make the argument for Orlando and Camping World Stadium,” says Carl Capellas, Manager of Soccer for AstroTurf®.

Orlando installed a top-of-the-line turf system – AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend 60. The field is manufactured with unmatched quality controls and features a multi-ply primary backing system to optimize dimensional stability.

Camping World Stadium also installed a Brock SP17 shock pad with 100% engineered organic infill. Brock is the leader in shock pad and organic infill technology in the U.S., and the company’s products are known for enabling players to run faster by keeping the surface firm and absorbing impact.

“Brock is extremely excited to be a part of this project. I remember playing at Camping World Stadium with the Richmond Kickers against Orlando City FC before they moved to MLS. To know that this historic stadium now has the most state-of-the-art synthetic turf playing surface that not only reduces temperatures but is also FIFA Certified is incredible. We can’t wait to watch more high-level games from different sports play on this turf,” says Ronnie Pascale, National Director of Sales for Brock USA.

Rigorously tested before installation and after, the project team poured an incredible amount of effort into this new field, knowing how important a high-performance field at Camping World Stadium is to the city, the athletes, and the synthetic turf industry.

“There aren’t many FIFA-quality fields done in the United States each year. The reality is, it’s not an easy process. A lot of work goes into it and the whole project team plays a huge part,” explains Capellas. “The architect on this project was really key to getting this field put in and certified.”

The field was tested by Sports Lab, the global leader in sports surface testing and certification, and given a Quality Pro rating by FIFA. The FIFA Certification lasts from March 2022 to March 2025.

Camping World Stadium (formerly known as the Tangerine Bowl and the Florida Citrus Bowl) has the opportunity to show off its new hightech turf system later this month with a game between two teams in CONCACAF, the third most successful FIFA Federation. On April 27th, the 2022 MexTour will kick off in Orlando, giving central Florida soccer fans a night to remember. The stadium will host a friendly between the Mexican national team and the Guatemalan national team at 8 p.m.

This single match could generate as much as $8 million in local business, bringing a huge amount of energy and momentum to the city. It will also shed light on Orlando at just the right time. The battle for the World Cup in 2026 is starting to heat up, and there are a lot of high-profile cities on the candidate list, including Philadelphia, Nashville, Washington DC, and Miami.

“As the World Cup 2022 finishes this year in Qatar, the focus will turn toward 2026 quickly. The U.S. cities will begin building the hype, and hosting an international friendly is one of the main ways to do this,” explains Capellas.

Self-described as the soccer capital of the South, Orlando is making a strong case for 2026. Before the big international match, Camping World Stadium hosted several professional matches.

And with a new FIFA-approved AstroTurf® field, Camping World Stadium is making its statement loud and clear: it’s ready to host the world.

About Brock

Brock USA is the nationwide leader in performance shock pad systems for artificial turf fields. With over 140 million square feet of Brock pads in athletic fields worldwide, the company engineers the best, safest and most sustainable playing surfaces in the world for athletes at all levels. In October 2011, Brock became the first company in the industry to have a Cradle-to-Cradle Certification CM for its combined drainage and shock pad product. Brock also manufactures BrockFILL, an organic wood particle infill. It is sustainably grown and harvested from trees in the United States. Its benefits boast greater foot stability and reduces the temperature of the field. To learn more, visit Brock USA’s website at brockusa.com.

WARRENSBURG HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETES SPORTS FACILITY UPGRADES WITH FULL SUITE OF ASTROTURF® CORPORATION PRODUCTS

Warrensburg, MO – The Warrensburg High School Tigers will play on top-of-the-line athletic surfaces thanks to a series of new sports facility upgrades at the school. Warrensburg High School has completed six installation projects, and can now claim to offer student-athletes some of the highestquality facilities in Missouri.

The school opted for AstroTurf® Corporation products across the board. AstroTurf Corporation is a trailblazer in the synthetic turf industry, and with top brands for every type of sports surface under its umbrella – AstroTurf® fields, Rekortan track, Laykold tennis courts, and SYNLawn landscaping – it offers a full suite of products for high schools, colleges, parks, and professional sports facilities.

Warrensburg High School installed all four of AstroTurf Corporation’s products through six different installations, including a stunning SYNLawn® synthetic grass installation at the entrance of the football stadium. All of the products were installed by Mid-America Sports Construction, one of the nation’s leading field contractors for sports fields and sports complexes.

“It’s rare to have all of these products in the same place and to do them all pretty quickly. It’s been a great project,” says Brock Wilson, Marketing and Sales Manager at Mid-America Sports Construction. “We did the football and track projects in 2021. Before we were finished, we started talking about the baseball and softball and tennis courts.”

The new football field, which was installed in March of 2021, is an AstroTurf® RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend 52 turf system. One of AstroTurf’s most popular products, the 3D Series comes with the innovative RootZone, a texturized layer of fibers that draw down to encapsulate the infill. This design results in less infill migration and better shock absorbency. The RootZone has also been shown in independent testing to improve safety by reducing the torque transmitted to the lower part of the body.

director for Warrensburg High School. “ The consistent surface has allowed our programs to compete daily on the new installations.”

The school chose the Rekortan BSS Basemat for the new track encircling the field. It’s a 13mm impermeable track system with an encapsulated wear layer and textured structural polyurethane for enhanced longevity.

The new Warrensburg running surface also features Rekortan’s SMART technology embedded in the track. The technology is unique, with magnetic gates embedded in the track connecting to a sensor or smartphone worn by the runner. This provides competitive athletes and coaches with advanced diagnostic information on force, agility, speed and endurance.

The SMART app connects to the track and gives amateur runners distance, time/split times and interval data for speed and steps, which encourages them to run more and improve their fitness. The SMART app is free so every facility can offer the SMART experience to their clubs and community.

Warrensburg High School didn’t stop there, ensuring all of the school’s athletes are able to play on premium-quality surfaces. For the tennis courts, they installed the Laykold Advantage system on top of post-tension concrete. The tennis court is an acrylic surface designed to create a consistent feel. The surface is environmentally friendly and 100% free of harmful materials. The newly updated facilities are a source of pride for the Warrensburg community, who now get to enjoy season after season of football games, track events, baseball and softball games, tennis matches, and more, surrounded by state-ofthe-art AstroTurf®-branded products.

About Mid-America Sports Construction

“Our athletes and coaches love the playability of AstroTurf fields,” said Keith Chapman, athletic

In early 2022, Mid-America Sports Construction installed new baseball and softball fields for the Warrensburg Tigers. The ball fields were upgraded to AstroTurf’s Diamond Series Diamond Blend OPS turf systems. These fields feature nylon in the base paths and infield to create realistic sliding distances and a combination of specialized fibers and customizable infill ratios for incredible durability.

Mid-America Sports Construction is located in Lee’s Summit, MO. Our team brings the Midwestern values we hold close to every project throughout the United States. For the past 20 years, we have staked our claim in the sports construction industry; growing into the nation’s preeminent field contractor of natural and synthetic turf sports fields as well as sports complexes. Our natural and synthetic grass installations for athletic fields offer a quality of construction and project management that is unrivaled in our industry.

APRIL 2022 | FOOTBALL | PRESS RELEASE

MONTEREY BAY F.C. CHOOSES FIFAAPPROVED ASTROTURF® FIELD FOR HOME PITCH AT NEW CARDINALE STADIUM

Seaside, CA – Monterey Bay Football Club, one of the newest members of the men’s professional league USL Championship (USLC), will play their inaugural home game in May on a freshly installed AstroTurf® pitch purpose-built for elite soccer. Monterey Bay F.C. opted for one of AstroTurf’s leading products, the LigaTurf RS Pro II system, for the new Cardinale Stadium at the California State University at Monterey Bay (CSUMB) campus.

The LigaTurf RS Pro II system is the product of years of research and development and a commitment to creating the most technologically advanced soccer fields in the world. Integrating monofilament fibers designed to deliver grass-like traction and superior aesthetics, it’s a fitting choice for the newly renovated stadium in beautiful Seaside, California. Monterey Bay F.C. funded the project privately, spending $11 million to expand the seating capacity to 6,000, add premium seating areas and a Broadcast Box, and install highperformance FIFA-approved turf.

“Monterey Bay is really an ambitious club and

they want to do things the right way,” said AstroTurf’s Manager of Soccer Carl Capellas. “As a USL Championship team, it was important to them and us to have that level of soccer being played on the best performing turf for soccer. That’s why they are getting LigaTurf.” Cardinale Stadium will be the official home pitch for Monterey Bay F.C., as well as the main playing field for the CSUMB men’s and women’s soccer teams. The first home game for the Union is on May 7th against the Las Vegas Lights Football Club.

Monterey Bay F.C., which is branded as The Greatest Union of Land and Sea, joined the USLC in 2021. The team played their first game ever on March 12th of this year against Phoenix Rising FC in Arizona. They’ve also played Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Oakland Roots SC, Sacramento Republic, El Paso Locomotive FC, and LA Galaxy II, giving them the chance to test themselves as a group against some of the best soccer teams in the western United States.

Coached by two-time MLS Coach of the Year and former Premier League player Frank Yallop, the Union will be an exciting team to watch as the 2022 USL Championship season unfolds. Club Owner and Chairman Ray Beshoff brought together a formidable group of athletes from all over the world when he founded the Monterey Bay F.C. Players include forward Walmer Martinez, formerly of Hartford Athletic and a player on the El Salvador National Team, defender Hugh Roberts from Maryland,

who played with Charlotte Independence for three seasons and is ranked 9th all-time in appearances in USL Championship history, and Seku Conneh from Liberia. Conneh competes on the Liberia National Team, and he’s played professionally for Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands, Philadelphia Union II, Las Vegas Lights, and the Icelandic club iBV. He also scored the first goal ever for Monterey Bay F.C. “Coach Yallop is a Hall-of-Fame coach,” said Capellas. “He’s one of the big boys. He had a long professional career in Europe and was just inducted into the San Jose Earthquakes Hall of Fame. He was integral in this process. He was in the weeds as much as anyone I’ve ever worked with. He was watching film with our turf, calling guys in Europe, calling the coach at the University of Pittsburgh (Jay Vidovich), standing on the fields, watching players on the turf. He was adamant his team had the toplevel turf system.

“He was a big part of the process. When someone on that level agrees with what we’re doing and is pushing for it, that confirms what we’ve been doing.”

After their match against the Las Vegas Lights on Saturday, May 7, Monterey Bay will play the Rio Grande Valley FC at home on the following Saturday. Soccer fans can buy tickets online or watch Monterey Bay FC play on the new AstroTurf® field at Cardinale Stadium on ESPN.

University of Louisville Trager Stadium

COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS IS RESURFACING HART TURF FIELD AND HART TRACK USING STATE-OF-THE-ART ATHLETIC SURFACE TECHNOLOGY

Worcester, MA — College of the Holy Cross is well-known as one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country, but it’s also home to 27 Division 1 sports teams and a highly admired athletics program. Continuing this tradition, the school recently invested $3.1 million to upgrade Hart Turf Field and Hart Track, giving the Holy Cross field hockey and track and field teams the opportunity to play on leading-edge synthetic turf and track surfaces. The new installations began on May 13, and the project is expected to be completed in September.

Holy Cross opted for a new AstroTurf 12 field hockey turf. AstroTurf 12 is the original system that AstroTurf®, the leader in synthetic turf technology, created for field-hockey-exclusive fields. It’s a remarkably durable field consisting of knitted nylon, which absorbs water easily and creates a consistent playing surface for athletes.

In addition to installing a new AstroTurf 12 system, Holy Cross is putting in a new irrigation system with six high-pressure water cannons. The new system will reduce the amount of water needed to irrigate the surface by nearly 50 percent.

“This renovation means so much to the field hockey program,” said head field hockey coach Lindsay Jackson. “The additional piece of having an irrigation system installed is a long time coming and such an impactful addition that will improve our practice and game-day experience tremendously — not only for the team but also our facilities department and community, as it will be an efficient use of our resources.”

AstroTurf® has been a major player in the field hockey turf world for years. In 1975, the first International Field Hockey game was played on AstroTurf® in Montreal. AstroTurf is also the official artificial surface provider for both USA Field Hockey and the National Field Hockey Association and is the preferred supplier of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The track surrounding the field hockey turf is also being resurfaced this summer with an AstroTurf Corporation product. The Holy Cross Crusaders will be running on a newly resurfaced Rekortan RT track. The track will be resurfaced with the school’s colors, purple and gray, creating a fresh look that the studentathletes can take pride in.

The new track will have a textured structural polyurethane layer, which binds the rubber and enhances the longevity of the track surfacing. It will replace the existing Beynon Sports Surface BSS 1000 Full Pour Embedded Track, which was installed along with the existing AstroTurf® field hockey turf in 2011.

ATT Sports Inc, the most trusted name in running track surfacing in the Northeast, will

be installing the new track for Holy Cross.

“The resurfacing will not only enhance the look of the track but will add spring back to it,” said Patrick Buganaski from ATT. “Holy Cross is a well-known Division 1 program with a beautiful campus, and we’re excited about the project going forward.”

With the newly renovated Hart Turf Field and Hart Track, Holy Cross will continue to offer student-athletes the opportunity to train and compete on state-of-the-art surfaces.

“This facility will be a showpiece guaranteed to attract recruits and inspire better performances,” said Egetta Alfonso, long-time head coach of the women’s track and field team.

About Rekortan:

Designed for the current day athlete, the Rekortan track system is a diverse, world-class series of polyurethane running tracks that are unmatched in quality and performance. The Rekortan debut in 1969 revolutionized the track world with quality and innovation, forever crowning our systems as “the fast tracks.” Rekortan is part of the SportGroup, arguably the largest sports surfacing company in the world.

About ATT Sports Inc:

With more than 650 projects completed, ATT Sports is the most trusted name in running track surfacing in the Northeast. Our dedicated and experience crews prefer Advanced Polymer Technology products, ensuring consistent quality from job to job, and helping us complete projects in tight time frames with flexibility to handle complications from outside factors, like the weather. APT also allows us to keep their promise to customers and deliver the world’s best track surfaces, on time, at the right price, and safely.

ASTROTURF ANNOUNCES NEW DISTRIBUTOR FOR GREAT LAKES REGION

Dalton, GA – AstroTurf Corporation, the inventor and leading innovator of synthetic turf, is pleased to announce the addition of AstroTurf Great Lakes to its nationwide network of synthetic turf distributors and installers.

AstroTurf Great Lakes will be led by Todd DeWolfe and business partners John Forrester and Justin Booth.

“Being a partner of synthetic turf athletic field builder has always been a dream of mine, DeWolfe said. “For this new journey in my career, it was important to me to stay in the Sport Group/AstroTurf family and being able to start “AstroTurf Great Lakes” was something I couldn’t turn down.

partners at AstroTurf Great Lakes as they have grown SYNLawn Michigan into a high performing distributor for Sport Group’s landscape division.”

“We want to thank Todd for his years of service here at AstroTurf, said Philip Snider, AstroTurf’s Chief Operating Officer. “With 20plus years in the synthetic turf industry we know that Todd is going to do great work with AstroTurf Great Lakes.

“We are looking forward to continuing to grow in the Great Lakes region through this new partnership.”

“We’re extremely grateful that the leadership at Sport Group and AstroTurf Corporation has entrusted us in continuing and building upon the historical success the AstroTurf brand has in the Great Lakes region, added DeWolfe. “My business partners, John Forrester & Justin Booth, and I would like to thank Jay Glasscock, Heard Smith and Philip Snider for helping make this distributor partnership a reality. John and Justin are uniquely qualified as business

A graduate of Central Michigan University’s Recreational Facility Management program, Todd spent time working for businesses that built sports facilities before entering the turf industry in 1998. He was employed by ProGrass as Vice President of Business and Development until the company’s acquisition by the AstroTurf Corporation.

“We’ve enjoyed great success and extreme growth with SYNLawn in the state of Michigan over the last three years, said Justin Booth, owner of SYNLawn Michigan. “With creating this new AstroTurf territory and having Todd join us as a partner, we will look to expand on that growth in the sports field sector and corner the turf market as a whole.

“We would like to thank all those at Sport Group for the opportunity, as well as Todd DeWolfe for all he has done to make this happen.”

DeWolfe’s 20-plus years in the sports surfacing industry, his time in sports construction, and his work in his family’s excavation business have all worked together to make him uniquely qualified for this new role.

ASTROTURF COMPLETES NEW HOCKEY FIELDS FOR THREE BIG TEN TEAMS

The company that invented the artificial turf industry continues to dominate the Division 1 Field Hockey market with three new installations at Big Ten Conference schools. AstroTurf® installed durable, fast-playing turf systems at Ohio State, Iowa, and Michigan State, setting up all three field hockey teams for a fantastic 2022 season.

Over the summer, the Ohio State Buckeyes got a new turf as well as a new press box and videoboard. This Big Ten team has won three conference regular-season championships and appeared in the NCAA tournament seven times. Buckeye Varsity Field will also host the 2022 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament in November.

The University of Iowa chose AstroTurf® for the upgrade at the Dr. Christine H.B. Grant Field, which was named after the former athletics director at Iowa and life-long advocate for gender equity in athletics, Christine Grant. Iowa is the reigning Big Ten champion, and the program has a reputation for being one of the best in the country. The Hawkeyes have won 13 Big Ten conference championships and six conference titles. They can also boast a 40-home-game winning streak.

Michigan State University is another powerhouse Division 1 team. The Spartans have won four

Big Ten regular-season championships and four conference tournament titles. They’ve also played in the NCAA Field Hockey tournament a total of nine times from 2001 to 2013.

All three schools opted for the AstroTurf® 12 System 90 field hockey turf product. AstroTurf® 12 is a premium playing surface used at elite schools – it’s also the original field hockey carpet AstroTurf® created. The reason this turf system is so coveted is it uses knitted nylon fibers, which are more durable and stable than tufted fibers. Knitted nylon turf is also great for enhancing ball speed and playability.

Thanks to the nylon construction, it’s also a hydrophilic playing surface. The field holds onto water naturally, so, even after periods of rain, the athletes can still count on a consistent, safe playing surface that enhances the ball speed and lowers the ball bounce.

All three athletic programs have a stone base with porous asphalt. The asphalt base under the AstroTurf System 90 provides a firm feel underfoot, playing to a consistent ball roll for field hockey performance.

“Ohio State, Iowa and Michigan State are three powerhouse teams,” said Melissa Vassalotti Twist, AstroTurf’s Director of Field Hockey. “These programs are and have been top-notch programs for quite some time.

“To have three BIG Ten hockey programs all

choose the AstroTurf® System 90 for their hockey field speaks volumes. We recognize the trust these coaches, players, and athletic departments put in AstroTurf to install world class fields and we are pleased to be able to deliver on this.”

The Ohio Buckeyes, led by Jarred Martin, are 3-0 on the season since installing their new AstroTurf field, with the latest ranking at 19th in the NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll.

“We are enjoying a fantastic new surface from AstroTurf here at Ohio State as we kick off the 2022 season, said Martin. “The quality, the design, and the install were all first class and we couldn’t be happier to partner with AstroTurf. They have helped sharpen the look of our field hockey stadium at Buckeye Varsity Field and we will enjoy it very much in the coming years.”

Led by long-time coach Lisa Cellucci, the Iowa Hawkeyes are undefeated at home on their new AstroTurf field with a current record of 3-1. The Hawkeyes are currently ranked 6th in the NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll.

The Michigan State Spartans are led by Helen Knull. They are 3-1 on the season with impressive performances to open up the season at home. Their schedule shines with two consecutive upcoming games to show off their new AstroTurf field.

FARGODOME GETS A NEW ASTROTURF MAGIC CARPET IN TIME FOR THE 2022 NDSU BISON FOOTBALL SEASON

Fargo, North Dakota – The Fargodome, home to the FCS champion North Dakota State Bison football program, installs a new AstroTurf® Magic Carpet system, giving one of the most active indoor athletic stadiums in the country an advanced underlayment system that makes converting the field easier and faster. With the new Magic Carpet II, the Fargodome turf can be rolled out and installed in as little as 27 minutes.

The previous Magic Carpet II was installed in 2012 and has reached its expected end of life. The new AstroTurf® conversion system will benefit Bison football, as well as the other student-athletes that play and practice at the Fargodome, because it has a stronger underlayment system and backing, enabling the turf to hold its shape well and remain in place even with heavy usage.

It’s also one of the softest and most durable synthetic football fields on the market today –the Magic Carpet II comes with the RootZone 3D Series turf, which features the RootZone, a

texturized layer of fibers that hold in the rubber infill, and a combination of slit and monofilament fibers that mimic the texture of natural grass.

It’s also a great fit for such a high-demand stadium event space. Fargodome has a history of hosting some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, and Fleetwood Mac. It’s also used for conventions, high school and youth sports, and other sporting events.

“The Magic Carpet II is one of our most high-tech products, and it’s a perfect fit for such a highdemand facility,” said [name], AstroTurf’s [role].

“The Fargodome regularly hosts major events like Monster Jam and music concerts, so being able to roll the football turf on and off the field and have confidence that the turf looks great and performs flawlessly is going to streamline everything in a big way.”

AstroTurf® has been pushing the synthetic turf industry forward since inventing artificial turf in the 1960s. The company introduced conversion systems in 2008 to help stadiums that want to host multiple events yet still offer players the cushioned support of rubber infill and the soft feel of polyethylene blades.

The Magic Carpet is one of the most hightech conversion systems and is capable of successfully rolling up tall-pile turf without

spilling the infill. The system relies on pneumatic blowers to minimize friction and smoothly roll the turf onto a single metal core so it can be stored underneath the stadium floor.

The Fargodome upgrades were finished in June, so Gate City Bank Field is ready for action.

North Dakota State University opened the 2022 season in the Fargodome on Sept. 3 vs Drake. Other home games include North Carolina A&T (Sept. 10), Youngstown State (Oct. 1), South Dakota State (Oct. 15), Illinois State (Oct 29) and North Dakota (Nov. 19).

The Bison are coming off a 14-1 season, that included a 9-0 mark at home. Three of the home wins were during the FCS playoffs against Southern Illinois (38-7), East Tennessee (27-3), and James Madison (20-14).

The Bison defeated Montana State 38-10 to win the FCS championship game. The win marked the Bison’s ninth championship in the past 11 seasons.

Overall, that makes 17 national championships for the Bison football program. North Dakota State is 9-0 in FCS title games.

The Bison draw 100,000 fans each year to Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome, ranking them in the top 10 nationally in the FCS.

MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE UPDATES THE FIELD HOCKEY AND LACROSSE FIELD WITH ELITE ASTROTURF® SYSTEM

South Hadley, MA – The Mount Holyoke College Lyons Field Hockey team started the 2022 hockey season on a newly installed AstroTurf® system at the Mount Holyoke Turf and Track Complex. The updated field was finished in time for summer practices, giving the Lyons plenty of time to break in the new turf before the season started in September.

Lyons Athletics went with one of the most advanced field hockey systems in the world for this project — AstroTurf’s Poligras Platinum. It’s a tufted field constructed with polyethylene fibers, which feature great water resistance and offer student-athletes a non-abrasive playing surface. The Poligras system was the hockey field of choice at the Summer Olympic Games in London in 2012, Rio in 2016, and Tokyo in 2020. It’s also the playing surface at elite colleges around the country and for every NCAA Division 1 Final Four tournament since the game left natural grass.

“I love the turf, love the look of it and I am super happy with the way it’s playing,” said head coach Andy Whitcomb.

The field at the MHC Turf and Track Complex is victory blue and white. The turf system is

non-filled and comes with a short-pile surface to facilitate lightning-fast ball speed.

The turf project will benefit the Lyons field hockey and lacrosse teams immensely. This year will mark 25 years with Mount Holyoke for Whitcomb, the school’s field hockey head coach. Whitcomb has an overall record of 259-183-1 and is a three-time NEWMAC (New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference) Champion. With her at the helm, the Lyons made 21-straight appearances at the NEWMAC Tournament from 1999 on.

The lacrosse program at Mount Holyoke is formidable as well, with regular games against some of the top schools in the country, including Wheaton College, Springfield College, and Babson. Lyons Lacrosse is also a member of NEWMAC.

NEW ASTROTURF BASEBALL FIELD IN THE PHILIPPINES

Baseball has a long history in the Philippines with the sport’s introduction dating back to 1898. Today baseball continues to be one of the most popular sports in the Philippines with league teams participating in the Asian Baseball Championship and a gold medal win for the Men’s team at the Southeast Asian Games in 2019.

Taguig City choose AstroTurf

To support the development of the sport in the Philippines the Local Government of Taguig City are building the country’s first artificial baseball field, as part of a 150,000-square-foo baseball/ softball development.

And it is little surprise that for their inaugural artificial baseball field, the Taguig City Government chose AstroTurf, the world’s most famous synthetic turf brand which made its debut at the Astrodome in Texas, United States over 50 years ago.

AstroTurf’s Diamond Series is baseballs No.1 Turf.

AstroTurf is the global leader in baseball fields and has been trusted and chosen as the preferred surface since 1965. With 12 World Series and 8 Major League Baseball teams under its belt,

AstroTurf continues to lead the way with the most natural playing and looking synthetic turf systems on the market.

Made in the United States, the AstroTurf Diamond Series, which was chosen for the Taguig Baseball Field, is baseball’s first dedicated world-class system and is the most chosen turf system by USA Division I College programs.

The ball bounce, natural speed and realistic sliding distances have even the most ardent baseball purists impressed.

Installed by E-Sports

Sport Group partner, E-Sports International, was awarded the contract to complete the project based on their extensive experience with sports surfacing and installation in the Philippines.

“The Taguig City Government chose AstroTurf over other options because of its remarkable simulation of a natural baseball field,” states Audris Romualdez, CEO of E-Sports International.

“Competitors were presenting football turf, however, we explained to the client that football turf simply would not withstand the constant sliding of the game. The client understood that the Astroturf Diamond Series system was especially made for the demands of a baseball game.”

Built to World Baseball Softball Confederation standards

The new $3 million stadium will adhere to the World Baseball Softball Confederation specifications and standards. The venue will play host to major national baseball and softball games and act as a national training hub for senior athletes and grass roots programs.

“There has not been a baseball field in the Philippines that has met international standards, aside from the one owned by the Philippine Sports Commission,” Romualdez explained. “The purpose of this project is to develop baseball as sport in this country and provide a venue that will encourage potential baseball players to pursue the sport and be the best in it.”

USA-born, Guam-based consultant – Bill Bennett, was employed as the technical design consultant to the Taguig City government to assist with the design of the facility. As the co-founder of the Guam Amateur Baseball Association, Guam Baseball Academy and Guam PONY Baseball and Guam PONY Softball, Bennett has extensive experience in the baseball industry in Asia and USA.

“I enjoyed working on this project,” Bennett said “New technology introduced on the artificial playing field was a great challenge when merging the installation of the synthetic turf infield with natural turf outfield.”

LIBERTY TRUSTS ASTROTURF FOR FIELD UPGRADES AT WILLIAMS STADIUM, FIELD HOCKEY STADIUM

Lynchburg, VA – Liberty University continues its trusted relationship with AstroTurf and SCG Fields with resurfacing of Williams Stadium ahead of the college football season.The school is resurfacing the field with high-tech AstroTurf, the company that invented artificial turf more than a half century ago.

Also, this summer, Liberty upgraded the field hockey field with AstroTurf’s Poligras Platinum system. AstroTurf® products are recognized worldwide for their durability, safety, and performance. Integrating advanced engineering and superior construction, AstroTurf® fields feature grass-like traction and incredible stability, enabling athletes to play with confidence.

While there are numerous colleges, universities and high schools across the country that feature AstroTurf® products, and many that have two or even three, Liberty has more than a dozen, including Worthington Field at Liberty Baseball Stadium and Kamphuis Field at Liberty Softball Stadium.

AstroTurf®, SCG Fields® and Liberty have partnered together on numerous fields on campus through the years, including recreation fields, the baseball field, practice football field, softball field, indoor soccer field, the football stadium, indoor football field, lacrosse fields and the new Williams Stadium berm work. On many of these projects, SCG has handled both the original installation and replacement installations.

This football stadium installation gives the Flames an industry-leading playing surface in time for the 2022 college football season.

While the old AstroTurf® was a high-performance turf system, the new one is even better. The new field is a RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend turf system. This state-of-the-art field features a texturized layer of fibers that encapsulate the infill. This RootZone layer makes playing safer by improving shock absorbency. It also ensures a longer-lasting product. With less infill migration, the turf will look and feel like new for years. This new RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend 52 System will serve the Flames well for years to come.

The RootZone, a texturized layer of fibers that draw down to encapsulate infill, results in minimal rubber splash, better shock absorbency and less infill migration than basic systems. 3D3 Trionic Blend, in addition to the RootZone, also includes Trionic Monofilament, and ultra-durable slit film.

This RootZone 3D3 Blend offers both durability and aesthetics. This system improves safety, playability and durability, making 3D systems the top choice for athletes and field owners alike. The new football field also comes with a few aesthetic changes. In anticipation of the best home football schedule in program history, Liberty Athletics has made several other renovations to Williams Stadium prior to the season.

The renovation plans feature new seating options, including a seating upgrade for nearly every nonstudent seat in the stadium. All seats on the West side of the stadium will be upgraded to chairback seating, and all seats on the upper East side of the stadium will be upgraded to benchback seating. At the South end zone, 23 cabanas will be added above a newly graded berm with additional space for students and overflow seating.

Complete with seating for eight and a roof to keep the sun and weather out, each cabana will be furnished with a TV, fan, heater and waiter service. A cabana could be the perfect space for your family or clients to cheer on the Flames.

“The 2022 football season will be the most anticipated in Liberty history,” commented Ian McCaw, Liberty Director of Athletics. “Between

welcoming Virginia Tech and BYU to Williams Stadium, coupled with regular and premium seating and hospitality improvements, Flames fans will be in for a treat.”

The new turf installation also features branding for Conference USA. The Flames are set to join the conference in time for next season.

The first game on the new AstroTurf® at Williams Stadium will be on Sept. 10 against the UAB. The Flames will also play Akron on Sept. 24 and GardnerWebb on Oct. 15. Other home games for the 2022 season include a match-up with BYU on October 22, Virginia Tech on Nov. 19 and New Mexico State on Nov. 26.

Also completed for the fall season was the new installation at the Liberty Field Hockey pitch. The Poligras Platinum system that the Lady Flames will be playing on was used at the Olympic Games in London in 2012 and in Rio in 2016, and it’s one of AstroTurf®’s most widely-used products worldwide. Consisting of tufted polyethylene fibers, the field features a multidirectional closed surface that demonstrates unbeatable ball rolling behavior. It also comes with a high stitch density, which creates a much more compact appearance than other modern field hockey systems.

Liberty, the 2021 NCAA Field Hockey Championship national runner-up, finished last season with a 20-3 overall mark, 7-0 BIG EAST record and won its first BIG EAST title. The Lady Flames finished the year ranked No. 9 in the final national poll and No. 7 in the NCAA Field Hockey RPI. Liberty’s highest ever national ranking is No. 4, achieved on March 23, 2021. The mark is the highest ranking of any sport for Liberty Athletics at the NCAA Division I level.

The No. 6-ranked Lady Flames will play their first home game on Sept. 4 against William & Mary on the new turf at the Liberty Field Hockey Field.

MARSHALL UNIVERSITY TRUSTS ASTROTURF FOR ANOTHER FIELD UPGRADE AT JOAN C.

EDWARDS STADIUM

Dalton, GA – Marshall University continues its winning relationship with the company that invented artificial turf over half a century ago. The school is resurfacing the field at Joan C. Edwards Stadium with high-tech AstroTurf®.

Marshall University’s latest field upgrade makes the school one of AstroTurf’s best customers. All the other artificial turf intercollegiate athletic surfaces on campus are also AstroTurf®, including Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex, home to the men’s and women’s soccer teams. The men’s team captured the 2020 National Championship.

The previous football field at Joan C. Edwards Stadium was an AstroTurf® system as well.This installation project gives the Thundering Herd an industryleading playing surface in time for the start of fall camp in August. While the old AstroTurf® was a high-performance turf system, the new one is even better.

It’s a RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend turf system. This state-of-the-art field features a texturized layer of fibers that encapsulate the infill – this RootZone layer makes playing safer by improving shock absorbency. It also ensures a longer-lasting product. With less infill migration, the turf will look and feel like new for years.

The new football field also comes with a few aesthetic changes. In preparation for the start of the installation project, Marshall Football asked Herd fans to vote for their favorite color combination on social media. The winning design has black endzones with ‘Marshall’ written in white and outlined in green.

“We did something somewhat unique with this field replacement project, said Christian Spears, Marshall’s athletic director. “We asked our fans to vote on the design. They did that and then we went back to AstroTurf to incorporate their voted upon outcomes. AstroTurf was tremendously helpful to us and made sure our fans got heard.”

In addition to the new endzone colors, the number 75 is an important part of the design. Both sidelines have a green ‘75’ outlined in white and black. This look is a replica of the helmet graphics the Marshall University football team wears each year in remembrance of the 75 players, coaches, supporters, and flight crew members who died together in a plane crash in 1970 while flying home after a game.

“As a longtime partner of AstroTurf, Marshall proves that working together on facilities projects can provide teams with the highest performing systems designed specifically for each individual sport,” said Carl Capellas, AstroTurf’s Manager of Soccer Sales for North and South America. “As a former Herd student-athlete and coach, there is a great personal satisfaction in providing top level service to the university that gave me my education and first job in athletics.”

There’s also a major logo change. Instead of the Conference USA logo, the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) logo appears at the 25-yard lines. Marshall University officially joined the Sun Belt Conference East Division on June 22, which means the Herd will play in the SBC starting this season.

The freshly installed AstroTurf® field and refreshed colors and turf design will help the team transition to a new conference with a relatively new coach. This season will be the second season at Marshall for Coach Charles Huff. Last year, the team went 7-5 in the regular season under Coach Huff. They also played in the New Orleans.

“The field is where Marshall football plays, but our fans created it,” added Spears. “The Marshall athletic department sincerely appreciates what AstroTurf did to make that happen for us.”

The first game on the new AstroTurf® at Joan C. Edwards Stadium will be on September 3 against Norfolk State. The Thundering Herd will also play Gardner-Webb on October 1 and Louisiana on October 12. Other home games for the 2022 season include a match-up with Coastal Carolina on October 29, and Appalachian State and Georgia State in November.

AKRON ZIPS FOOTBALL STARTS THE 2022 SEASON WITH NEW ASTROTURF AND A BRANDING REFRESH

Akron, OH – The University of Akron (UA) installs a new AstroTurf® field at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field, the home turf for Akron Zips Football. The new field combines excellent durability and aesthetics, giving the players a long-lasting, high-performance turf while elevating the game-day experience for Zips fans, who get to watch their favorite college football team play on a field made by the leading innovator in the synthetic turf industry.

AstroTurf® fields are known for increasing player safety and offering incredible longevity, which is why they’re found on college sports fields across the country. The University of Akron chose the Rhino Blend 48 turf system for InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field. It features a multi-ply backing system for dimensional stability and a supportive secondary backing system that comes with optional soy-based BioCel technology to further optimize field performance.

Rhino Blend football fields are designed to handle heavy usage and retain their plush look for years thanks to a blend of slit film and High Micron fibers. The AstroTurf® field comes with dense turf that offers players great traction, giving them the confidence to push hard in practice and on game days.

The new football field will also be one of the first playing surfaces at the University of Akron to feature the Zip Athletic Program’s revamped logo: a stylized “A,” which was introduced in May of this year for use in athletic branding. UA’s new athletic logo is at the mid-field of the new football field.

These upgrades are part of an overall revitalization initiative that permeates Zips Football and the rest of UA Athletics.

“We’re delighted to partner with AstroTurf on our new turf installation at InfoCision Stadium at Summa Field,” said Charles Guthrie, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at UA. “This new turf field illustrates a continued commitment by our key supporters to our athletics program. The new Rhino Blend system by AstroTurf will enhance the athletic experience for our students and ensure we continue to sustain our top-tier athletic facilities.”

But a better athletic surface and streamlined branding are only part of the changes UA Football is experiencing in 2022. The Zips are also getting a new coach this year.

Coach Joe Moorhead, who was the offensive coordinator at the University of Oregon in 2021 and the head coach at Mississippi State University for 2018 and 2019, will lead the Zips for the first time this fall.

The Akron Zips have an impressive 520 football wins overall and competes in the competitive Mid-American Conference as an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program. With a freshly installed turf, a new logo, and one of the country’s top offensive minds at the helm, UA fans can look forward to an exciting year.

The first home game will be on September 1 when the Akron Zips play Saint Francis. After that, they’ll play away games against Michigan State, Tennessee, and Liberty University before returning to InfoCision StadiumSumma Field to go up against Bowling Green on October 1. Other home dates include Central Michigan on October 15, Miami University on October 29, and Eastern Michigan on November 8.

COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES UPDATES ITS FOOTBALL AND SOCCER FIELDS WITH LEADING-EDGE ASTROTURF SYSTEMS

Golden, CO – The Colorado School of Mines football and soccer programs will start the 2022-2023 season with newly renovated fields made by AstroTurf®, the leader in artificial turf innovation. The school chose some of AstroTurf’s most popular products for the facility upgrades – the RootZone 3D3 Series for Marv Kay Stadium at Harry D. Campbell Field and LigaTurf for Stermole Soccer Stadium. Both turf systems are known for their playability, safety, and durability.

“The fields are looking great – we think the players are going to be really happy with the end results,” said Victoria Stringham, regional sales manager and national manager of cooperative financing at AstroTurf®. “The football team and both soccer teams at Colorado School of the Mines have impressive records, so, hopefully, these facility upgrades will enable the Orediggers to have another great season this year, and for many more years to come.”

The Colorado Mines Orediggers football team is getting a fresh start this year with a new field and a new head coach after Coach Gregg Brandon announced his retirement in early 2022. Coach Brandon Moore, who has been a linebackers coach at Mines since 2016, will lead the Orediggers starting this year.

Competing in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Mines Football has won four championships in recent years – 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021 – thanks in part to an incredible defensive lineup that included 2021 RMAC Academic Defensive Player of the Year Nolan Reeve and 2017 NFFCC Defensive Player of the Year Dean Wenger. Coach Moore helped to build the Orediggers’ impressive crew of defensive players, turning them into one of the nation’s top units during his time as a linebackers coach.

Marv Kay Stadium at Harry D. Campbell Field is the fifth-oldest stadium still in use in America, with the original field configuration dating from 1893. It’s the oldest football stadium west of the Mississippi River and the oldest in NCAA Division II.

The new turf will give the Orediggers a high-performance surface that they can use to push themselves even harder. It features the RootZone, a texturized layer of fibers that are designed to encapsulate the infill, reducing infill migration and enhancing shock absorbency. Independent testers have also found that the

RootZone boosts safety for athletes by minimizing the torque that’s transmitted to the lower parts of the body during play.

The Orediggers will play their first game on the new turf on September 10th against the Angelo State University Rams.

“We are tremendously excited to have our football and soccer programs get to work on their new AstroTurf surfaces,” said David Hansburg, the director of athletics. “Marv Kay Stadium and Stermole Stadium are already two of the most beautiful places to watch a game in America, and the addition of the new surfaces will help keep our teams competing on a national level for years to come.”

Mines Soccer is also slated to have a fantastic year. Mines Women’s Soccer has made 13 NCAA consecutive appearances, and they can boast five recent Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championship titles and eight tournament championships. The men’s team was the RMAC championship team for the previous five years, from 2017 to 2021. They’ve also been to the NCAA tournament for every one of the past ten years.

The new pitch at Stermole Stadium was rolled out in early June and will be ready for the start of the season. The women’s team will play their first home game on the new turf on August 25th against Texas, and the men’s team will go up against California State Monterey Bay on August 26th at home.

The new field at Stermole Soccer Stadium – AstroTurf’s BT52B LigaTurf system –lives up to elite playing standards. It can handle extreme usage without losing its uniform, predictable playing surface and provides grass-like energy restitution and excellent shock absorption.

The fields are being installed by AstroTurf certified installer Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions. The Colorado-based company has been working to provide the best possible design and build of sports fields for more than 20 years.

And to complete each field, Blaster the Burro, everyone’s favorite mascot, will appear in the middle of the turf.

THE CITY OF DOTHAN INSTALLS STATE-OF-THE-ART ASTROTURF TO COMPLETE $12M RIP HEWES STADIUM RENOVATIONS

Dothan, Alabama – Rip Hewes Stadium, home of the Dothan High School Wolves football team, is undergoing the second phase of a major renovation project planned by the city. The main feature of this facility upgrade is a leading-edge turf system manufactured by the most iconic name in the synthetic turf industry – AstroTurf®. With a new, high-performance playing surface, the Dothan Wolves, as well as other local athletes that use the field, will get to enjoy the best that the artificial turf industry offers.

The new field is one of AstroTurf’s most popular products: the RootZone 3D3 Blend system. With the RootZone, a texturized layer of fibers designed to encapsulate the infill, it’s one of the most powerful turf systems on the market today. This innovative layer improves safety, durability, and playability through consistent shock attenuation and reduced infill spray.

To complete their field, Dothan also opted for a Brock SP17 pad with 100% engineered organic infill. Brock is the leader in shock pad and organic infill technology in the United States, and the company is well-known for creating products that are great at absorbing impact.

“Dothan City Schools is very excited about the upgrades to Rip Hewes Stadium,” said Dothan City School athletic director Jessica Noble. “Especially the new turf installation completed by AstroTurf.”

Once the field is done, Rip Hewes Stadium will have a brand-new turf, a repaved parking lot, new lights, recently renovated concession stands, and new locker rooms for both home and away teams. The city is spending over $12 million to give the stadium a more modern look.

“The City of Dothan is very excited about our new AstroTurf football field at Rip

Hewes Stadium,” said Andrew Love, General Services Director for the City of Dothan. “Our stadium is a great venue for local sports and will continue to be for many years to come with the improvements we’re making to the field and the stadium.”

Rip Hewes Stadium is primarily used by Dothan High School Wolves Football team, an athletics program with an impressive history. The team played its first season in 1912, with its first undefeated season in 1927.

Then in 1936, W.D. “Rip” Hewes, the man the stadium is named for, came to Dothan to coach the football team. He proved to be a tremendous source of inspiration for the city – his team went undefeated in his second season and was one of the best teams in Alabama for years. After retiring from coaching, he went on to become the City of Dothan Recreation Director and a charter member of the Dixie Youth Softball program.

The stadium was built in 1963, and the first football game was played there the following year.

The first scheduled game at the facility for this is Thursday, Aug. 18 with Northside Methodist Academy hosting Houston County. A week later, Dothan High hosts Lee of Montgomery for its first home game. Both NMA and Dothan have five homes games at Rip Hewes this season.

The new AstroTurf installation is marked for football and soccer. As a result, Dothan soccer teams could also use the facility in the spring.

Rip Hewes has also been the site of a few major events held in the city, including a speech by evangelist Billy Graham in 1965, and another by James Robinson in 1976, which was attended by 12,200 people. The famous wrestler Hulk Hogan faced Harley Race at Rip Hewes Stadium in 1979.

With a fresh look, modernized facilities, and high-tech turf, Rip Hewes Stadium will continue serving as a source of pride for Dothan. The Dothan Wolves will start their first season on the new field this August.

MSU DENVER CHOOSES ASTROTURF FOR THREE NEW FIELDS AT THE ASSEMBLY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

Denver, Colorado – Metropolitan State University of Denver opts for AstroTurf®, the inventor of the original artificial turf system, for three new fields at its prestigious Assembly Athletic Complex. The school is replacing the soccer, baseball, and softball fields, giving the Roadrunners high-tech turf systems in time for the 2022-2023 school year.

The Assembly Athletic Complex, formerly known as the Regency Athletic Conference, is one of the top NCAA Division II outdoor athletic facilities in the West. It has hosted several major sporting events, including the 2016 NCAA Division II Spring Sports Festival and the 2019, 2021, and 2022 Division II Softball Championships, and is home to both the MSU Denver Roadrunners and local youth sports leagues.

The new fields will add even more appeal to the complex, helping it to continue its position as a prime facility for tournaments and other important sporting events. All three AstroTurf® systems were manufactured using unmatched quality standards and are designed to enhance playability and aesthetics.

“We’re excited about the new turf at the Assembly Athletic Complex,” said Todd Thurman, MSU Denver Director of Athletics. “Our new fields are of better quality and will last longer than the original ones did because of the advances in technology. And the fields at our outdoor complex will not only be great places for our players to play, but they will also properly showcase our facilities as among the best in NCAA Division II.”

The new MSU soccer field is a LigaTurf system with

a special RootZone layer that reduces infill migration and increases the longevity of the field. LigaTurf meets elite playing standards and is used at FIFAcertified facilities across the country.

“We’ve seen a big difference in how we play, how we can pass it. It plays so much more true, more like grass,” said MSU Denver soccer coach Nick Kirchhof. “It’s a great surface to play on.”

The synthetic fibers in the new turf provide a grass-like playing surface that promotes better cleat release and reduces torque transmission to the joints. Student-athletes will also benefit from the surface’s durability – LigaTurf is known for being a predictable playing surface that doesn’t lose its uniformity even after years of heavy usage.

“The complex as a whole shows the commitment by the athletic department to, not only our soccer programs, but to the baseball, softball and tennis programs,” said Kat Mertz, MSU Denver women’s soccer coach. “The new field provides an excellent student-athlete experience. The surface plays really well.”

“Partnering with MSU Denver to provide a new playing surface was a big dream of Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions as a whole organization,” said Lacey Hartman, president of Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions. “We are lucky to have been chosen to work with Metro State out of the other applicants. We really look forward to seeing the athletes play on these fields and provide the latest and greatest turf in the industry. AstroTurf Rootzone turf is my first choice for my children to play sports on, we are happy to provide that for the university.”

For MSU Softball and Baseball, the school is installing AstroTurf’s Diamond Series RBI fields. These are customizable turf systems that come with a RootZone layer to optimize performance and ensure realistic ball hops.

Diamond Series RBI fields use legend-shaped polyethylene monofilament fibers in the infield and outfield to replicate natural grass, and diamondshaped monofilament fibers in the infield, batter’s box, and pitcher’s mound to mimic the texture and firmness of real clay. It’s the combination of specialized fibers and tailored infill ratios that make these fields ideal for collegiate play.

“We’re excited to have a chance to play on our new turf,” said Ryan Strain, MSU Denver baseball coach. “It’s top-of-the-line, the best you can get out there. To have that for our field will be tremendous for our guys. And as we get into the season, not knowing how the weather will be in Colorado, we’ll have a better chance to get our games in with this surface. It’s a real benefit for our guys, not only for practice but for games. It’ll help ensure our guys get the best experience they possibly can.”

MSU Denver, which plays in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, is well-known for cultivating incredible athletes. The school has produced 239 All-American athletes and, since 1998, has won 35 tournament championships.

The Roadrunners baseball team is ranked second in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and won the 2022 RMAC tournament title, and the softball team is ranked 4th. The men’s and women’s soccer teams are currently ranked 5th and 7th in the conference.

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

UPGRADES

HUSKY BALLPARK WITH LEADING-EDGE ASTROTURF

Seattle, Washington – The University of Washington (UW) continues its longstanding relationship with AstroTurf®, installing a high-tech Diamond Series field at Husky Stadium. The field is ready to go after a successful installation by Coast To Coast Turf, giving the Huskies plenty of time to train on the new playing surface and get used to the improvements in safety, durability, and playability before the 2023 season begins.

This will be an exciting year for UW Baseball. The Huskies will play on a state-of-the-art home field: the turf comes with AstroTurf’s highperformance Diamond Series RBI System and a massive 100’ by 70’ logo at centerfield. There’s also a new Head Coach at the helm – this will be Jason Kelly’s first year leading the Huskies.

“Thank you to the great people at AstroTurf,” said Kelly. “By far the best product on the market. Our new AstroTurf looks great and plays great. Go Dawgs!”

Coach Kelly is returning to Seattle after serving as the pitching coach for LSU and Arizona State. Before that, he made a huge impact on the UW baseball program during his seven years as the Husky pitching coach from 2013 to 2019. In 2014, UW baseball achieved its highest national ranking in team history, and in 2016, Kelly developed and mentored Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year and first-team All-American Troy Rallings.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be back at Husky Ballpark,” said Gregg Swenson, AstroTurf Regional Sales Manager for the Northwest Region. “The Huskies have a great program, and we can’t wait to see how well they play this year with Coach Kelly. He’s a phenomenal pitching coach and a fantastic leader, and we know the team is going to excel under his watch on our new Diamond Series field.”

The University of Washington went with the Diamond Series RBI System which includes RootZone Diamond Blend RBI and RootZone Diamond-I RBI with Trionic fibers. It’s a premium synthetic turf baseball field with a texturized fiber system that reduces infill migration. With minimal infill splash and two-inch high legend-shaped polyethylene monofilament fibers, athletes can count on more realistic ball hops and a surface that looks and feels like real grass.

The i-Fiber system features Diamond-shaped monofilament PE fibers designed to lay over, thereby replicating clay. Nylon also improves resistance to wear in these high traffic areas and provides more natural sliding distance.

The AstroTurf® installation at Husky Ballpark comes with several important upgrades to the facility, including new turf mounds on the field and bullpens, infield tic marks for infielder positioning, and new turf at the mini field used for bunting practice.

“Converting over the University of Washington to the AstroTurf Diamond Series family is a big deal,” said Aaron Klotz, AstroTurf’s National Manager of Baseball Sales. “We look forward to watching them this spring on their quest to reach Omaha, all while doing it on our turf.”

The Husky Ballpark upgrade continues a positive partnership with the University of Washington, AstroTurf and Coast to Coast Turf. The installation at the baseball stadium marks the fourth AstroTurf® project at UW since 2019. Washington also chose AstroTurf® for Husky Stadium, the East Field, and the Softball Indoor Facility. All four projects were completed by Coast to Coast Turf.

The Huskies will make their home debut on the new field from March 3rd through the 5th when they host Northern Colorado for a four-game weekend series. Before that, UW Baseball will be on the road, playing eight road games in California, with a season starter in Santa Clara on February 17th.

FIELD HOCKEY NATIONAL CHAMPION MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE ADDS ASTROTURF SYSTEM

Middlebury, Vermont – The Middlebury field hockey team has been the NCAA Division III team to beat for the past five years. They started the 2022 season with a 30-game winning streak that dates to 2019 and captured a fifth-consecutive National Championship this season.

The Panthers become the first field hockey team across all divisions to capture five consecutive titles.

But that’s not all that’s happening this year for the Panthers. Middlebury College is installing a new AstroTurf® Poligras system for field hockey, giving the school’s field hockey and lacrosse athletes a leading-edge playing surface with an Olympic-sized history.

Panthers Athletics chose AstroTurf’s Poligras Platinum field hockey system for Kohn Field. Originally opened in the spring of 2000 and upgraded in 2011, Kohn Field has always been a state-of-the-art field hockey and lacrosse facility. Now, with this new revitalization project, it sports the same surface that was installed for the Summer Olympic Games in London, Rio, and Tokyo. The AstroTurf® Poligras Platinum system has also been the playing surface for every NCAA Division I Final Four tournament since field hockey made the transition from natural grass to synthetic turf.

“The new Poligras Platinum field at Middlebury College is a winning field for a record-breaking team. The Panthers are a phenomenal team, and

they deserve to practice on a surface that lets them get fast ball speed and confident footing,” said Melissa Twist, AstroTurf’s National Manager of Field Hockey sales.

The AstroTurf® system at Kohn Field is a short-pile tufted field with polyethylene fibers, offering student-athletes a soft, non-abrasive surface. The fibers are also water-resistant — an essential feature for ensuring practices and games can go on in all weather conditions.

With long-time Head Coach and member of the 2022 National Field Hockey Association (NFHCA) Hall of Fame induction class Katharine DeLorenzo at the helm, the Panthers defeated John Hopkins in overtime to complete another memorable season.

The win not only ended John Hopkins’ 16-game unbeaten streak, but the Panthers became the first time to score against the Blue Jays during the NCAA Tournament.

For the sixth time in program history, the Panthers reached the 20-win plateau (21-1) and set a program record for goals scored with 107. The shutout was also a school record 12th for the Panthers.

The Panthers earn their sixth national title in the last seven seasons and their seventh championship in program history (1998, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022).

ASTROTURF BECOMES THE EXCLUSIVE DEALER FOR SISGRASS IN THE UNITED STATES

Dalton, Georgia – AstroTurf®, the original creator of synthetic turf, partners with SIS Pitches, the creator of SISGrass and the market leader in the design, manufacture, and installation of hybrid pitches to bring the best playing surfaces to professional clubs, athletic programs, and sports teams in the United States. The partnership makes AstroTurf® the exclusive dealer for SISGrass in the US, continuing the company’s legacy as the ultimate source of high-performance athletic surfaces.

When sports facility managers, coaches, and athletic directors want a long-lasting synthetic field that supports player safety, they turn to AstroTurf®. But now, they can also experience the benefits of advanced SISGrass hybrid turf technology.

SISGrass transitions natural pitches to a highly resilient hybrid system, giving athletes the playability of natural grass combined with the durability of premium synthetic fibers.

“Hybrid technology has progressed immensely since its introduction in the 90s,” said Carl Capellas, AstroTurf’s Manager of Soccer Sales, North and South America. “SISGrass is at the forefront of the newest technology, which leads to the highest-performing grass fields in the world.”

SISGrass pitches are 95% natural grass reinforced with high-performance polyethylene fibers. The blend of real grass with synthetic yarns achieves a superior playing surface for soccer, rugby, football, golf, cricket and other major sports.

This high-tech hybrid system is the field of choice on elite soccer pitches across the globe, including the Europa League Finals, the 2021 European Union Championship, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2022 Club World Cup. It’s also extremely popular in professional rugby. Aviva

Stadium in Dublin, the Swansea City Stadium & TC in the UK, and the Tianjin Olympic Center in China all feature hybrid pitches manufactured and installed by SIS Pitches.

“Their system is adaptable to different climates and grass types,” said Capellas. “AstroTurf® is happy to partner with them in the United States.”

As more soccer clubs in Europe, Africa, and Asia turn to hybrid grass, more players have the chance to practice and compete on a combination field. Hybrid fields promise longer playing hours and the endurance of synthetic turf. Even better, SIS Pitches is able to build tailored pitches fast, customizing the spacing of the yarn to the needs of the customer. The company also uses laser technology for accurate installation.

“The hybrid system is growing in popularity in the United States and will continue to do so,” added Capellas. “It really is a growing market. More and more organizations and schools are going to want to go with a hybrid system. This is the technology that is sought after by professional clubs around the world. This is what they want.”

“We are pleased and thrilled that we have partnered with AstroTurf for the US market,” said Ivo Lamot, Managing Director, SISGrass. “Many NFL players want to change back to natural grass, and we are already working with some big names, including the Green Bay Packers and the San Jose Earthquakes.

“We are looking forward to our partnership with AstroTurf for the US market. Not only because of our passion for sport, but also our innovative pitch technology, giving our clients more robust surface while retaining the tradition of playing on grass.”

This partnership marks another step forward for AstroTurf®. But it’s also an exciting leap ahead for US athletic programs at all levels, from high school soccer pitches to professional sports.

ASTROTURF’S REPLICA MLB FIELDS AT RIPKEN EXPERIENCE HONORED BY ASBA

Dalton, Georgia – The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), the national organization for builders and suppliers of materials for athletic facilities, has announced the winners of its annual awards. Awards are presented each year to facilities built by ASBA members, which display construction excellence.

Awards are presented in various categories: Tennis Courts, Running Tracks, Sports Fields, Pickleball Facilities and Track & Field Facilities. Within some categories, there are divisions; for example, the Sports Field category recognizes single- and multiple-field facilities.

Winners of awards were announced at the Association’s 2022 Technical Meeting, presented from December 2-5 in Palm Desert, California.

Among the winners for Distinguished Facilities-Multi-Field was AstroTurf’s PNC Park and Citi Field at the Ripken Experience in Aberdeen, Maryland.

AstroTurf completed the replica Major League Baseball fields in the spring of 2022, bringing the total number of fields at the Ripken Experience Aberdeen to nine.

The Ripken Experience™ chose AstroTurf’s Diamond Series Diamond-i OPS synthetic turf systems for the two new fields. Purpose-built to enhance playability, Diamond Series fields include legend-shaped polyethylene fibers to mimic natural grass, a synthetic clay infield engineered to provide a more natural sliding distance, and AstroTurf’s

RootZone®, a texturized fiber system that reduces infill migration and creates realistic ball hops.

The state-of-the-art fields in Aberdeen are replicas of the home stadiums of the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates. They will allow Ripken Baseball to host more teams from around the country. In 2022, Ripken Baseball expects to host over 1,500 teams, 25,000 participants, and 100,000 visitors to Aberdeen.

“The Diamond Series is the best of the best when it comes to baseball turf systems. We know these new fields will serve their purpose well – to let even more young athletes experience the feel of playing in the big leagues,” says Aaron Klotz, Manager of Baseball Sales at AstroTurf. “We’ve been making technologically advanced baseball fields for over 50 years, and the fields in Aberdeen are a labor of love for the next generation of baseball.”

The new AstroTurf® fields are replicas of Citi Field, the home field of the New York Mets, and PNC Park, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In addition to these fields, The Ripken Experience™ Aberdeen is also home to youth-sized replicas of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Memorial Park, Citizen’s Bank, and Nationals Park. There’s also a full-sized replica of Old Yankee Stadium, the home of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 2008.

JACKIE ROBINSON TRAINING COMPLEX VERO BEACH FL

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AstroTurf® is thrilled to introduce our 2023 Year in Review magazine, featuring a remarkable year of achievements and contributions to community well-being.

This year, AstroTurf has proudly set a new record in our history, manufacturing and installing more fields than ever before.

Each of these fields represents not just a space for sports and recreation, but a significant improvement in the quality of life for citizens in the areas we’ve touched.

Our diverse range of projects, encompassing schools, public parks, colleges and professional sports venues, has brought vibrant, safe, and sustainable green spaces to communities.

These fields are more than just turf; they’re places where health, happiness, and community spirit flourish.

Join us in celebrating this milestone year, as we look back at our innovative and impactful field projects that have redefined outdoor spaces and enriched lives across the nation.

AstroTurf, Coast to Coast Turf

Collaborate on Noteworthy Fields at Washington State University

AstroTurf, the industry leader in synthetic turf design and manufacturing, and Coast to Coast Turf, a trusted turf installation expert, have announced the successful comple-

tion of an innovative football practice fields project at Washington State University (WSU). The duo has transformed two outdoor football practice fields, known as Rogers Field, cover-

ing an impressive 109,407 sqft.

The turf used, RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend, is renowned for its durability, aesthetic appeal,

and player-friendly characteristics. In addition to the outdoor fields, the collaborative venture also oversaw the installation of an 82,500-squarefoot indoor practice field for the university in 2020. Equipped with the same high-quality RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend, this facility allows athletes to train in all weather conditions while experiencing the same high-performance turf found in their outdoor practice spaces.

AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 Trionic

Blend is a testament to innovative technology. It offers an enhanced playing experience with its trio of fibers that mimic the qualities of natural grass while improving resilience and durability. The RootZone’s layered system works to reduces infill migration while increasing stability and safety for the players. This turf is not only visually pleasing but also contributes to the overall performance of the players, helping them to perform their best every day.

“We are proud to have collaborated with Coast to Coast Turf on this project,” said Philip Snider, COO of AstroTurf. “Their proficiency in installation and dedication to quality complements our mission to offer superior athletic surfaces that promote optimal player performance and safety.”

This latest installation represents AstroTurf’s commitment to excellence in the development and deployment of innovative, player-centric, and sustainable athletic turf solutions. In partnership with Coast to Coast Turf, these fields will provide Washington State University athletes with a best-in-class training surface.

These state-of-the-art fields are a reminder of why WSU is regarded as a premier destination for athletes. Prospective student athletes will now have the opportunity to train on some of the most advanced turf fields in the country. The investment in high-quality playing surfaces indicates WSU’s commitment to providing a safe, top-tier environment that optimizes athletes’ potential and reduces the risk of injuries.

“By integrating AstroTurf’s advanced products, we continue to propel WSU’s sports infrastructure into the future,” said Shawn Deeds, WSU Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Event & Facility Operations. “These revamped turf systems re-

inforce our ongoing commitment to our student-athletes, providing them with the best resources to excel both on and off of the field,”

“The partnership with AstroTurf has made possible the creation of sports facilities that are truly next-level,” said Coast to Coast Turf President, Steve Webb. “At Coast to Coast Turf, we’re proud to participate in projects that improve the sporting experience for collegiate athletes and contribute to the advancement of the industry.”

The Washington State Cougars’ 2023 football season is filled with notable matchups, including exciting home games against Wisconsin on September 9th and Stanford on November 4th at Gesa Field. Key road games include a face-off against UCLA at the Rose Bowl on October 7th and a much-anticipated rivalry game against Washington at Husky Stadium on November 25th. With these high-stakes clashes and a combination of TV broadcasts, Cougar fans have plenty to look forward to.

About AstroTurf: For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. A growing number of high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit AstroTurf’s redesigned website at astroturf.com.

About Coast to Coast Turf: Coast to Coast Turf is a nationally recognized leader in sports construction, offering top-tier solutions that enhance sports facilities’ performance and safety. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Coast to Coast Turf continues to set the industry standard in sports facility construction and renovation.

About Washington State University: Founded in 1890, Washington State University is a public research university based in Pullman, Washington. As a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, WSU boasts 16 varsity athletic programs, with teams known as the Cougars that are nationally recognized for their excellence.

Temecual Valley High School

Venice High School, Venice, Florida

Southern Boone High School, Ashland, Kentucky

Sequoyah High School, Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

NW Catholic, West Hartford, CT

Boston University

AstroTurf Announces Installation at Mizzou’s Football Practice Facility

AstroTurf Announces Installation of Advanced 3D3-60 AstroTurf Field System at Mizzou’s Football Practice Facility

AstroTurf, a leading provider of synthetic turf, is proud to announce the successful installation of a state-of-the-art 3D3-60 AstroTurf Field System at the University of Missouri’s Stephens Indoor Facility. The system was installed by Mid-America Sports Construction, a regional AstroTurf distributor, and nationally recognized leader in sports construction.

The 3D3-60 AstroTurf Field System is a top-of-the-line product known for its resilience, durability, and safety features. This advanced turf system features the strength of nylon fibers and a Brock Powerbase Pro Pad, providing an optimal combination of firmness, and shock absorption.

“We’re thrilled to bring this cutting-edge turf technology to Mizzou,” said Curtis Wilson, a Regional Manager for AstroTurf. “Our goal has always been to deliver high-quality solutions. With the installation of the 3D3-60 AstroTurf Field System, we’re confident that Mizzou’s athletes will have a more consistent, and overall superior turf system to practice on.”

The new AstroTurf system will significantly enhance the practice experiences of Mizzou’s athletes, providing a consistently excellent

playing surface. It will also help reduce the risk of injuries, thanks to the Brock Powerbase Pro Pad’s superior shock absorption.

“This is an exciting time for Mizzou Football,” said Eli Drinkwitz, Mizzou’s Head Football Coach.

“The new AstroTurf field system will improve our practice sessions and help our Tigers perform at their best. We look forward to using it leading up to this season.”

The Tigers season-opener against South Dakota will kick off at 7 p.m. on Aug. 31 at home.

The 2024 season marks the first year of league competition for the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas- Mizzou’s longtime rivals from the Big 12 Conference. The Tigers will also

welcome Arkansas, Auburn, Oklahoma and Vanderbilt to Columbia in 2024 while traveling to Alabama, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Texas A&M.

About AstroTurf: For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. A growing number of high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit AstroTurf’s redesigned website at astroturf.com.

About Mid-America Sports Construction:

Mid-America Sports Construction is a nationally recognized leader in sports construction, offering top-tier solutions that enhance sports facilities’ performance and safety. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Mid-America Sports Construction continues to set the industry standard in sports facility construction and renovation.

About the University of Missouri: The University of Missouri, established in 1839, is a premier public research university located in Columbia, Missouri. Its robust athletics department, known as Mizzou Athletics, features 20 varsity sports teams and is a member of the Southeastern Conference.

A.M. Barbe High School, Lake Charles, LA

Barnesville High School, Barnesville, Ohio

Artesia High School, Lakewood, California

Atwater High School, Atwater, California

Battle Creek High School, Battle Creek, MI

Ben Franklin High School, Queen Creek, Arizona

Georgetown University, Washington, DC

Zuidema Field at Calvin University Boasts State-of-the-Art System

AstroTurf, the industry leader in synthetic turf design and manufacturing, in collaboration with AstroTurf Great Lakes, have installed a new state-of-the-art turf at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Zuidema Field, home of the Knights, is now an advanced AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 52 system.

This system showcases AstroTurf’s innovative nylon and boasts a heavy face weight, ensuring the best in player protection, aesthetics, and durability. The synthetic blades are a blend of both slit film and monofilament, reflecting the brand’s commitment to top-tier quality. The decision to upgrade to this state-of-the-art turf installation underscores their dedication to providing their athletes with premier facilities.

AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 system is designed to enhance the playing experience. Its trio of fibers emulates the properties of natural grass while offering superior resilience and durability. The RootZone’s unique layered system is crafted to minimize infill migration, ensuring consistent field conditions and maximizing player safety.

While the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams don’t play until spring, Zuidema is already alive with Knight football action. The 2023 Men’s Soccer team’s schedule features a variety of games both home and away. Calvin starts the season with home games against St. Norbert and Ohio Wesleyan on September 1st and 2nd, respectively, both at 6

PM in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The 2023 Women’s Soccer team will kick off their season on September 1st at 4 PM with a home game against Capital University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This will be followed by another home match against Carroll University on September 5th at 5 PM. League play in the MIAA begins in late September for both teams.

About AstroTurf: For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf has revolutionized the game. The brand offers advanced, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems equipped with proprietary engineered technologies. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and municipalities are choosing AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. For more information, visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf Great Lakes: AstroTurf Great Lakes stands as a national leader in sports construction, delivering elite solutions that enhance the performance and safety of sports facilities. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation, AstroTurf Great Lakes continues to set the standard in sports facility construction and renovation.

IMG Academy, Bradenton, Florida

Brandon High School, Ortonville, MI

Butler High School, Augusta, Georgia

Bishop Eustace Prep, Pennsauken Township, NJ

Boonton High School, Boonton, NJ

Caledonia High School, Caledonia, Michigan

Calvin University, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Golden Valley High School, Merced, California

AstroTurf Partnership Elevates Environmental Leadership

AstroTurf, the industry pioneer in synthetic turf systems and a top-tier ESG brand, is excited to announce its latest partnership with Cyclyx International. Cyclyx is a consortium-based, post-use plastic innovation company committed to increasing the recyclability of plastic waste from 10% to 90%.

As AstroTurf approaches its 60th anniversary in 2025, the company reflects on its heritage, which began with providing the revolutionary synthetic playing surface for the Houston Astrodome. Known as an architectural marvel and once dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Astrodome required an equally innovative surface that could withstand conditions without sunlight. AstroTurf met this challenge with a technologically superior synthetic material, setting new standards for Major League Baseball and, by extension, environmental responsibility.

With an unwavering dedication to product quality and athlete performance, AstroTurf has equally committed itself to sustainable development. The company aims to achieve zero waste by early 2024, continually employing inventive strategies to address and minimize plastic waste. AstroTurf is proud to offer a “climate positive” turf product made from Bio-Based PE (Bio Polyethylene), which incorporates 60% renewably sourced raw materials such as sustainably farmed sugar cane, thereby reducing both carbon footprint and water usage.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces

with Cyclyx as part of their esteemed consortium,” says Rob Mitchell, AstroTurf Vice President of Business Development. “Our robust commitment to ESG goals finds an ideal match in Cyclyx’s resources, expert guidance, and wealth of opportunities. Our comprehensive research into recycling and sustainability solutions highlights the importance of selecting the perfect collaborator to convert our innovative concepts into practical, meaningful outcomes. In this respect, Cyclyx and its consortium members offer an unparalleled synergy, and we look forward to a fruitful partnership.”

By becoming a part of Cyclyx’s network of circular-minded enterprises, AstroTurf is better positioned to advance its mission of delivering environmentally responsible, low-maintenance, and economically viable alternatives to natural grass. The collaboration with Cyclyx enables sustainable methodologies across AstroTurf’s manufacturing, installation, and end-of-life procedures. It opens the door to divert over 10 million pounds of PE waste destined for landfills towards circular

recycling routes, with up to 90% of this waste potentially being repurposed.

“Cyclyx’s deep expertise in handling post-use plastics will significantly bolster AstroTurf’s ability to meet its ambitious sustainability objectives,” says Ron Sherga, Vice President, Membership Engagement of Cyclyx. “AstroTurf is a beloved brand in the world of sports, and together we will ensure it’s recognized not only for its high-quality products but also for its commitment to environmental preservation.”

About AstroTurf: AstroTurf has been revolutionizing the way athletes and sports enthusiasts experience the game for nearly six decades. The brand provides advanced, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems featuring proprietary engineering technologies. An ever-increasing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and municipalities continue to choose AstroTurf products for their exceptional quality, technological innovation, and safety features. For more information, visit AstroTurf’s newly revamped website at AstroTurf.com.

About Cyclyx International, LLC.: Cyclyx International, LLC is a trailblazing company dedicated to innovative plastic recycling solutions. Operating under the mission brand 10to90®, Cyclyx is committed to transforming the recycling rate of plastics from 10% to 90%. They work collaboratively with industry partners to create an innovative, new supply chain for post-use plastics. For more information, visit Cyclyx.com

Coolidge High School, Coolidge, Texas

Elmira High School, Elmira, New York

Ferndale High School, Ferndale, Washington

Farrell High School, Farrell, PA

Carrollton High School, Carrollton, Georgia

Cassville High School, Cassville, MO

Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama

Community High School, Nevada, Texas

Stockton University, Galloway, NJ

AstroTurf introduces wonder-fiber TRIONIC PLUS

AstroTurf’s wonder-fiber and “The Synthetic Turf Council’s 2019 Innovation of the Year” just got better.

AstroTurf has always prided itself on being the leader of innovation in the synthetic turf industry. It’s latest product, TRIONIC PLUS, is another advancement that is the result of years of pre-market research and development, allowing for optimal long-term integrity and durability.

The TRIONIC PLUS wonder fiber features three distinct added technologies – Sanitized silver-based technology, DualChill thermal shield, and StatBlock anti-Static component. These technologies work together to create a turf that is not only more durable, but also more hygienic, cooler, and safer to use.

Sanitized silver-based antimicrobial technology helps eliminate odors and provides long-lasting protection. It works by eliminating bacterial odors and preventing the buildup of microbes on AstroTurf face fibers. It provides up to 99% reduction in bacteria.

DualChill’s ability to act as a thermal shield strengthens the fibers allowing them to be more resilient and durable over long time periods. Test results done on the same fiber package, with and without DualChill, shows that there is an average of up to 42% improvement in IR reflectivity and up to 12 degrees cooler in fiber temperature.

New carbon-based anti-static ingredient molecularly bound into the face fibers that inhibits the buildup of static electricity. Anti-static components are used in the industry, but AstroTurf brings the first DNA level addition. Testing shows up to a 17-times reduction in static levels when StatBlock is introduced into the synthetic turf fibers.

“We are thrilled to launch the TRIONIC PLUS, which is the result of years

of research and development,” said Rob Mitchell, AstroTurf’s vice president of business development. “This cutting-edge technology sets a new standard for fibers in the synthetic turf industry, and we are confident that it will set a new standard for safety, hygiene, and performance.”

Through its development of blending polyethylene (PE) and nylon into a single fiber to create TRIONIC fiber, AstroTurf was awarded “The Innovator of the Year” in 2019 by the Synthetic Turf Council.

TRIONIC was an incredible breakthrough, creating a molecular fusion of nylon and polyethylene that is softer, stronger, and longer lasting.

The secret is in the compatibilizers. These compounds encase the nylon polymers, which are suspended within the PE to reinforce the fiber. These compatibilizers have an affinity with both the PE and the nylon. They are polar on the inside, and non-polar on the outside. In essence, the compatibilizers bridge the gap.

From the industry’s earliest inception until the 1990s, nylon was used nearly across the board for its superior resilience and strength. The downside of all-nylon fibers was well-known. It was abrasive. In the 1990s, polyeth-

ylene came into vogue and became the industry standard for tall pile face fibers. The PE fibers were much less abrasive, but they sacrificed the strength that previous generations of turf fields offered. But all of this is in the past as AstroTurf has reinvented PE – making it better, stronger, TRIONIC.

The STC recognized the TRIONIC innovation as a significant accomplishment that helped to advance the industry by providing a fiber that is less abrasive yet more durable. Receiving the award served as validation from industry peers that this fiber is a technological advancement that raises the bar on the standards by which turf fibers are measured.

TRIONIC PLUS takes the AstroTurf wonder-fiber to another level. AstroTurf, the icon that invented the industry, still leads in driving innovation in the synthetic turf industry.

About AstroTurf®: For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-ofthe-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www. astroturf.com

Mater East, Las Vegas, Nevada

Dundee High School, Dundee, Michigan

Dysart High School, El Mirage, Arizona

Cross Creek High School, Augusta, Georgia

Dakota State University, Madison, SD

Denison University, Granville, Ohio

AstroTurf’s replica MLB fields at Ripken Experience honored by ASBA

Dalton, GA., The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), the national organization for builders and suppliers of materials for athletic facilities, has announced the winners of its annual awards.

Awards are presented each year to

facilities built by ASBA members, which display construction excellence.

Awards are presented in various categories: Tennis Courts, Running Tracks, Sports Fields, Pickleball Fa-

cilities and Track & Field Facilities. Within some categories, there are divisions; for example, the Sports Field category recognizes singleand multiple-field facilities.

Winners of awards were

announced at the Association’s 2022 Technical Meeting, presented from December 2-5 in Palm Desert, California.

Among the winners for Distinguished Facilities-Multi-Field was AstroTurf’s PNC Park and Citi Field at the Ripken Experience in Aberdeen, Maryland.

AstroTurf completed the replica Major League Baseball fields in the spring of 2022, bringing the total number of fields at the Ripken Experience Aberdeen to nine.

says Aaron Klotz, Manager of Baseball Sales at AstroTurf.

“We’ve been making technologically advanced baseball fields for over 50 years, and the fields in Aberdeen are a labor of love for the next generation of baseball.”

sized replicas of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Memorial Park, Citizen’s Bank, and Nationals Park. There’s also a full-sized replica of Old Yankee Stadium, the home of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 2008.

About AstroTurf®: For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, multisport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf. com.

About the American Sports Builders Association: The ASBA is a non-profit association comprised of designers, builders and suppliers in sports facility construction. The ASBA sponsors informative meetings, publishes a quarterly magazine, produces a mobile app of court and field diagrams, publishes books and technical construction guidelines for athletic facilities, and keeps its members aware of the latest developments in the industry. It also offers voluntary certification programs in tennis court, running track and sports field construction as well as a certificate in pickleball court construction. To learn more visit ASBA’s website at www. sportsbuilders.org.

Symmetry Sports Construction installs state-of-the-art turf system for

AstroTurf, the industry leader in synthetic turf design and manufacturing, in collaboration with Symmetry Sports Construction, have installed a new state-ofthe-art turf at Farmersville High School in Farmersville, Texas. The Farmers will now practice on the advanced AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 52 system.

AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 system is designed to enhance

the playing experience. Its trio of fibers emulates the properties of natural grass while offering superior resilience and durability. The RootZone’s unique layered system is crafted to minimize infill migration, ensuring consistent field conditions and maximizing player safety.

The Farmersville Farmers have a full slate of games for the 2023-24 season, featuring both district and non-district matchups. The season kicks off with a non-district home game against Eustace. They then hit the road to face Molina at Sprague Stadium, followed by another away game against Pilot Point. The Farmers return home to host Community from Nevada before embarking on their district schedule. Within the district, they will play away games against Bridgeport and Van Alstyne, as well as Sanger.

Farmersville

Home district matchups include games against Gainesville, Krum, and Aubrey. All games are scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm.

About AstroTurf

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf has revolutionized the game. The brand offers advanced, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems equipped with proprietary engineered technologies. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and municipalities are choosing AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. For more information, visit astroturf.com.

About Symmetry Sports Construction

Symmetry Sports Construction stands as a national leader in sports construction, providing elite solutions that amplify the performance and safety of sports facilities. The Texas based Symmetry has been on the cutting edge of sports construction and design since 2010. Founded by Jason Bell, Symmetry is one of the largest, most respected sports construction companies in the United States.

Dexter High School, Dexter, Michigan

Gulliver High School, Pine Crest, Florida

Grayson County High School, Independence, VA

Gull Lake High School, Richland, Michigan

Greenwich Country Day School, Greenwich, CT

Gary Clarke Field, Grass Valley, CA

Northwest features new AstroTurf sports turf system

AstroTurf, the industry leader in synthetic turf design and manufacturing, in collaboration with Sports Turf Company, have installed a new state-of-the-art turf at Northwest Whitfield High School in Whitfield County, Georgia. The Bruins will now play on the advanced AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 60 system featuring BrockFILL.

This installation also features BrockFILL from our partners at Brock USA. BrockFILL is a highly engineered wood particle infill specifically designed to improve traction and reduce artificial turf heat. It’s made from a species of southern pine grown, harvested, and replanted in continuous cycles.

About AstroTurf®: For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com

Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA

Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL

Ecorse High School, Ecorse, MI

Englewood High School, Jacksonville, Florida

Episcopal Parrish, Dallas, Texas

Atlanta Falcons Flag Football Field, Dothan, Alabama

Gunter High School, Gunter, Texas

United Turf and Track Completes Field in Tornado-Hit Wynne, Arkansas

AstroTurf, a leading innovator in the field of synthetic turf, is proud to announce the completion of a new AstroTurf 3D3 52 field system at Wynne High School, Arkansas. The state-ofthe-art turf replacement comes in the wake of a devastating EF-3 tornado that tore through the city, causing significant damage to local infrastructure, including the high school and its athletic facilities.

AstroTurf, in partnership with United Turf and Track, has worked diligently to ensure the community of Wynne can once again enjoy their beloved sport on a field that is not only top-tier in quality but also a symbol of resilience and

unity. The installation of the AstroTurf 3D3 52 system marks a significant milestone in the city’s recovery efforts and highlights the spirit of collaboration and support that defines Wynne.

The tornado, which struck Wynne in April 2023, caused extensive damage to the Wynne High School and its football stadium, including the destruction of the original turf and scoreboard. The tragedy deeply impacted the community, but it also sparked a remarkable coming together of residents, city officials, and local organizations, determined to rebuild and restore the heart of their community.

AstroTurf’s advanced 3D3 system was

selected for its exceptional durability, safety, and performance characteristics, making it an ideal choice for the high school’s athletic program. United Turf and Track, a trusted distributor of AstroTurf, played a crucial role in the rapid and efficient installation of the new field, demonstrating expertise and commitment to quality at every step.

Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas

Maumelle High School, Maumellie, Arkansas

Grovetown High School, Grovetown, Georgia

George Fox University, Newberg, OR

Bonham ISD, Texas

Union City High School, Union City, NJ

Synthetic Turf Council Honors AstroTurf as 2023 Award Recipient for Multifield Sports Project of the Year

Dalton, GA – On October 16, 2023, the Synthetic Turf Council honored AstroTurf as the recipient of the 2023 Multifield Sports Project of the Year at the sixth Annual STC Awards Ceremony during the Annual Conference and 20th Anniversary Celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The STC Sports Project of the Year Award – Multi-Field recognizes an outstanding sports project installed by an STC member company that exhibits innovation and quality reflective of the STC mission. AstroTurf is the winner for their installation for IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

IMG Academy, a globally renowned institution for sports and education, has successfully completed a two-year-long project of installing advanced AstroTurf fields throughout its campus. The comprehensive project has led to the creation of nine state-of-the-art fields, each catering to a variety of sports including baseball, football, lacrosse, and soccer.

The project includes six baseball infields equipped with AstroTurf’s innovative Diamond Series RootZone RBI system, providing unmatched durability, performance, and safety. These fields cleverly incorporate synthetic turf “clay areas” to mimic infield dirt and “grass areas” to resemble natural grass.

Additionally, a stadium field and several practice fields for football and lacrosse have been outfitted with AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend product. This advanced synthetic turf system combines three distinct fibers to offer improved stability, durability, and reduced infill flyout, proving to be an exceptional surface for numerous sports. This project incorporated BrockFill and Brock ShockPad in the fields’ construction. BrockFill, a natural infill made from

sustainably sourced wood fibers, offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional rubber infill, contributing to carbon sequestration and cooler surface temperatures. Meanwhile, the Brock ShockPad provides excellent shock absorption, and prolongs the lifespan of the field while helping to provide a consistent playing surface.

The completion of these high-quality AstroTurf fields showcases IMG Academy’s ongoing commitment to providing its student-athletes with exceptional facilities. This initiative is a testament to the institution’s investment in modern technology and infrastructure to boost the overall experience of its student-athletes and better prepare them for their future athletic endeavors. The project’s conclusion reinforces IMG Academy’s position as a premier destination for athletes seeking to refine their skills in an elite setting.

The STC Awards is a member program designed to honor members who help to promote the association’s values and advance the synthetic turf industry.

For more information on the STC Awards, please visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/awards. Nominations for the seventh Annual STC Awards will open in Q1 2024.

About AstroTurf

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf has revolutionized the game. The brand offers advanced, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems equipped with proprietary engineered technologies. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and municipalities are choosing AstroTurf branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. For more information , visit astroturf.com

About the Synthetic Turf Council (STC)

The Synthetic Turf Council (STC) is a 501(c)6 non-profit trade association serving the synthetic turf industry. Its mission is to lead, educate and advocate for the synthetic turf industry. Founded in 2003, the STC assists buyers and end users with the selection, use and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, municipal parks, airports, landscape and residential applications. It is a resource for current, credible, and independent research on the safety and environmental impact of synthetic turf, as well as technical guidance on the selection, installation, maintenance, and environmentally responsible disposal of synthetic turf. Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other specialty service companies.

Vista Ridge High School, Colorado Springs,

Valley Forge Military College, Wayne, PA

Tyrone High School, Tyrone, PA

SportPort International, Maryland Heights, MO

Moc-Floyd Valley High School, Orange City, IA

Synthetic Turf Council Honors AstroTurf as 2023 Award Recipient for Single Field Sports Project of the Year

Dalton, GA – On October 16, 2023, the Synthetic Turf Council honored AstroTurf as the recipient of the 2023 Single Field Sports Project of the Year at the sixth Annual STC Awards Ceremony during the Annual Conference and 20th Anniversary Celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The STC Single Field Sports Project of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding sports project installed by an STC member company that exhibits innovation and quality reflective of the STC mission. AstroTurf is the winner for their installation for Duke University Field Hockey.

Duke University Field Hockey made history as the first collegiate team in the United States to install AstroTurf’s Poligras Tokyo GT (Green Technology) field hockey system. This state-of-the-art turf was installed at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium in June 2022, marking a significant milestone in eco-friendly athletic surfaces in the country.

The standout feature of the project is the blue Tokyo GT turf, specially designed for the Tokyo Olympics. It consists of 60 percent sugar cane, a sustainable crop that actively captures CO2 from the atmosphere. By incorporating this renewable material, the field saves water, conserves resources, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.

This pioneering project by Duke University Field Hockey, in collaboration with AstroTurf, demonstrates their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and providing student-athletes with an exceptional playing surface. By introducing the first Poligras Tokyo GT field in the United States, they pave the way for the future of eco-friendly field hockey surfaces and set a shining example for other institutions and sports organizations to follow. This Tokyo GT turf was installed over a 10mm E-Layer pad to provide shock absorption and consistency throughout the field.

The STC Awards is a member program designed to honor members who help to promote the association’s values and advance the synthetic turf industry.

For more information on the STC Awards, please visit www.synthet-

icturfcouncil.org/awards. Nominations for the seventh Annual STC Awards will open in Q1 2024.

About AstroTurf

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf has revolutionized the game. The brand offers advanced, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems equipped with proprietary engineered technologies. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and municipalities are choosing AstroTurf branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. For more information , visit astroturf.com

About the Synthetic Turf Council (STC)

American River College, North Highlands, CA

Burley High School, Burley, ID

Cascade Middle School, Auburn, WA

Centralia College, Centralia, WA

Taylor University, Upland, IN

AstroTurf Elevates Marshall University’s Athletic Field with the Elite Diamond Series Baseball System

AstroTurf, a trailblazer in synthetic turf technology, is thrilled to announce the installation of its distinguished Diamond Series Baseball System at Marshall University. This state-ofthe-art field blends meticulous design, innovative technology, and customized playability, showcasing our commitment to delivering unparalleled athletic experiences.

“Our partners at AstroTurf heard our plan, embraced it, and then helped us find solutions to make it happen,” said Christian Spears, Marshall University Athletic Director. “No site is perfect, and you have to have support and a willingness to change and on the fly to make it work. That is what AstroTurf did for us. Every step along the way, we had a partner, and that is what it is all about,” he said.

AstroTurf’s Diamond Series is renowned for its exceptional tailor-made approach, merging the authentic feel and playability of both grass and clay to create a superior playing surface. Through intensive research and development, this system has been crafted to provide a home-field advantage and a natural gameplay experience, ensuring each field is as unique as the players who grace it.

The Diamond Series encompasses three distinct systems: RBI, OPS, and HR, each meticulously designed to offer control over the field’s playability while ensuring budgetary adherence. AstroTurf is dedicated to ensuring that each system aligns seamlessly with the unique needs and preferences of coaches and players.

Our innovative technology and high-quality materials guarantee a playing field that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also exceptionally durable:

Utilizing nylon in the base paths and infield, we ensure realistic sliding distances and enhance durability in high-trafficked areas.

Employing specialized fibers, variable pile heights, and tunable infill ratios, we achieve optimal playability.

The Diamond Series, available in two pile heights and utilizing legend-shaped polyethylene monofilament fibers, promises robustness, aesthetic appeal, and supreme wear resistance.

AstroTurf prioritizes a data-driven and consultative approach, providing comprehensive metrics, testing data, and thorough consultations with coaches to understand their unique field playability preferences. This dedication ensures that each field’s speed and bounce characteristics are meticulously refined to meet and exceed

client expectations.

With more installations in Division 1 Baseball fields than all other synthetic turf companies combined, the Diamond Series stands as a testament to AstroTurf’s industry dominance and excellence in performance. Its application extends beyond baseball, gaining traction in softball and demonstrating its versatility across various sports.

With the installation at Marshall University, AstroTurf reaffirms its status as a pioneer in crafting premium, high-performing athletic fields, and underscores our dedication to advancing the quality of play for athletes at all levels.

About AstroTurf

E.D. White Thibodaux, LA

Edison Township High School, Edison, NJ

Fontana High School, Fontana, California

Gwynedd Mercy University, Gwynedd, PA

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Kane High School, Kane, PA

AstroTurf launches

Field Hockey Advisory Council

Dalton, GA. – AstroTurf, the inventor of synthetic turf and leading innovator in the industry, is partnering with some of the top leaders in the sport of field hockey to launch the AstroTurf Field Hockey Advisory Council.

Since its debut at the 1976 Olympics at Molson Stadium in Montreal, AstroTurf has continued its long history of innovation and leadership in the sport of field hockey.

AstroTurf continues to change the sport with the introduction of Poligras Tokyo GT (Green Technology) that was used during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. AstroTurf is also proud to be the surface of every NCAA Division Final Four since the tournament left natural grass.

As AstroTurf continues its commitment in developing the best possible products for each sport, we felt it was important that we are getting input from those whose expectations for safety, durability, and performance are of the highest priority.

At the same time, field hockey has shaped AstroTurf®’s history. Always focused on offering athletes the best possible playing surface, it was the company’s quest to develop specialized knitting equipment and innovative manufacturing processes that have kept AstroTurf at the forefront of the industry and established its reputation as a leading provider of field hockey’s most elite surfaces.

“We are thrilled to have such a talented and respected group of coaches on our AstroTurf Field Hockey Advisory Council,” said Melissa Twist, AstroTurf’s National Manager of Field Hockey Sales. “Their insights and expertise will help us continue to innovate and elevate the sport of field hockey on AstroTurf surfaces across the country.”

The council will meet to discuss product expectations, challenges, and technological advancements that are coming more and more rapidly in field hockey surfacing.

The first AstroTurf Field Hockey Advisory Council features an all-star lineup of coaches from some of the top college programs in the country on numerous levels.

Pam Bustin

Duke University

Williams Field at Jack Katz

Stadium

Poligras Toyko GT (Green Technology)

A two-time ACC and NFHCA South Region Coach of the Year and a member of the USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame, Pam Bustin has revitalized the Duke field hockey program in her 11 seasons in Durham, guiding the Blue Devils to a 136-80 ledger and a trip to the 2013 NCAA title game. During her time in Durham, Bustin has overseen numerous All-America selections, All-South Region picks and All-ACC honorees.

Tara Zollinger

Shippensburg University

Robb Sports Complex

In 2021, Zollinger (100-22) directed the Raiders to a perfect 20-0 record, resulting in Shippensburg’s fourth NCAA National Championship in school history. It marked the first time since 2010 that a team won a NCAA Division II Field Hockey Championship with an undefeated record and marked SU’s first undefeated season since 1977. The Raiders also snapped a 16-year drought with the school’s second Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Field Hockey Championship. Zollinger was named the 2021 PSAC Coach of the Year, her first PSAC Coach of the Year award, and the first time an SU coach received the award since 2011. During the 2021 season, Shippensburg led the nation in goals per game (4.95), scoring average (4.92), scoring margin (4.33), assists per game (3.30), points per game (13.20) and shutouts per game (0.60), and ranked second in penalty corners per game

(13.40). The Raiders allowed multiple goals against in just three games, and one goal or less in the final 14 games of the season (including nine shutouts).

Missy Meharg

University of Maryland

Maryland Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex AstroTurf 12

Meharg completed her 35th season at the helm of the Maryland field hockey program in 2022. Voted National Coach of the Year an unprecedented nine times, Meharg has exemplified the tradition of excellence Maryland field hockey has become known for. The program has captured 26 conference titles, been to the NCAA Semifinals 21 times and won eight National Championships. In 2021, Meharg became just the third Division I coach to reach the 600-career wins mark. As of 2022, she has compiled a career record of 624-160-9. Meharg has coached 56 All-Americans and six Olympians.

Carla Tagliente

Princeton University

Bedford Field

AstroTurf 12

Carla Tagliente took over the Princeton University program in 2016. She has compiled a record of 65-37, including taking the Tigers to one NCAA championship game and three NCAA Final Fours. During the 2019 season that Princeton go 16-5 overall, the Tigers registered a 13game winning streak which was the program’s second longest streak ever. Princeton went on to win the Ivy League title and reach the National Championship Game for the fourth time ever. Tagliente was honored as Ivy League Coach of the Year. Her first season with Princeton (12-8) was a magical one as the team received its first at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament in program history en route to a Final Four berth.

Dina Rizzo

Princeton University, Associate Head Coach

Bedford Field

AstroTurf 12

Dina Rizzo is in her eighth year on the Princeton staff and third as the associate head coach. Rizzo made her way to Princeton after spending the previous six seasons as the associate head coach at Maryland. During her time with the Terrapins, Rizzo helped the team to backto-back national championships (2010-11), four Final Four appearances, two ACC titles and two straight Big Ten regular season titles (201415). She contributed to the development of 42 National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association (NFHCA) Academic All-Americans, two Olympians,

four national team members, 23 All-Americans, 28 all-conference members and two Honda Broderick winners.

Jarred Martin

Ohio State University

Buckeye Varsity Field

AstroTurf 12 System 90

Coach Jarred Martin has posted a record of 67-62 since taking over for the Buckeyes in 2017 and has the team positioned for success for many years to come. His 2019 squad featured one of the nation’s best offense – it was 10th in the country in goals per game (3.06 per game). After the COVID-19 pandemic moved the 2020 fall season to the spring of 2021, Martin guided the Buckeyes to wins in seven of their final nine games and a spot in the Big Ten Tournament title game for the first time in 11 years. Martin, a native of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., retired from the U.S. Men’s National field hockey squad in 2012 after 12 seasons with the team.

Katharine DeLorenzo

Middlebury College

Peter Kohn Field

Poligras Platinum

DeLorenzo has led the Panthers to tremendous successes since arriving for the 2001 season, including an impressive 351-63 record. In that time, the Panthers advanced to the NCAA Championship game on 10 occasions with 19-straight trips to the NCAA Tournament

(2003-22). Overall, DeLorenzo and the Panthers have won six NCAA Championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), becoming the first program to win five-consecutive titles. During her time at Middlebury, DeLorenzo, who has a career record of 425-126-2, has coached four NFHCA National Player’s of the Year and dozens of All Americans. She also has numerous Coach of the Year honors.

Michelle Madison University of Virginia Turf Field

AstroTurf 12 System 90

Head coach Michele Madison (444-273-8 career record, 21 NCAA Tournaments, 5 Final Fours), a member of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame and a former assistant US National Team and Olympic coach, is in her 18th season at the helm of the Cavalier field hockey program, leading UVA to 14 NCAA Tournament berths, including national semifinals appearances in 2009, 2010 and 2019, and winning the first ACC title in program history in 2016. In 2017 after leading her squad to the regular-season conference title, she was named the ACC Field Hockey Coach of the Year, becoming just the second Virginia head coach to win the honor. Madison became just the ninth head coach in NCAA Division I history to hit the 400-win mark, hitting the milestone in 2019. She has accumulated more wins than any other coach in Virginia program history. Madison, a former member of the NCAA National Field

Hockey Committee, has served as a collegiate head coach for 32 years. She is the only person to take three different Division I programs (Temple, Michigan State and Virginia) to the NCAA Tournament.

Jennifer Averill Wake Forest University Kentner Stadium Poligras Platinum

In 31 years as head coach at Wake Forest, Jennifer Averill owns a record of 411-224-3 as a Demon Deacon and an overall mark of 431256-6 in 32 years of coaching. She has built the Wake Forest program, almost from scratch, into a perennial national power. The ACC recognized Averill’s continual improvement with her eight ACC Coach of the Year awards, including her most recent honor after the 2022 regular season season. Averill has guided the Demon Deacons to three-straight NCAA titles in 2002-04, while finishing as the runner-up in 2006 and 2008. The 2002 title marked the first national championship by a women’s athletic program at Wake Forest. Additionally, Averill’s squad has been selected to the national tournament 18 times during her tenure, with the most recent selection coming in 2022. In 2022, Wake Forest’s victory in the ACC Championship quarterfinals against Duke helped the squad become the first Wake Forest team since 2008 to win at least 15 matches in a season. Wake Forest finished 2022 winners of 15 of its last 19 matches, outscoring opponents 51-20 during that span.

Lyndhurst Township, NJ

Maine Field Hockey, Orono, ME

North Eugene High School, Eugene, Oregon

North Nazarene University, Nampa, ID

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Penn State University, State College, PA

Fe Catholic, Lakeland, Florida

Santa

Spokane Stadium, Spokane, Washington

University of Delaware Frazier Field

Wake Forest Field Hockey

Hartland High School, Hartland, Michigan

Hobart High School, Hobard, IN

Homer Sharp, Covington, Georgia

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge, IA

Los Angeles Galaxy Training Facility

Kansas University Crossing, Lawrenceville, KS

Joplin High School, Joplin, Missouri

JW North High School, Riverside, CA

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

La Salle High School, Pasadena, CA

Laney High School, Augusta, Georgia

Lawndale High School, Lawndale, California

Ludington High School, Luddington, MI

Liberty University, Lynchburgh, VA

Gahana Lincoln High School, Gahana, Ohio

Lincoln Christian High School, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Lincoln Prep, Lake Charles, LA

Lubbock ISD, Lubbock, Texas

Manatee High School, Bradenton, Florida

Morgan High School, McDonnelsville, Ohio

Melissa Kenny Deel Stadium, Melissa, Texas

Mid-Buchannon High School, Faucett, MO

Montana State University, Bozeman, MT

Monterey Bay FC, Monterey, CA

Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia

North Point Christian School, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL

North Oldham High School, Goshen, Kentucky

Washington & Lee University, Lexington City, VA

High School, Norristown, PA

Norristown

Oak Mountain High School, Birmingham, Alabama

Mountain Brook Junior High, Birmingham, Alabama

Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Monterey Softball

Paragon Star Sports Complex, Lee’s Summit, MO

Rancho Verde High School, Moreno Valley, CA

St. Paul VI High School, Cantilly, VA

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Robertson Park, Livermore, California

College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY

Saugatuck High School, Saugatuck, MI

Tecumseh High School, Tecumseh, Michigan

Springfield High School, New Middleton, Ohio

Summit High School, Fontana, California

St. Anthony’s High School, Long Beach, California

Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA

Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

University of Conneticut, Storrs, CT

Tower Hill School, Wilmington, DE

TC West High School, Traveerse City, MI

USAFH Training, Charlotte, North Carolina

Virginia Beach Training Center, Virginia Beach, VA

Univeristy of Virginia, Richmond, VA

Highlands Ranch, CO

Valor Christian High School,

Venice High School, Venice, FL

University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

Veterans Park, St. Augustine, Florida

Virginia Gardens, Florida

WC Eagles Field Hockey, Spring City, PA

Willow Canyon High School, Surprise, AZ

Wheeling Park, West Virginia

Whitley High School, Williamsburg, KY

Wynne High School, Wynne, Arkansas

Jersey

Alisal High School, Salinas, California

Edison High School, Edison, New

Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

Folsom Lake College, Folsom, CA

Greene Township, Chambersburgh, PA

Discovery High School, Georgia

Laney High School, Georgia

Hartland High School, Hartland, Michigan

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Waukegan, IL

High School, Morristown, PA

Morristown

INVENTOR, INNOVATOR, IMITATED

THE FIRST NAME IN TURF

YEAR IN REVIEW

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

Oh, What a Year!

As we reflect on the past year, one thing is clear—2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary for AstroTurf. From coast to coast, we’ve had the privilege of bringing innovative, high-quality turf systems to communities, schools, and professional teams alike. Each project has been a testament to our commitment to craftsmanship, performance, and the belief that better fields make better experiences.

This year, we proudly completed a tremendous number of installations, transforming playing surfaces into arenas where athletes shine, teams bond, and communities gather. From the roar of the crowd on Friday nights under the lights to the quiet moments of practice and perseverance, we know the impact of our work goes far beyond the lines of the field.

AstroTurf isn’t just about creating superior playing surfaces; it’s about making a difference. Each project tells a story—of dreams realized, goals achieved, and lives touched.

This Year in Review is a celebration of those moments and the people who made them possible: our dedicated team, our valued partners, and the communities who trust us to deliver excellence. Here’s to the milestones we’ve reached together and the endless possibilities ahead.

Let’s look back on this incredible year with pride—and forward to an even brighter future.

ASTROTURF CORPORATION COMPLETES

INSTALLATION OF DIAMOND SERIES TURF SYSTEM FOR THE ATLANTA BRAVES AT COOL TODAY PARK

AstroTurf, a leading innovator in synthetic turf systems, is pleased to announce the successful installation of their state-of-the-art Diamond Series RBI Turf System at Cool Today Park in North Port, Florida. This remarkable project was executed in collaboration with our trusted partner, Tandum Construction.

Cool Today Park, the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves, is known for its commitment to providing world-class facilities to both players and fans. With AstroTurf’s Diamond Series RBI Turf System, Cool Today Park now boasts a playing surface that is unparalleled in terms of performance, durability, and aesthetics.

Key features of the Diamond Series RBI Turf System include:

Advanced Fiber Technology: The Diamond Series RBI Turf System incorporates AstroTurf’s cutting-edge fiber technology, providing an exceptional playing experience that closely mimics natural grass.

Durability: This advanced turf system is built to withstand heavy usage, ensuring that Cool Today Park can host a wide range of events without compromising the quality of the field.

Player Safety: The safety of athletes is of paramount importance, and the Diamond Series RBI Turf System along with a Brock® Shock Pad offers superior shock absorption and traction, reducing the risk of injuries.

Low Maintenance: Cool Today Park’s ground crew will benefit from the low-maintenance nature of the AstroTurf system, allowing them to focus on other important aspects of maintaining the facility.

Commenting on this exciting installation, Wes Allen, AstroTurf Regional Sales Manager said, “We are thrilled to have partnered with Tandum Construction on this project for the Atlanta Braves. The Diamond Series RBI Turf System is a testament to our commitment to providing topnotch playing surfaces for professional sports teams. Cool Today Park is now equipped with a turf system that meets the highest standards of performance and aesthetics.”

Michael Dunn, Vice President, Atlanta Braves Florida Operations, added, “AstroTurf’s cutting-edge technology will assist us in our preparation of Championship caliber play for the Atlanta Braves organization.”

AstroTurf Corporation has a long history of delivering innovative turf solutions to sports facilities worldwide, and the installation at Cool Today Park further solidifies the company’s reputation for excellence in the industry.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

FUTURE NFL STARS SHINE ON ASTROTURF AT THE 75TH REESE’S SENIOR BOWL IN MOBILE

As the countdown to the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl ticks away, Mobile, Alabama, prepares to host a spectacle unlike any other in college football. On February 3rd, at the state-of-the-art Hancock Whitney Stadium, the nation’s most promising talents will take to the field, each striving to make an indelible mark before the watchful eyes of over 900 NFL personnel and an audience spanning across the globe.

This year, the Senior Bowl not only celebrates its 75th anniversary but also continues its tradition of being a pivotal stepping stone for college athletes on their path to the NFL. With the game set to produce 100 total picks for the third straight year, representing 40 percent of the entire NFL draft, the stakes could not be higher. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of this all-star game and its unmatched significance in the NFL Draft process.

Broadcasted live on the NFL Network, the game offers fans a unique opportunity to witness the future stars of the NFL showcase their skills on a premier stage. Tickets are on sale now, inviting fans to experience the thrill of the game up close and personal, amidst the buzz and excitement that only the Senior Bowl can offer.

REESE’S SENIOR BOWL BROADCAST INFO:

The 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl College Football’s Top Draft Prospects

Date: February 3, 2024 | Time: 12:00pm CT

Location: Hancock Whitney Stadium – Mobile, Alabama

TV Broadcast: The NFL Network

The Senior Bowl’s significance is elevated by the quality of the playing surface provided by AstroTurf at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The stateof-the-art RootZone 3D3 system ensures a playing experience that is not only safe but enhances performance, allowing the athletes to fully showcase their skills and athleticism. This synergy of top talent and leading-edge technology makes the Senior Bowl a not-to-miss event, celebrating the spirit of football and the promise of tomorrow’s NFL stars.

For those who can’t make it to Mobile, the extensive coverage on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@seniorbowl) ensures fans won’t miss a beat. As the game unfolds, it’s clear that the Reese’s Senior Bowl is more than just a game; it’s a bridge to the future of football, set against the backdrop of innovation and tradition.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

ASTROTURF DAY: CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS TECHNOLOGY

As one of the most recognizable brands in the sports world, AstroTurf stands as a beacon of quality, innovation, and durability. For over 50 years, AstroTurf has redefined the landscape of sports fields worldwide, boasting millions of square feet of synthetic turf that embody the pinnacle of technological advancements in the field.

March 21st marks a special occasion for AstroTurf, the original inventor of synthetic turf, as we celebrate AstroTurf Day in Dalton, Georgia, the heartland of our manufacturing operations since 1968. This day commemorates the 58th anniversary of a groundbreaking moment in sports history—the first major league game ever played on synthetic turf, between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers, on March 21, 1966, at the Houston Astrodome. AstroTurf products are not just surfaces on which athletes perform; they are arenas where technology and tradition meet to create a superior athletic experience. As we celebrate AstroTurf Day, let’s embark on a journey through the brand’s storied history, its commitment to innovation, and its vision for the future of sports.

THE MISSION: EXCELLENCE IN EVERY INCH

AstroTurf’s mission transcends the manufacturing of synthetic turf; it is about transforming sports and recreation landscapes into sustainable, eco-friendly, and high-performing environments. The brand’s dedication to inspiring active lifestyles and enhancing community spaces is evident in every product that bears the AstroTurf name. Through continuous research and technological advancements, AstroTurf ensures that its products exceed expectations in performance, durability, and aesthetics, adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety.

UNPARALLELED SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE

Safety and performance form the core of AstroTurf’s philosophy. The brand’s rigorous testing and vetting process for each athletic turf system exemplify its commitment to athlete protection and optimal performance. AstroTurf’s innovative “More Fiber, Less Fill” approach and differentiated system designs are testaments to its dedication to creating surfaces that offer the best sport-specific playability and long-term durability.

A TRADITION OF QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

AstroTurf’s manufacturing expertise, honed over decades, ensures that every square foot of turf meets the brand’s stringent quality controls. The brand’s environmental stewardship is reflected in its products’ ability to conserve millions of gallons of water, reduce the need for harmful pesticides, and repurpose materials at the end of their lifecycle. AstroTurf not only pioneers advancements in turf technology but also leads the way in sustainable practices within the industry.

A HISTORY ROOTED IN INNOVATION

The AstroTurf brand owes its inception to the space race era’s optimism and the architectural marvel that was the Houston Astrodome. Initially known as “ChemGrass,” AstroTurf was born out of a necessity to overcome the natural grass’s limitations within the domed stadium. The transition from ChemGrass to AstroTurf marked a significant milestone in sports technology, setting the stage for a revolution that would forever change the way athletic fields were conceived. From its early days in the Houston Astrodome to the cutting-edge installations seen today, AstroTurf has continuously evolved, embodying the spirit of innovation that characterized its inception. With advancements that closely mimic the feel and performance of natural grass, AstroTurf’s commitment to research and development has kept it at the forefront of the industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in synthetic turf technology.

CELEBRATING ASTROTURF DAY: LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

As we celebrate AstroTurf Day, we recognize not just the brand’s historic contributions to sports technology but also its ongoing quest for innovation. AstroTurf’s legacy is built on a foundation of quality, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to challenges. The brand’s focus on research and development ensures that AstroTurf will continue to lead the way in synthetic turf technology, pushing the limits of performance, safety, and durability.

About AstroTurf

HISTORIC DAY SALUTES THE ICON THAT INVENTED THE SYNTHETIC TURF INDUSTRY

On March 21, 1966, the scoreboard on the Houston Astrodome read “You are about to witness an historic event,” to commemorate the first major league baseball game played on a synthetic surface. That surface was AstroTurf®. More half a century later, we continue to mark that historic day with the fourth annual AstroTurf® Day on 21 March 2024.

AT THE LEADING EDGE OF ATHLETIC TURF INNOVATION FOR ALMOST 60 YEARS

AstroTurf®, part of Sport Group, is the original inventor of synthetic turf, and the company has been at the leading edge of athletic surface innovation for almost 60 years. AstroTurf® products have set the stage for some of the most iconic moments in sports history. They have served as the playing surface for 12 World Series, 11 Super Bowls, 10 Olympics, 8 Major League All-Star Games, and 34 NFL Pro Bowls. AstroTurf® is also a preferred turf for college athletic programs, high schools, and sports complexes across the United States.

THE SPACE RACE INSPIRES ASTROTURF’S LAUNCH

The brand name is inspired by the Houston Astrodome, the world’s first domed multi-sports complex and the launching point for AstroTurf® synthetic turf products. At the time the facility was built, the Astrodome was a marvel of sports architecture. While stunning and thoughtfully designed to align with the progressive vision prevalent during the space race era, the structure had one fatal flaw: the clear Lucite panels of the dome created a near-blinding glare that made it almost impossible for athletes to catch pop-ups.

This was when the Astrodome first installed brand-new technology for the era – a revolutionary playing surface developed by the engineers and scientists behind AstroTurf®.

A CELEBRATION OF LEADING-EDGE INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY AND QUALITY

Since the early days of synthetic turf, the technology has continually improved, edging ever closer to the ultimate goal of replicating the feel, performance, and safety of natural grass while offering the strength and longevity of synthetic turf. AstroTurf® has been at the forefront of that innovation, helping to revolutionise the field of play for sports worldwide and transforming sport and spaces where participants of every age and sport come to play.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the 4th annual AstroTurf® Day, a momentous occasion that honors our rich history and the hard work of our incredible team. This day is a testament to our enduring commitment to innovation and the communities we serve. We look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of artificial turf.” – Gary Jones, Director of Marketing at AstroTurf Corporation.

JOIN THE ASTROTURF CELEBRATIONS

As we celebrate AstroTurf® Day on March 21st across our Sport Group offices worldwide, we invite our employees, partners, customers, and communities to join us in recognizing the impact of AstroTurf surfaces and the people behind them.

About AstroTurf

A HISTORY OF FIRSTS FROM SUPER BOWL TO OLYMPIC FIELD HOCKEY

INTERVIEW: ANTHONY MELEY ON TURFING LIBERTY

THE ASTROTURF REGIONAL SALES MANAGER REVEALS THE POWER OF VISUALIZATION, UNDER-COVER COMPETITOR ANALYSIS AND INSTALLING LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S 15 ASTROTURF FIELDS

Liberty is one of the largest private non-profit Universities in the US. Based in Virginia, just 100 miles away from AstroTurf’s sales director, Anthony Meley, the two have created a special bond and a sports campus to boot. We caught up with AstroTurf’s natural-born salesperson and former lacrosse player to find out how the partnership began and how it has taken shape more than a decade later.

On what drew him into the sports surfaces business…

I played lacrosse in college and it was my coach who enticed me into the world of sport surfaces. He was already at AstroTurf so I had some company insight and when the opportunity came my way, I grabbed it with both hands. It wasn’t quite my first job out of college but almost. It’s been 15 years, and I haven’t looked back.

On what’s special about Liberty…

Liberty is unique. They have around 13,000 students on campus but then a staggering additional 170,000 online students. As a non-profit they have to reinvest all that endowment money. They are serious about their sport and that presented a huge opportunity for us.

On how the partnership began…

It all started with baseball. I was involved with hosting the Big South baseball tournament that was held at High Point University, and Liberty were coming. At the time, they were still playing on grass but other big colleges like Wake and Duke had made the move to turf, so I knew this was a big opportunity to show them how transformational synthetic turf could be for the school. I had visuals created of what the college campus would look like if they made the transition to synthetic turf. It was the perfect conversation starter. I sat down with the director and that was the beginning of a partnership that started with us providing the turf for their $24m baseball stadium upgrade and has now been running for over a decade.

“WE’VE PROVEN OUR PRODUCT AND OUR SERVICE AND GROWN OUR PRESENCE AT LIBERTY TO 15 TURFS.”

On opening more doors…

When I first started on campus it was hard to get a foothold. Two of our competitors were already there. But because of the baseball, I became known as ‘the turf guy’. One of the coaches used to pull me into his office and chew my ear about everything that was wrong with their fields. It

wasn’t until the third visit that I told him that I wasn’t the right guy. The fields he was complaining about were our competitors’. But I now had a great understanding of all his pain points. The door was wide open, and we delivered new turf that answered their issues.

On AstroTurf and Liberty today…

Since those early days we’ve proven our product and our service and grown our presence at Liberty to 15 turfs including:

• The baseball stadium

• The football outdoor practice area

• Four recreational fields

• The football stadium

• Men’s lacrosse

• Women’s lacrosse

• Two indoor soccer facilities

• The softball stadium

• Women’s field hockey

• Indoor baseball/softball

• Indoor football

All of these facilities sport our proven AstroTurf 3D352 product with the exception of the field hockey turf which is Poligras. In addition, we’ve provided four indoor Laykold courts.

On Liberty’s campus…

It is such an impressive campus. In my 14 years of being there, it has never been without a crane. They are always building and investing in their facilities. A lot of money goes into their programs and we’re very proud to be part of what they have established.

On Liberty’s sport program…

Over the years, the investment has paid off with success across the Liberty Flames sport program. In football they are ranked 12th. They played in the Fiesta Bowl which is the next level down from the playoffs. They lost to Oregon in the end who were ranked 6th at the time, so that’s pretty impressive. In my sport, lacrosse, they have an excellent men’s club programme with a dedicated stadium and locker room complete with mahogany lockers crafted on site. That’s how seriously they take it. And in women’s field hockey, the team made it to the national championships.

On what’s next…They only have one grass field left on the whole campus and that’s their soccer stadium. It’s only a matter of time…!

ASTROTURF

ANNOUNCES NEW ROOTZONE 3D3 INSTALLATION AT GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY’S LUBBERS STADIUM

AstroTurf, the leader in synthetic turf technology, is thrilled to announce the successful installation of a cutting-edge AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 football field at Grand Valley State University’s Lubbers Stadium. This advanced system was expertly sold and installed by AstroTurf Great Lakes, the exclusive AstroTurf distributor in Michigan.

The AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 system is the pinnacle of turf technology, integrating three distinct fibers with a specialized RootZone layer. This innovative design stabilizes infill, reduces torque transmitted to athletes, and provides unparalleled durability and safety. The new playing surface at Lubbers Stadium is specifically engineered to enhance player performance and maximize safety, featuring a unique blend of resilience, traction, and cushioning.

“We are excited to partner with Grand Valley State University in bringing top-tier athletic infrastructure to their prestigious football program,” said Todd DeWolfe, President of AstroTurf Great Lakes. “This installation not only represents the commitment of GVSU to their student-athletes but also demonstrates the advanced engineering and athlete-focused design of AstroTurf’s products.”

“We are extremely excited to provide a state-of-the-art surface for our student-athletes,” said GVSU Head Football Coach Scott Wooster. “Our new AstroTurf surface creates an edge in player safety, performance, and in recruiting. The ability to mitigate head, knee, and extremity injury while providing a fast, stable playing surface will enhance what is already the best stadium and game day experience in the country!”

AstroTurf Great Lakes ensured that the installation met the highest standards of quality and efficiency. “We are proud to deliver an exceptional product that elevates the game-day experience for both players and fans,” said DeWolfe.

The AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 field is ready for the upcoming football season, promising to be a game-changer for the Lakers. Grand Valley State University, along with its athletes and supporters, can look forward to experiencing the next level of athletic performance and spectator enjoyment.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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ASTROTURF

NAMED OFFICIAL SYNTHETIC TURF AND HYBRID TURF PARTNER OF LA GALAXY

AstroTurf Corporation, a leader in sports surface technology, and the LA Galaxy, five-time Major League Soccer champions, are proud to announce a new marketing partnership, making AstroTurf the Official Synthetic Turf and Hybrid Turf Partner of the club. This agreement, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, builds on the success of AstroTurf’s existing partnership with Dignity Health Sports Park, home of the LA Galaxy, and marks a significant brand collaboration aimed at enhancing AstroTurf’s visibility within the soccer community as well as across one of the most renowned and internationally recognized clubs in MLS.

Carl Capellas, AstroTurf’s Director of Soccer, shared his excitement about the new partnership: “We are thrilled to be named the Official Synthetic Turf and Hybrid Turf Partner of the LA Galaxy. This is a fantastic opportunity for AstroTurf to boost our brand awareness and demonstrate our commitment to soccer—a sport that continues to grow rapidly in popularity both in the U.S. and around the world. Partnering with such a prestigious club as LA Galaxy allows us to showcase our advanced turf technologies to a global audience.”

Tom Braun, President of Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer of the LA Galaxy remarked, “The LA Galaxy are thrilled to collaborate and partner with AstroTurf. As a leader in the sports surface technology space, their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability mirrors many of the LA Galaxy’s values as we work to advance the sport of soccer.”

This strategic alliance highlights both AstroTurf’s and LA Galaxy’s dedication to advancing the sport of soccer globally. It aims to foster a deeper engagement with soccer fans and athletes, promoting a shared passion for sporting excellence and innovation. As part of this partnership, AFE Sports, AstroTurf’s exclusive distributor in Southern California, will expertly manage the synthetic turf needs of the Galaxy to ensure top-tier performance.

Rashid Dadashi, Senior Director, AEG Global Partnerships added, “This partnership with AstroTurf is a significant step forward. We are excited to be growing our relationship and continuing to integrate their cutting-edge turf solutions across Dignity Health Sports Park, providing athletes with top-quality surfaces that enhance performance and reduce injury risks. This collaboration underscores our commitment to excellence and innovation in every aspect of our operations.”

About AstroTurf Corporation: For more than almost 60 years, AstroTurf has been at the forefront of innovating sports surfaces. Known for its superior quality and cutting-edge technology, AstroTurf manufactures turf systems that prioritize safety, performance, and durability, catering to a wide range of sports including soccer, football, baseball, and more.

About AFE Sports: AFE Sports is the leader in providing value-added construction services to our customers by creating a successful partnership with them throughout the construction process. Serving southern California for over 20 years, AFE Sports is a self-performing design/build firm specializing in sports park construction. Our pledge is to establish lasting relationships with our customers by gaining trust through exceptional performance by every member of the construction team and exceeding our client’s construction expectations.

About AEG: Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. The company operates in the following business segments: Facilities, which through its affiliation with ASM Global, owns, manages or consults with more than 300 preeminent arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts venues around the world; Music through AEG Presents, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music and special events and world-renowned festivals such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival; Real Estate, which develops world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like Crypto.com Arena and L.A. LIVE, Mercedes Platz in Berlin and The O2 in London; Sports, as the world’s largest operator of high-profile sporting events and sports franchises including the LA Kings, LA Galaxy and Eisbären Berlin; and Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating and other strategic partnerships. Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 160 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.

About The LA Galaxy: The LA Galaxy are Major League Soccer’s most successful club. Based in Carson, Calif. at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy have won the MLS Cup a record five times (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014), the MLS Supporters’ Shield four times (1998, 2002, 2010, 2011) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup twice (2001, 2005), and one Concacaf Champions Cup (2000) since their inception in 1996. Led by LA Galaxy Head Coach and Sporting Director Greg Vanney, the LA Galaxy are the premier club in MLS, with legendary players like Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, Riqui Puig, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Javier Hernandez and Cobi Jones representing L. A. over the team’s 27 years in MLS. For more information on the LA Galaxy, visit www.lagalaxy.com.

ASTROTURF CORPORATION JOINS THE GREEN SPORTS ALLIANCE IN A MAJOR COMMITMENT TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN SPORTS

DALTON, Georgia – AstroTurf Corporation, a leader in synthetic turf, running tracks, and court surfaces, proudly announces its new membership with the Green Sports Alliance, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability in the sports industry. This strategic partnership highlights AstroTurf’s dedication to environmental stewardship and its mission to innovate in the realm of sustainable sports infrastructure.

Rob Mitchell, Vice President of Business Development at AstroTurf, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Joining the Green Sports Alliance aligns perfectly with AstroTurf’s vision for the future of sports surfacing. This is a pivotal move for us as we seek to not only enhance the performance and safety of athletes but also to protect our planet. Our membership with the Green Sports Alliance underscores our commitment to sustainability and is a testament to our ongoing efforts to promote environmentally responsible practices in sports.”

Green Sports Alliance Executive Director, Roger McClendon, shared his excitement about this new collaboration: “We are thrilled to welcome AstroTurf Corporation as a member. Its pioneering spirit and leadership in the development of sustainable sports solutions make AstroTurf Corporation a valuable member of Green Sports Alliance. Together, we aim to drive significant environmental solutions and set new standards for ecological responsibility in sports.”

AstroTurf Corporation, along with its esteemed sports brands AstroTurf fields, Rekortan tracks, and Laykold courts, will be actively participating in the Green Sports Alliance’s annual summit scheduled for June in Los Angeles. This event will serve as a platform for AstroTurf and other industry leaders to showcase their sustainable practices and innovations, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and advancing sustainability in sports.

About AstroTurf Corporation: For almost 60 years, AstroTurf has been a pioneer in the synthetic turf industry, dedicated to manufacturing

state-of-the-art products that enhance athletic performance and safety. With a portfolio that includes AstroTurf fields, Rekortan tracks, and Laykold courts, the company is committed to advancing the development of innovative and sustainable sports surfaces worldwide.

About The Green Sports Alliance: The Green Sports Alliance is the largest, most influential, and initial driver of environmental and social responsibility across the sports industry. We have over 230 members spanning teams, venues and universities, sports leagues, and sustainable solutions providers.

The Green Sports Alliance leverages the cultural and market influence of sports to promote healthy, sustainable communities where people work, live and play. The Green Sports Alliance convenes professional sports leagues, sports governing bodies, colleges, teams, venues, their partners, and millions of fans around meaningful change toward a more sustainable future. Through the Play to Zero® program, it leads the embrace of renewable energy, waste diversion, water efficiency, and environmentally preferable practices. Through its marquee event greening division, The Green Sports Alliance delivers best-in-class sustainable productions to minimize environmental impacts and maximize community legacies, driving scalability and replications across the industry.

The Green Sports Alliance is committed to sharing best practices, visit greensportsalliance.org

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

ASTROTURF SHOWCASES REVOLUTIONARY POLIGRAS

PARIS GT ZERO TURF AT USA FIELD HOCKEY’S NEW FACILITY

In a significant stride towards advancing the sport of field hockey, AstroTurf has unveiled its cutting-edge Poligras Paris GT Zero turf at the new USA Field Hockey facility. This installation marks a pivotal move, showcasing AstroTurf’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and high-performance sports infrastructure.

AstroTurf’s Poligras Paris GT zero, developed for the Paris 2024 Olympics is the world’s first and only carbon zero hockey turf and has also been FIH Innovationcertified for dry hockey. The choice for USA Field Hockey, the new system represents the zenith of pitch technology. This state-of-the-art surface provides athletes with a playing field that is unmatched in both quality and performance.

“Our aspiration to qualify for the Paris Olympics was a key factor in choosing the Poligras Paris GT Zero surface. We wanted our athletes to train on a surface that mirrors what they will experience at the pinnacle of their sport,” said Craig Parnham, USA Field Hockey’s Director of High Performance.

The turf has been lauded for its exceptional performance, offering a flat, fast, and true ball run that significantly enhances the game’s speed and precision. Unlike traditional pitches, the Poligras Paris GT Zero requires substantially less water. This feature not only meets Astroturf’s goal and commitment to building ecofriendly sports solutions, but it also provides operational efficiency for facilities. The reduced water attributes of this turf aligns with the FIH’s goal of dry hockey by 2028.

Using sugarcane as a bio-raw material means the Poligras Paris GT zero turf saves 73 tonnes of CO₂ compared to a conventional turf. The carbon footprint of the turf has been certified as a climate-neutral by Berlin-based DAkkS accredited consulting company GUTcert. The Paris turf features a new and proprietary friction-reducing technology called Turf Glide, which reduces friction and abrasion, allowing the turf to meet the FIH Innovation standards for dry hockey.

Turf Glide not only means that when dry, the Paris turf plays better-than-sand, but also that less water is required to lubricate the turf for elite hockey. In many locations the atmospheric moisture, such as light rain or dew on a cool night, will be enough to transform the turf to Olympic level performance. This gives facilities the flexibility to do a dry installation (i.e. without an irrigation system) and benefit from an upgrade when there is moisture in the air.

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE FOREFRONT

hockey turf and has also been FIH Innovation-certified for dry hockey. Highlights of this product include: made with 80% biobased material (sugarcane), made with green energy, Turf Glide technology means unique ‘play wet / play dry’ crossover performance, designed to minimize water usage.

Using sugarcane as a bio-raw material means the Poligras Paris GT zero turf saves 73 tonnes of CO2 compared to a conventional turf. The carbon footprint of the turf has been certified as a climate-neutral by Berlin-based DAkkS accredited consulting company GUTcert.

“Developing products that reduce the environmental impact is crucial,” Parnham emphasized. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to sustainability within the field hockey community and sports infrastructure worldwide.

A CATALYST FOR ELITE TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE

As the U.S. Women’s National Team prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the new Poligras Paris GT Zero turf has already made a transformative impact. “The new Paris turf has been transformative for us. It holds the water brilliantly and makes for a fast game but without the lumps and bumps you often get when a star turf is first laid,” said David Passmore, U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach.

Jillian Wolgemuth, a prominent athlete on the U.S. Women’s National Team, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the pitch’s unparalleled speed and precision. “The new blue AstroTurf offers unmatched speed and precision. We’re grateful to train on such a quality and reputable field,” she stated.

The collaboration between AstroTurf and USA Field Hockey goes beyond just installing a new playing surface. It’s about setting a new standard for the sport’s future, emphasizing the importance of innovative technology, sustainability, and performance excellence. The facility will serve as a training ground for elite athletes.

AstroTurf’s Poligras Paris GT Zero turf at the USA Field Hockey facility will represent a significant milestone in sports technology and environmental stewardship. As the spotlight turns to the Paris 2024 Olympics, this project stands as an example of innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the field hockey community and beyond.

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CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY UNVEILS

NEW INDOOR FOOTBALL PRACTICE FACILITY FEATURING ASTROTURF’S ROOTZONE TURF SYSTEM

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Central Michigan University has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its athletic facilities with the installation of a state-of-the-art indoor football practice field. The new field features AstroTurf’s advanced RootZone 3DSF 52-ounce turf system, ensuring top-notch performance and safety for athletes.

The installation was expertly executed by AstroTurf Great Lakes, AstroTurf’s exclusive distributor in Michigan.

The innovative AstroTurf RootZone system is renowned for its durability, superior playability, and enhanced safety features. With its unique three-dimensional root zone and dense fiber construction, this turf system provides a natural grass-like feel while minimizing the risk of injuries.

This upgrade is a testament to Central Michigan University’s commitment to providing the best possible training environment for its student-athletes.

“We are thrilled with the new AstroTurf field in our indoor practice facility,” Zyzelewski Family Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan said. “The AstroTurf RootZone turf system offers our student-athletes a premier surface that enhances their training experience while prioritizing their safety. This investment demonstrates our dedication to supporting our teams with the best resources available.”

“We are proud to have partnered with Central Michigan University to bring this cutting-edge turf system to their indoor facility,” said Todd DeWolfe, President of AstroTurf Great Lakes and Central Michigan University alumni. “The AstroTurf system is designed to provide unparalleled performance and longevity, ensuring that CMU’s athletes train on a surface that meets the highest standards.”

Central Michigan’s Turf Bay opened in 1999. The 21,600-square foot facility is utilized by all 17 of Central Michigan’s varsity sports teams and is home to several camps, clinics, and club teams. The Chippewa football, field hockey, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and softball teams all utilize the practice facility when poor weather forces them from their outdoor facilities. All 17 athletic programs use the facility as part of their strength and conditioning programs.

CMU’s Turf Bay is part of the Indoor Athletic Complex that also houses the Dick Enberg Academic Center, weight room, athletic training room, team meeting room, administrative offices, baseball, and track and field offices, and Jack Skoog Indoor Track and Field Facility.

AstroTurf’s commitment to innovation and quality continues to set the industry standard for synthetic turf solutions. The successful installation at Central Michigan marks another milestone in AstroTurf’s mission to deliver the best possible playing surfaces for athletes at all levels.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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ASTROTURF TRANSFORMS NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY’S FOOTBALL STADIUM WITH CUTTING-EDGE INSTALLATION

DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University Huskies will take the field at Huskie Stadium for the 2024 season opener on brand new AstroTurf thanks to a “wall-to-wall” replacement of the playing surface, end zones and sidelines this spring.

Just days after the Huskies wrapped up 2024 spring practices, removal of the turf installed in May 2015 began. The project was completed in late May as NIU football veterans returned to campus for summer workouts.

The new AstroTurf RootZone is the latest unique enhancement to artificial turf, providing grass-like traction for more predictable footing and uniform shock absorption. The RootZone system is a layer of textured fiber that forms a “web” that holds the infill in place, reducing the splash of rubber or sand seen in other artificial turf surfaces. Less movement of the infill also provides improved durability and lower maintenance costs.

“We are excited to have AstroTurf RootZone installed at Huskie Stadium,” said John Cheney, deputy athletic director and executive associate athletic director for operations. “We have been very pleased with the AstroTurf surface installed over the past year at the NIU Soccer Complex and in the infield of Ralph McKinzie Field at Walter and Janice Owens Park. The new surface helps us to ensure the safety and performance of the student-athletes and will enhance the appearance of Huskie Stadium both for our fans in the stands and those watching on TV.”

For the first time since 2001, the entire surface of Huskie Stadium was replaced, including the sidelines all the way to the walls on the east and west sides, north to the Yordon Center entrance and the Brigham Family Victory Plaza, and south to the berm. NIU previously replaced the turf on the field and partial sideline and end zone coverage in 2009 and 2015.

“It’s a tremendous surface, and you can tell how much the technology has improved over the years,” said NIU head coach Thomas Hammock. “It almost feels like grass; I think our players are excited to play on it. It’s clean, it’s consistent, the logos and branding are sharp. We are very pleased with the field so far and excited for our fans to see it on August 31st.”

Fans at the season opener versus Western Illinois will notice the new NIU branding behind the goalposts on both the North and South ends of Huskie Stadium and a return of the Huskies’ primary logo to midfield.

“We are proud to partner with Northern Illinois University in delivering a world-class synthetic turf solution,” said Aaron Klotz Great Lakes Sales Manager for AstroTurf. “The AstroTurf RootZone system is designed to meet the rigorous demands of college football, and we are confident it will exceed expectations in terms of performance and longevity.”

NIU has had an artificial turf playing surface at Huskie Stadium since 1969, NIU’s first year as a “major college” (now Football Bowl Subdivision) institution. On September 20, 1969, the Huskies hosted the first major college football game on artificial turf ever played in the state of Illinois. NIU also played host to the first men’s intercollegiate soccer game on turf ever contested in the state.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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ASTROTURF HIGHLIGHTS COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AT THE 2024 GREEN SPORTS ALLIANCE SUMMIT

DALTON, Georgia. – AstroTurf Corporation proudly participated as a badge sponsor at the 14th annual Green Sports Alliance Summit, held in Los Angeles. This premier event, dedicated to advancing sustainability in sports and entertainment, brought together 800 attendees from 15 countries, including key representatives from major sports leagues such as the NFL, NHL, MLB, PGA, NASCAR, MLS, and NBA.

The Green Sports Alliance Summit, recognized as the largest and most influential gathering in the sports and entertainment industry, provided a unique platform for thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to unite around a common goal: promoting sustainable practices in sports. The summit featured a diverse array of discussions, including a league lightning round where representatives from various sports leagues shared insights and strategies for creating real-world environmental impacts.

AstroTurf’s Director of Marketing, Gary Jones, and Vice President of Business Development, Rob Mitchell, attended the event, reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainability. AstroTurf, a pioneering leader in sustainable sports solutions, used this opportunity to engage with other sports industry stakeholders, share best practices, and learn about the latest innovations in sustainability.

Gary Jones expressed his enthusiasm about AstroTurf’s involvement in the summit, stating, “We are incredibly excited to be part of the Green Sports Alliance Summit. This event not only provides a platform to showcase our commitment to sustainability but also allows us to connect with other like-minded professionals who are driving positive environmental change. Attending the summit has been extremely beneficial, as it has reinforced our commitment to developing ecofriendly sports solutions and inspired us to continue innovating for a greener future.”

The Green Sports Alliance, the foremost driver of environmental and social responsibility in sports, welcomed AstroTurf as a valuable member. Roger McClendon, Executive Director of the Green Sports Alliance, remarked, “We are thrilled to welcome AstroTurf Corporation as a member. Its pioneering spirit and leadership in the development of sustainable sports solutions make AstroTurf Corporation a valuable member of Green Sports Alliance. Together, we aim to drive significant environmental solutions and set new standards for ecological responsibility in sports.”

With over 230 members, including teams, venues, universities, and sports leagues, the Green Sports Alliance leverages the cultural and market influence of sports to promote healthy, sustainable communities. Through initiatives like the Play to Zero® program, the Alliance leads efforts in renewable energy adoption, waste diversion, water efficiency, and the implementation of environmentally preferable practices.

AstroTurf’s participation in the summit highlights its commitment to these principles and reinforces its role as a leader in sustainable sports solutions. The company’s presence at the event exemplifies its dedication to minimizing environmental impacts and maximizing community benefits across the sports industry.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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SPORTING EVENTS ON ASTROTURF BOOST PANAMA CITY BEACH ECONOMY

PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Since the opening of the Publix Sports Complex in 2019, Panama City Beach has become a beacon for sports tourism, drawing in over 400,000 visitors and significantly boosting the local economy. These visitors have collectively spent more than $271 million in Bay County, contributing to the region’s economic vitality.

The Bay County Tourism Development Council (TDC) highlighted these successes during its mid-June meeting, underscoring the vital role sports tourism plays in the community. The Publix Sports Complex, which has hosted 250 events to date, has been a cornerstone of this growth.

“Sports have been a huge contributing factor to tourism in our area,” said Dan Rowe, Executive Director of the Bay County TDC. “Since the TDC initiated the idea in 2017, we’ve seen tremendous growth, and the upcoming Coca-Cola Event Center will further enhance our offerings.”

The Publix Sports Complex features AstroTurf synthetic turf fields, renowned for their durability, safety, and high performance. These fields provide a consistent playing surface that can withstand heavy use and diverse weather conditions, ensuring that athletes can perform at their best year-round. The quality of AstroTurf has been a key factor in attracting high-profile events and teams to the area, further solidifying Panama City Beach as a premier sports destination.

The Coca-Cola Event Center, currently in development, promises to be a transformative addition. The facility will cater to indoor sporting events and other activities, addressing a significant gap in the local sports infrastructure.

AstroTurf is proud to provide state-of-the-art playing surfaces that enhance the performance and safety of athletes. As sports tourism continues to flourish in Panama City Beach, we remain committed to supporting communities throughout the United States and contributing to their economic success.

For more information on the Publix Sports Complex, please visit the Bay County TDC website. For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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WHEELING ISLAND STADIUM GETS NEW ASTROTURF FIELD AFTER FLOODING

WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Park Patriots football and soccer teams are set to kick off their upcoming seasons on a brand new turf field at Wheeling Island Stadium. The fresh turf was installed following severe flooding in April that damaged the previous playing surface.

The new field, featuring red and blue striping around the perimeter, “Wheeling Park” at the 50-yard lines, and “Patriots” in the end zones, has impressed both local and state coaches. Park football coach and athletic director Chris Daugherty praised the new turf, noting its superior appearance compared to initial renderings, according to The Intelligencer.

“I thought the field looked better in real life, in the finished product, then it did in the rendering. It just couldn’t have looked any better in my opinion,” Daugherty said after a football camp at WVU on Friday. “That was the feeling I got today when I was at WVU, coaches around the state and even some of the WVU coaches said man, it just looks sharp. Good-looking field,” he told The Intelligencer.

The Ohio Valley experienced severe flooding in April, with Wheeling Island among the hardest-hit areas. The floodwaters damaged the previous turf and left a layer of silt on the surface. Although the Patriots had been considering a new turf in the coming years, the flooding accelerated this process.

AstroTurf synthetic turf fields, known for their durability and high performance, were chosen for the new installation. These fields provide a consistent and safe playing surface, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and heavy use. This investment not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the stadium but also ensures that athletes can perform at their best.

“You hate to see a flood happen. But I will say, at least this flood got married up with a time where we were close to the endline of the current turf,” Daugherty said. “We were probably going to play one more year and then have talks about replacing the turf. When the flood came, it kind of sped those conversations up. Credit to our school board, our administration and our county, working so fast to put us in a situation where we’d be able to replace the turf,” he told The Intelligencer.

During the construction period, the Patriots’ football and soccer teams adapted by using the combined turf soccer field at the high school. Despite the displacement, the teams managed to maintain productive practices.

The new turf project benefited from the good condition of the stadium’s underlying gravel and drainage systems. AstroTurf is proud to support Wheeling Island Stadium with high-quality synthetic turf that promises to enhance athletic performance and the overall experience for players and fans alike.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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ASTROTURF PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL COOPERATIVE PROCUREMENT PARTNERS TO ENHANCE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING OPPORTUNITIES

DALTON, Georgia – AstroTurf, the leading innovator in synthetic turf solutions, is proud to announce its partnership with the National Cooperative Procurement Partners (NCPP). This strategic alliance aims to streamline and enhance cooperative purchasing opportunities for organizations across the United States.

The collaboration between AstroTurf and NCPP will enable public agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations to access AstroTurf’s high-quality synthetic turf products and services through cooperative purchasing agreements. This partnership is designed to simplify the procurement process, reduce costs, and ensure that organizations can benefit from the best available turf solutions.

The National Cooperative Procurement Partners (NCPP) is North America’s premier Association on cooperative procurement. Offering educational materials, legislative and collaborative research projects to support the cooperative procurement industry across the US and Canada. By partnering with NCPP, AstroTurf will participate in NCPP activities to support the vast network of public procurement professionals in furthering their education of cooperative procurement.

This collaboration between AstroTurf and NCPP raises the bar in providing the latest trends and educational content to public agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. NCPP Executive Director, Tammy Rimes shares, “companies who sell to government realize the value of holding a cooperative contract. AstroTurf has positioned itself well with numerous cooperative purchasing agreements to offer high-quality synthetic turf products and services.”

“We are thrilled to join forces with the National Cooperative Procurement Partners,” said Kim Summers, AstroTurf National Director of Cooperative Purchasing. “This partnership will help us to provide top-tier synthetic turf solutions through a streamlined and efficient purchasing process. We look forward to working closely with NCPP to deliver exceptional value to our customers.”

“Collaborating with NCPP is a significant step forward for AstroTurf,” said Gary Jones, AstroTurf Director of Marketing. “This partnership will not only enhance our ability to serve public and non-profit sectors but also reinforce our position as a trusted leader in the synthetic turf industry. We are excited about the opportunities this alliance will bring and the positive impact it will have on our customers.”

For more information about the partnership and how to access AstroTurf products through cooperative purchasing agreements, please visit astroturf.com or contact AstroTurf directly at (800) 723-8873.

About National Cooperative Procurement Partners (NCPP) NCPP is dedicated to supporting cooperative purchasing programs and promoting the use of cooperative procurement. By fostering collaboration and innovation, NCPP aims to enhance the value and efficiency of public procurement processes.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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ASTROTURF CORPORATION EARNS USDA CERTIFIED BIOBASED PRODUCT LABEL

DALTON, Georgia – AstroTurf Corporation announced today that it has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product Label for AstroTurf Rootzone® 3D3 Blend GT-B.

The benefits of the RootZone 3D3 Blend GT-B are numerous. The product offers grass-like traction, and promotes more consistent footing, and more uniform shock absorption over time. With a more uniform infill level, UV exposure to the fibers is more consistent across the field, which boosts the field’s longevity. The product now boasts a higher percentage of sustainable material without sacrificing any performance characteristics.

The AstroTurf Rootzone® 3D3 Blend GT-B can now display a unique USDA label that highlights its percentage of biobased content. Third-party verification for a product’s biobased content is administered through the USDA BioPreferred® Program, which strives to increase the development, purchase, and use of biobased products.

Biobased products help address climate change by offering renewable alternatives to petroleum-based products; sequester carbon dioxide, lowering the concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere that contribute to climate change; create and expand markets; are generally safer for people and the environment than their petroleum-based counterparts; and represent incredible technological advances and innovations.

The USDA Certified Biobased Product Label displays a product’s biobased content, which is the portion of a product that comes from a renewable source, such as plant, animal, marine, or forestry feedstocks. Utilizing renewable biobased materials displaces the need for non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals. Biobased products are cost-comparative, readily available, and perform as well as or better than their conventional counterparts.

“We are absolutely thrilled to introduce the new RootZone 3D3 Blend GT-B to the market, a significant milestone for AstroTurf and the industry as a whole” said Rob Mitchell, AstroTurf Vice President of Business Development. “Being the first USDA BioPreferred certified product for sports fields is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation. This product not only sets a new standard for environmentally conscious turf solutions but also showcases our dedication to providing the highest quality and performance for our customers. We believe this advancement will inspire positive change across the industry, paving the way for more sustainable practices in sports field construction and maintenance.”

“We applaud AstroTurf Corporation for earning the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label,” said Vernell Thompson, USDA BioPreferred Program. “The label is intended to help spur economic development, create new jobs, and provide new markets for farm commodities. But the label also makes it easier for consumers and federal buyers to locate biobased products and consider planet-friendlier options during purchase decisions. By having their products become USDA Certified Biobased, AstroTurf Corporation joins an expanding list of businesses combatting inaccurate marketing claims and the practice of greenwashing, while also contributing to a thriving bioeconomy that decreases our reliance on petroleum.”

In the latest Economic Impact Report released by USDA, the biobased products industry supported 4.6 million American jobs; contributed $470 billion to the U.S. economy and generated 2.79 jobs in other sectors of the economy for every biobased job. Biobased products also have a substantial environmental impact, displacing about 9.4 million barrels of oil a year, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 12.7 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents per year.

About the USDA BioPreferred Program

With the goal of increasing the development, purchase, and use of biobased products, USDA’s BioPreferred® Program was first introduced in the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized in 2018. It requires federal agencies and contractors to give purchasing preference to biobased products. The USDA BioPreferred Program also includes a voluntary certification and labeling initiative for biobased products. This is referred to as the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label. More than 1,800 companies across the U.S. and in 47 countries participate in the Program. From farm and field all the way through the manufacturing process, the expanding market for biobased products creates jobs, supports rural economic growth in America, and has a positive impact on our planet. Have questions? Please contact: Vernell Thompson, USDA BioPreferred Program at Vernell.Thompson@usda.gov.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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NEW TURF ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 SEASON AT BURGESS-SNOW FIELD AT AMFIRST STADIUM

JACKSONVILLE, Alab. — A day after the announcement of AmFirst Stadium, Athletic Director Greg Seitz revealed that new turf will be in place for the 2024 season.

Fans will notice many changes when they return to Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium, including the opening of the Loring and Debbie White Football Complex and a renovated north side with new seating, outdoor suites, and loge seating.

The new playing surface at AmFirst Stadium will utilize AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D Series, the premier choice for athletes and field owners, offering unparalleled performance and safety. The 3D Series incorporates a RootZone layer into its basic infilled turf systems. This innovative texturized layer of fibers encapsulates the infill, resulting in minimal rubber splash, enhanced shock absorbency, and reduced infill migration.

“Our previous turf was at the end of its lifespan and we saw this as a perfect opportunity to replace our playing surface prior to the start of this season,” said Athletic Director Greg Seitz. “The turf replacement will only add to many other stadium enhancements that will provide a first-class experience, while reducing injuries and improving the safety and well-being of our student-athletes.”

The new field design features the vintage Gamecock logo at midfield. The end zones will be red with the Jax State football branding highlighted in white letters. Along with the Conference USA logos on the field, the AmFirst corporate marks will be prominent on the sidelines.

“We’re very excited about our new turf and partnership with AmFirst,” said Jax State Football Coach Rich Rodriguez.

The RootZone significantly improves safety, playability, and durability, making it the most popular product line in the AstroTurf portfolio. Athletes experience grass-like traction with reduced torque on their lower extremities, ensuring safer and more comfortable play. The system also features less infill spray and consistent shock attenuation, contributing to its improved durability and long-lasting quality.

Seitz said the project is expected to be completed in early August, and fans will get their first look when the Gamecocks open the 2024 season on national television against Coastal Carolina on August 29.

Season tickets are currently on sale through the Athletic Ticket Office or online at JaxStateSports.com.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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DAKOTADOME RECEIVES UPGRADE WITH NEW ASTROTURF FOR 2024 SEASON

VERMILLION, S.D. — The University of South Dakota’s Coyote football team will begin the 2024 season on a brand new turf field inside the DakotaDome. AstroTurf is providing the synthetic turf installation, which commenced last week.

The new turf will feature the USD paw logo at midfield, outlined by the State of South Dakota to emphasize the USD athletic mantra: We Are South Dakota. The end zones will showcase the wordmark “Coyotes” in white on a Coyote red background. Each side of the field from the 20-yard line towards the goal line will feature the H. Lauren Lewis Field name.

“We are incredibly excited to work with AstroTurf on this project to provide the premium competition and practice surface our football student-athletes deserve,” said Corey Jenkins, Deputy Athletic Director. “The new field also presented the opportunity to re-design the playing surface to a more modern look while featuring the state outline to show our pride in being the flagship university for the state of South Dakota.”

AstroTurf, known for its innovation in synthetic playing surfaces, first pioneered its technology in 1964 and has been in continuous operation since 1968. The company has been at the forefront of developing systems that mimic the ideal performance of natural grass, enhancing both safety and playability.

The new playing surface at the DakotaDome will utilize AstroTurf’s latest technology to provide a first-class experience for athletes. This advanced turf system is designed to reduce injuries and improve the overall safety and well-being of student-athletes.

The 2024 season kicks off against Northern State on August 29. To buy tickets, contact the USD Ticket Office at 605-677-5959. For season tickets or mini plans, visit the USD Ticket Office website.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

The turf installation at the DakotaDome replaces the previous surface installed in 2012, also by AstroTurf, demonstrating the long-standing partnership between the university and the company.

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY UNVEILS NEW ELITE FIELD WITH ASTROTURF POLIGRAS PLATINUM FIELD HOCKEY INSTALLATION

HARRISONBURG, Virg. — James Madison University (JMU), a distinguished institution known for its academic and athletic excellence, proudly announces the installation of the AstroTurf Poligras Platinum system for their field hockey field. This cutting-edge synthetic turf system is set to enhance the playing experience for the JMU Dukes, providing a premier surface recognized for its superior performance and durability.

James Madison University, founded in 1908, has a rich history of academic achievements and a vibrant athletic program. The Dukes’ field hockey team has a legacy of excellence, with numerous conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. The new AstroTurf Poligras Platinum installation aligns with JMU’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities for their student-athletes.

“I’m so pleased and excited about the installation of the AstroTurf Poligras Platinum system,” said Christy Morgan, Head Coach at James Madison University. “They did such a great job – it plays like a dream! The coaches and team love the surface and are thrilled to train and compete on it. We are incredibly thankful for AstroTurf’s commitment to creating a high-quality surface for the game of field hockey!”

The AstroTurf Poligras Platinum system is renowned for its exceptional performance characteristics, offering an optimal playing surface that combines speed and control, essential for field hockey. This system’s innovative design ensures a consistent and reliable field, enhancing both safety and the overall game experience for athletes.

Melissa Twist, Field Hockey Director for AstroTurf, shared her excitement about the project. “We are honored to partner with James Madison University for the installation of the AstroTurf Poligras Platinum system. JMU’s field hockey program has a rich history of success, and we are proud to contribute to their legacy by providing a field that meets the highest standards of the sport. We are confident that this new surface will support the Dukes in reaching new heights of achievement.”

This installation not only reinforces JMU’s position as a leader in collegiate athletics but also exemplifies their commitment to investing in the future of their athletic programs.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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ASTROTURF LAUNCHES BEST WAY PURCHASING PROGRAM TO SIMPLIFY PROCUREMENT FOR SPORTS SURFACES

DALTON, Georgia – AstroTurf has introduced the Best Way Purchasing Program on its website, a new initiative aimed at streamlining the procurement process for sports surfaces through cooperative purchasing. Led by Kim Summers, Director of Cooperative Purchasing, this program is designed to help organizations reduce costs and administrative burdens while accessing top-quality products from AstroTurf. Summers, with over twenty years of experience in sports surfacing, is committed to guiding partners through the benefits and processes of cooperative purchasing.

The Best Way Purchasing Program leverages the collective buying power of multiple entities, enabling significant cost savings and simplified procurement processes. By pooling resources and expertise, organizations can acquire high-quality sports surfaces more efficiently and economically. The program offers access to AstroTurf’s renowned products, such as Laykold courts and Rekortan tracks, which are trusted by elite athletes and major sporting events worldwide.

In addition to cost savings and efficiency, cooperative purchasing through the Best Way Program ensures compliance with state and local bidding requirements. It provides a strategic approach to procurement that supports economic, social, and sustainability initiatives. The program includes pre-qualified suppliers and volume discounts, making it an attractive option for public entities, educational institutions, and other organizations looking to optimize their procurement processes.

AstroTurf’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its cooperative purchasing program, which simplifies the acquisition process and provides valuable market insights and support. The initiative is part of AstroTurf’s broader mission to deliver innovative solutions and superior customer satisfaction. You can also visit our interactive map, highlighting cooperative purchasing contracts available across the United States and Canada. This tool is designed to simplify the procurement process for public agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations by providing a clear, state-by-state view of accessible contracts.

The interactive map, now live on AstroTurf’s website, allows users to hover over each state to see detailed information about cooperative purchasing contracts available in that region. This feature ensures that organizations can easily find and utilize contracts tailored to their specific needs, saving time and resources.

For more information about the Best Way Purchasing Program and to explore the benefits of cooperative purchasing, visit the AstroTurf website under the brochures section. Interested parties can contact Kim Summers directly at kim.summers@astroturf.com or call 706-2641314 for personalized assistance and guidance on their sports surface needs. Additional information and inquiries can be directed to AstroTurf customer service provided here on our website.

Explore the Interactive Map: To explore AstroTurf’s cooperative purchasing contracts and see the available options in your state, visit our interactive map on the AstroTurf website. This tool is designed to provide you with quick and easy access to the information you need to make informed purchasing decisions.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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ASTROTURF AND THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCE DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW ASTROTURF PLAYING FIELD INSTALLATION

Atlanta, Georgia – AstroTurf, the pioneering leader in synthetic turf, is proud to announce its selection as the Official Athletic Turf Partner of the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA. As part of this collaboration, AstroTurf resurfaced the Hall of Fame’s 45-yard indoor playing field, offering an interactive experience where visitors can kick field goals and run plays, immersing themselves in the rich tradition of college football.

AstroTurf is synonymous with the evolution of modern sports surfaces and has been the foundation for countless historic moments in college football. This partnership celebrates the company’s longstanding relationship with the sport by bringing a hands-on football experience to fans of all ages.

“I am beyond excited about AstroTurf’s partnership with the College Football Hall of Fame,” said Gary Jones, Marketing Director at AstroTurf. “This collaboration is a perfect match of tradition and innovation. Our innovative synthetic turf systems will provide a dynamic way for fans to engage with the history and thrill of college football, right here where heroes are honored.”

AstroTurf fields are designed to replicate the feel and performance of natural grass. This installation not only enhances the visitor experience but also pays homage to the sport’s memorable plays and legendary players and coaches who have made college football a cornerstone of American sports culture.

“As the nation’s only College Football Hall of Fame, we strive to bring our guests an unforgettable, state-of-the-art experience,” said Kimberly Beaudin, President and CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame. “This collaboration with AstroTurf will allow us to showcase the best in field innovation on our 45-yard Peach Bowl Field, which is a highlight of the guest experience for fans of all ages testing their abilities in kicking, throwing and catching the game-winning touchdown.”

About the College Football Hall of Fame

of College Football.”

The national Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame is dedicated to its mission to inspire and entertain by celebrating the passion and traditions of college football and its greatest players and coaches. The Hall celebrates the universal values of hard work, integrity and perseverance and fulfills its mission through storytelling, impactful programs and unique experiences focused on the core of preservation, celebration, and inspiration. Located in the heart of Atlanta’s sports, entertainment and tourism district, the Hall provides visitors with a highly immersive, interactive, and engaging experience using a blend of historic college football artifacts and state-of-the-art, interactive multimedia exhibits. The National Football Foundation (NFF) founded the Hall in 1951 to immortalize the greatest players and coaches as role models for future generations and established its new home in Atlanta in 2014. The College Football Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization that provides a national platform for community outreach, education, and character development initiatives, and serves as a premier special event venue. For more information on the Hall, a 10-year TripAdvisor ® Certificate of Excellence recipient, please visit www.cfbhall.com.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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The College Football Hall of Fame is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary in Atlanta, also known as the “Capital

IOWA HAWKEYE BASEBALL RECEIVES NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART ASTROTURF BASEBALL FIELD

IOWA CITY, Iowa. – The University of Iowa baseball program has made a major upgrade to facilities on campus with the installation of a new state-of-the-art AstroTurf baseball field. The new field system is an AstroTurf Diamond Series field, designed to play like clay and grass where a field naturally should. The installation, completed by MidAmerica Sports Construction, marks a new chapter in the Hawkeyes’ commitment to providing top-tier playing surfaces for their athletes. The new AstroTurf field features cutting-edge turf technology designed to enhance player performance while ensuring durability and weather resilience.

“AstroTurf did a fantastic job with the install of our new turf. Everyone involved with the project was great to work with from start to finish,” said Iowa Baseball Head Coach, Rick Heller. “The new turf has played great from day one and will only get better. We have been on it everyday for a month and our players love it.” The field’s opening is anticipated to coincide with the start of Iowa’s 2025 baseball season, giving players the opportunity to train on the new surface this fall. The enhanced field conditions are expected to elevate the team’s performance and provide a competitive advantage in the Big Ten Conference.

The synthetic turf system provides excellent ball response, reduced maintenance needs, and the ability to withstand the challenges of Midwest weather, allowing for extended practice and gameplay. Customization of an AstroTurf Diamond Series field system allows for a true and unrivaled home-field advantage for a program. Importantly, the use of nylon in the base paths and infield creates realistic sliding distances and enhances durability in these high use areas. Specialized fibers, differentiated pile heights, and tunable infill ratios are critical. The combination of tweaking specific elements allows programs and clubs to tailor their turf playing surface.

“We haven’t had a rain since the install to stabilize it. With that being said, I couldn’t be happier with the speed and how true the hops have played,” said Iowa Baseball Head Coach, Rick Heller. “Aesthetically it is beautiful! The colors and graphics are the best I’ve seen. I feel that AstroTurf and Mid-America Sports Construction delivered the best turf baseball field in the country.” Mid-America Sports Construction,

a leading sports construction company and distribution partner of AstroTurf, managed the installation process on the ground. Mid-America completed base work, prepped the site, laid and measured the system, and infilled the turf before preparing it for use by the baseball program.

Going through a standard process for each installation allows distributors and AstroTurf to ensure that fields meet the highest standards for performance and safety. Mid-America has worked with a range of collegiate and professional teams throughout the nation, and is known for their expertise in sports facility construction. “Partnering with Iowa and Coach Heller has been nothing but awesome,” said AstroTurf Director of Baseball and Softball, Aaron Klotz. “To be the chosen surface for the Hawkeyes now twice is a great testament to the product and research we put into the Diamond Series. I’m very thankful for the relationship we have formed with Coach and the Hawkeyes.”

AstroTurf’s baseball turf systems are engineered to replicate the natural feel and performance of grass while offering superior durability and weather resistance. Designed with the specific needs of baseball in mind, these surfaces provide consistent ball bounce, reliable footing for players, and improved drainage to reduce downtime caused by rain. AstroTurf field turf systems also minimize maintenance demands on a field, eliminating the need for mowing, watering, and re-seeding, making it an environmentally sustainable option for teams at all levels. With decades of experience in the sports surfacing industry, AstroTurf has become the go-to choice for collegiate and professional teams seeking high-performance turf solutions.

AstroTurf baseball systems are trusted across the country, offering innovative design and state-of-the-art technology to help teams play their best, no matter the conditions. AstroTurf’s commitment to safety, performance, and sustainability makes it a leader in the field.

About Mid America Sports Construction

Mid America Sports Construction is a premier contractor specializing in the design and construction of sports fields. From football and baseball to soccer and tennis, Mid America provides top-quality synthetic and natural turf solutions for clients across the country.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

UNC WILMINGTON SEAHAWK BASEBALL UNVEILS NEW ASTROTURF FIELD SYSTEM

WILMINGTON, N.C. – UNC Wilmington (UNCW) baseball has announced the installation of a brand-new AstroTurf field at Brooks Field. The cutting-edge synthetic surface represents a significant investment in the future of the Seahawks’ baseball program, enhancing the player experience and ensuring optimal conditions for games and practices year-round.

The new field incorporates AstroTurf’s advanced Diamond Series baseball specific synthetic turf system, designed to offer the look and feel of natural grass while providing superior durability, performance, and player safety. With excellent drainage and weather resilience, the field will allow for consistent play in all weather conditions, reducing the need for game delays or rescheduling due to inclement weather.

The installation of the new turf is part of UNCW’s ongoing commitment to excellence in athletics. The field will be ready for use during the Seahawks’ fall training sessions and will serve as their home field for the 2025 season and beyond. The enhanced field conditions are expected to provide a competitive edge for the team as they compete in the Colonial Athletic Association.

AstroTurf’s baseball turf systems are engineered to replicate the natural feel and performance of grass while offering superior durability and weather resistance. Designed with the specific needs of baseball in mind, these surfaces provide consistent ball bounce, reliable footing for players, and improved drainage to reduce downtime caused by rain. The system also minimizes maintenance demands, eliminating the need for mowing, watering, and re-seeding, making it an environmentally sustainable option for teams at all levels.

With decades of experience in the sports surfacing industry, AstroTurf has become the go-to choice for collegiate and professional teams seeking high-performance turf solutions. Their baseball systems are trusted across the country, offering innovative design and stateof-the-art technology to help teams play their best, no matter the conditions. AstroTurf’s commitment to safety, performance, and sustainability makes it a leader in the field.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

ASTROTURF CELEBRATES FIH’S CLIMATE ACTION AWARD AND GROUNDBREAKING SUSTAINABILITY IN ELITE HOCKEY

PARIS, France – The International Hockey Federation (FIH) was recognized with the International Federation (IF) category award at the 2024 IOC Climate Action Awards for its pioneering sustainability efforts, including the development of innovative “Dry Turf” technology. AstroTurf, a leader in synthetic turf solutions, proudly contributed to this success with its Poligras Paris GT Zero turf, the world’s first carbonzero hockey surface, which was featured at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Since 2012, the FIH has reduced water usage by an estimated 60% across elite hockey pitches worldwide, thanks in large part to AstroTurf’s revolutionary dry turf systems. The Poligras Paris GT Zero turf, specifically engineered for the Paris 2024 Games, is a key component of this initiative. It uses 80% bio-based materials and green energy in its production and has been certified climate-neutral by GUTcert, saving approximately 73 tonnes of CO₂ compared to conventional turf systems.

The “Dry Turf” initiative has already cut water use by 40% between London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, with a further 20% reduction estimated for Paris 2024. The ultimate aim is to transition all 2,000 water-based hockey pitches globally to dry turfs by 2028, saving up to 7.6 billion liters of water annually.

AstroTurf’s collaboration with FIH and USA Field Hockey extends beyond surface installations; it exemplifies the broader drive for sustainability in sports. The Poligras Paris GT Zero turf’s Turf Glide technology allows it to maintain Olympic-level performance even with minimal water, ensuring a fast, smooth playing surface.

AstroTurf remains at the forefront of innovation, contributing to global sustainability goals while providing elite athletes with premiumquality surfaces. As the push for dry turf technology continues, AstroTurf’s Poligras Paris GT Zero leads the way in transforming the future of hockey and sustainable sports infrastructure.

Turf Glide not only means that when dry, the Paris turf plays betterthan-sand, but also that less water is required to lubricate the turf for elite hockey. In many locations the atmospheric moisture, such as light rain or dew on a cool night, will be enough to transform the turf to Olympic level performance. This gives facilities the flexibility to do a dry installation (i.e. without an irrigation system) and benefit from an upgrade when there is moisture in the air.

In the world of sports, the importance of sustainability cannot be overstated. AstroTurf has taken a significant step forward with the Poligras Paris GT Zero turf, developed for the Paris 2024 Olympics is the world’s first and only carbon zero hockey turf and has also been FIH Innovation-certified for dry hockey. Highlights of this product include: made with 80% biobased material (sugarcane), made with green energy, Turf Glide technology means unique ‘play wet / play dry’ crossover performance, designed to minimize water usage.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

More Information About the Turf System

SAVANNAH BANANAS TO RECEIVE NEW ASTROTURF DIAMOND SERIES BASEBALL FIELD SYSTEM

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Savannah Bananas announced an upcoming major upgrade to their facilities with the installation of a new Diamond Series AstroTurf baseball field. The new field system is designed to play like clay and grass where a field naturally should.

The installation is part of the Bananas’ commitment to providing a top tier playing surface for their athletes. The new AstroTurf field features innovative turf technology designed to enhance player performance while ensuring durability and weather resilience.

The field’s opening is anticipated to coincide with the start of the Bananas’ 2025 baseball season, giving players the opportunity to train on the new surface this winter. The enhanced field conditions are expected to elevate the team’s performance, allowing them to add to their extensive repertoire of trick plays.

The synthetic turf system provides excellent ball response, reduced maintenance needs, and the ability to withstand the challenges of Southern weather, allowing for extended practice and gameplay. Customization of an AstroTurf Diamond Series field system allows for consistent gameplay and pleasing aesthetics.

Importantly, the use of nylon in the base paths and infield creates realistic sliding distances and enhances durability in these high-use areas. Specialized fibers, differentiated pile heights, and tunable infill ratios are critical. The combination of tweaking specific elements allows programs and clubs to tailor their turf playing surface.

“Installing AstroTurf will give us the opportunity to bring year-round Banana Ball games, events, clinics, camps, and tournaments to Historic Grayson Stadium for many years”, said President of the Savannah Bananas, Jared Orton. “We’re excited to see what our Banana Ball stars are able to do on this amazing surface.”

fields meet the highest standards for performance and safety.

“Partnering with the Savannah Bananas and Jesse Cole has been nothing short of impressive,” said AstroTurf Director of Baseball and Softball, Aaron Klotz. “To be the chosen surface for the Bananas is a great testament to the product and research we put into the Diamond Series. I am very thankful for the relationship we have formed with the Bananas organization.”

With decades of experience in the sports surfacing industry, AstroTurf has become the go-to choice for teams seeking high-performance turf solutions.

AstroTurf baseball systems are trusted across the country, offering innovative design and state-of-the-art technology to help teams play their best, no matter what the conditions. AstroTurf’s commitment to safety, performance, and sustainability makes it a leader in the field.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

Going through a standard process for each installation allows AstroTurf to ensure that

ASTROTURF CREW RESTORES PISGAH HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD IN RECORD TIME FOLLOWING DEVASTATING FLOODING

CANTON, N.C. – After Hurricane Helene’s remnants caused catastrophic flooding in Western North Carolina, Pisgah High School’s football field was left submerged under 15 feet of water. Faced with extensive damage and layers of silt covering the field, Pisgah High School turned to AstroTurf for emergency restoration services to prepare the field for an upcoming game.

AstroTurf responded immediately, sending a dedicated team of experts who worked relentlessly to clean the field and remediate the floodrelated damage. In just 12 days, AstroTurf’s crew successfully restored the playing surface, ensuring that Pisgah High School’s football team could return to action for their Friday night game. The AstroTurf team removed silt and soiled infill, cleaned the surface, added infill, and completed essential repairs to bring the field back to a safe and playable condition.

AstroTurf would like to recognize the exceptional efforts of the crew who worked on the field: Wes Howard, Dustin Bradley, Spencer Bradley, Uriel Mora Galicia, Antonio Navarro Hernandez, CJ Fuller, Mario Del Valle Flores, and Estephen Del Valle Carrer. Their professionalism, dedication, and skill were key to completing the restoration on time, despite the challenging conditions.

praised the crew’s efforts, saying, “The damage caused by the flooding was overwhelming, and we feared the field might be lost for the season. But AstroTurf came through for us in a big way. The team they sent worked tirelessly to restore the field in time for our kids to play. Their quick action and incredible workmanship made all the difference, and we are deeply grateful.”

The restoration of Pisgah High School’s football field is yet another testament to AstroTurf’s commitment to its customers and communities in need. AstroTurf’s dedication to quality and resilience, coupled with the hard work of its specialized crews, ensures that communities can recover quickly and continue their traditions.

With the field fully restored, Pisgah High School’s football team will be able to finish their season on their own field, bringing back a sense of normalcy and hope to the community.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

Trevor Putnam, Superintendent of Haywood County Schools,

ASTROTURF WINS SYNTHETIC TURF COUNCIL’S 2024 AWARD FOR USA FIELD HOCKEY PROJECT AT UNC CHARLOTTE

Phoenix, AZ – AstroTurf has been honored with the prestigious Sports Field Project Award in the “Single Field under 75k Sq Ft” category from the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) for its innovative work on the USA Field Hockey field at the United States Performance Center at UNC Charlotte. The award, presented during the STC Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, recognizes projects that exemplify excellence in safety, innovation, and sustainability within the synthetic turf industry.

The award-winning field, which showcases AstroTurf’s revolutionary Poligras Paris GT Zero turf, is a milestone for sustainable sports infrastructure. Designed for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Poligras Paris GT Zero is the world’s first carbon-neutral hockey turf, setting a new standard in both performance and environmental responsibility. Developed with 80% bio-based materials, primarily sugarcane, and certified climate-neutral by GUTcert, this advanced surface represents a forward-thinking approach to synthetic turf that aligns with global sustainability goals.

“Winning this award from the STC underscores our commitment to pushing boundaries in synthetic turf technology,” said AstroTurf’s Director of Marketing, Gary Jones. “Our collaboration with USA Field Hockey allowed us to provide them with a cutting-edge surface that not only supports athletes’ peak performance but also promotes environmental stewardship.”

A Field Built for High Performance and Elite Training

The Poligras Paris GT Zero field provides USA Field Hockey athletes with a fast, flat, and true playing surface, essential for elite training. Featuring Turf Glide technology, the turf offers superior friction reduction, allowing for a smoother play experience.

“The new Paris turf has transformed our training,” said David Passmore, Head Coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. “It provides an optimal, fast surface that remains consistent over time, preparing our athletes

for the highest levels of competition, including the Paris 2024 Olympics.”

A Commitment to Sustainability

AstroTurf’s Poligras Paris GT Zero field underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability. By integrating bio-based materials and significantly reducing water dependency, this turf exemplifies AstroTurf’s forward-thinking approach to sports field design.

“Developing products that reduce the environmental impact is crucial,” emphasized Craig Parnham, USA Field Hockey’s Director of High Performance. “The Poligras Paris GT Zero turf embodies our shared vision for sustainable sports infrastructure.”

AstroTurf’s collaboration with USA Field Hockey reflects a shared commitment to elevating field hockey training in the United States. The USA Field Hockey facility at UNC Charlotte now serves as a world-class training venue, positioning the sport at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.

About the Synthetic Turf Council (STC)

The STC is a leading trade association dedicated to promoting, educating, and advocating for synthetic turf advancements. Founded in 2003, the STC assists buyers, end users, and the public with credible information on synthetic turf’s safety, environmental impact, and technical specifications.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

ASTROTURF SURFACES DOMINATE NCAA DIVISION I FIELD HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

BANN ARBOR, Mich. — AstroTurf’s impact on NCAA field hockey is on full display as the 2024 Division I Field Hockey Tournament kicks off, with 17 of the 18 teams competing on AstroTurf surfaces. This significant presence highlights AstroTurf’s role in supporting top collegiate programs and driving performance at the highest level of the sport.

The majority of teams in the tournament are utilizing AstroTurf’s specialized hockey surfaces, with eight teams competing on the A12 field system, designed for rapid ball movement and precision, while nine others play on Poligras fields, which provide a high-speed, durable surface suited for intense, competitive play. Syracuse University stands as the only team in the tournament playing on a non-AstroTurf field, underscoring the brand’s widespread adoption across top programs.

“AstroTurf fields have been built for decades to support the fast-paced, highly skilled nature of field hockey,” said Melissa Vassalotti-Twist, Director of Field Hockey for AstroTurf. “We are proud of the history of our surfaces, but the evolution to what we see now is truly incredible. It’s on another level.”

AstroTurf’s A12 and Poligras fields are engineered specifically to enhance speed, precision, and safety, key attributes in Division I field hockey. With their uniform ball roll, high shock absorption, and fast playing speed, these surfaces give athletes an edge that is especially valuable in postseason play, where split-second decisions and precise ball control can make or break a season.

For many teams in the tournament, AstroTurf has become more than just a playing surface—it’s a trusted partner in their training and competition strategies. The field’s consistency and quality are critical for both home and away games, giving players the confidence to play at their best, no matter the conditions.

“With 17 teams in the NCAA Division I tournament competing on AstroTurf fields, it’s clear that we’re playing a central role in field

hockey,” said Vassalotti-Twist. “Our fields are designed to support the sport and help athletes reach their peak performance. Whether it’s the NCAA, the Olympics, or a pickup game between kids.”

As the tournament unfolds, AstroTurf’s influence in NCAA Division I is more evident than ever, with fields that meet the demands of elite competition and help define the game at its highest level.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

ASTROTURF’S ROLE IN SHAPING COLLEGIATE FIELD HOCKEY PERFORMANCE ACROSS DIVISIONS

BANN ARBOR, Mich. — As the NCAA field hockey tournaments commence, AstroTurf’s influence is evident across all divisions, shaping the collegiate field hockey landscape through speed, precision, and reliability. With the majority of Division I and Division III teams competing on AstroTurf surfaces, the synthetic turf leader continues to elevate the sport, providing fields that meet the high demands of collegiate play.

In the Division I tournament, AstroTurf fields are essential to the success of top-ranked teams, with 17 out of 18 qualifying programs playing on AstroTurf surfaces. This includes powerhouse programs such as North Carolina, Duke, Harvard, Northwestern, and UConn, all competing on either AstroTurf’s A12 or Poligras systems. These fields are engineered specifically for the fast-paced, high-skill game that defines Division I field hockey, delivering consistent ball roll, high shock absorption, and precision that can make the difference in tournament play.

“Field hockey is a game of precision and pace, and our fields are designed to enhance both,” said Melissa Vassalotti-Twist, Director of Field Hockey for AstroTurf. “We’re honored to play a part in the journey of these exceptional teams, and to support athletes competing at their best on surfaces built for elite play. This company and invention have been pivotal in driving the growth of field hockey for decades, but we continue to raise the bar with new technology and innovations in field design.”

Meanwhile, in Division III, 12 tournament teams are also playing on AstroTurf fields, including Bryn Mawr College and Wesleyan University, both making history with their first-ever NCAA tournament appearances. The two programs recently transitioned from infill fields to AstroTurf’s Paris GT dry surface system—a specialized turf designed to enhance agility and control. Since the switch, Bryn Mawr has averaged 2.15 goals per game while significantly outshooting its opponents, while Wesleyan’s offensive power has surged with an impressive 3.13 goals per game average.

With field hockey’s unique demands for consistent speed and precision, AstroTurf fields have become foundational to collegiate field hockey. Surfaces like the A12, Poligras, and Paris GT systems cater specifically to the sport’s requirements, offering a reliable base that allows players to focus on skill and strategy without concern for footing or ball movement inconsistencies. With fields that align closely with the needs of college teams, AstroTurf is not just a playing surface but a key component of training and competition for athletes across divisions.

“AstroTurf’s field quality means athletes can trust their footing, ball control, and pace,” said Vassalotti-Twist. “A reliable surface makes all the difference in high-stakes games, and AstroTurf helps raise the level of competition across the sport.” Twist won three National Championships and three ACC Championships as a player for the University of Maryland.

As the NCAA tournament progresses, AstroTurf’s impact on collegiate field hockey is clearer than ever, providing the surfaces that support peak performance and define the game at its highest levels. From cutting-edge technology to specialized field design, AstroTurf’s commitment to the sport is showcased as teams chase championships on fields designed for success.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

LA GALAXY SECURE SIXTH MLS CUP WITH VICTORY OVER NEW YORK RED BULLS

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The LA Galaxy claimed their record-breaking sixth MLS Cup with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in front of a sellout crowd of 26,812 at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday night. Dejan Joveljić netted the decisive goal, while Gastón Brugman earned MLS Cup MVP honors for his contributions, including assisting on the opening goal.

The Galaxy solidified their place in MLS history, adding the 2024 title to previous championships in 2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, and 2014. This marks their 51st postseason win in 82 all-time playoff matches. The team also set a league record with 18 goals in this year’s playoffs, achieving a +14 goal differential across five matches, the largest in MLS playoff history. Joveljić led the postseason scoring with six goals and two assists.

LA Galaxy’s Path to the 2024 MLS Cup

2024 MLS Cup Playoff: vs. Colorado @ Dignity Health Sports Park | 5–0 win

2024 MLS Cup Playoff: @ Colorado in Dick’s Sporting Goods Park | 4–1 win

2024 MLS Cup Playoff: vs. Minnesota @ Dignity Health Sports Park | 6–2 win

MLS Cup Conference Final: vs. Seattle @ Dignity Health Sports Park | 1–0 win

MLS Cup Final: vs. New York @ Dignity Health Sports Park | 2–1 win

Dignity Health Sports Park, the site of seven MLS Cup finals, was once again the stage for a historic Galaxy performance. This season, the Galaxy maintained an unbeaten record at home (17-0-4) across all competitions, tying the league record for home wins in a single season.

The Galaxy opened scoring in the ninth minute when Brugman delivered a pinpoint through ball to Joseph Paintsil, who slotted it past goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. Four minutes later, Joveljić extended the lead with a clinical finish from the edge of the penalty area. The Red Bulls halved the deficit in the 28th minute, as Sean Nealis capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire in a half-volley.

Despite pressing for an equalizer, New York was unable to break down a resolute Galaxy defense, anchored by Emiro Garcés, who led the match with five interceptions and won nine duels.

The Galaxy played 34 matches. They earned 64 points across all competitions. The team recorded 19 wins, 8 losses, and 7 draws. They scored 68 goals and conceded 50. Their goal differential was +19.

The Galaxy concluded the 2024 season with a 25-9-8 record across all competitions, scoring 92 goals—the third-highest combined total in MLS history. Their postseason success was underscored by contributions from multiple players, including Joveljić, Paintsil, Riqui Puig, and Gabriel Pec, each recording at least three goals.

Integral to LA’s success is their rigorous training regimen at Dignity Health Sports Park, where the team trains on state-of-the-art AstroTurf surfaces. Head coach Greg Vanney credits the turf’s consistency and performance-enhancing features for keeping players at peak fitness and injury-free throughout the grueling season. “The quality of our training environment allows us to focus on fine-tuning tactics and keeping our squad match-ready,” Vanney said. “It’s a cornerstone of our preparation.”

The Galaxy’s performance reinforced their dominance in MLS history and provided a fitting conclusion to a record-setting season.

Fans can purchase tickets for the game through lagalaxy.com/playoffs.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

About AstroTurf

LA Galaxy’s 2024 Season By the Numbers

2024 PROJECTS

Saint Joseph’s University - Philadelphia, PA

The Athletic Campus - Rochester, NY

Rogers Center - Toronto, ON

Valdosta High School - Valdosta, GA

Water Tower Sports

Wheeling Park High School - Wheeling, WV

Wilkes Barre Soccer - Wilkes-Barre, PA

Windermere High School , Windermere, FL

Wyoming Valley High School - Kingston, PA

Riverview Park - North Augusta, SC

Rockhill High School - Rock Hill, SC

Rogers State University - Claremore, OK

Sewickley Academy - Sewickley, PA

Shenandoah High School - Winchester, Virginia

Shenandoah Park

Seattle Sounders FC - Seattle, WA

South Dakota Dome - St, Vermillion, SD

Spanish Fort High School - Spanish Fort, AL

Mustang High School - Mustang, OK

Padua Franciscan High School - Parma, OH

Papillion-La Vista South - Papillion, NE

Paragon Star Sports Complex - Lee’s Summit, MO

Penn Manor - Millersville PA

Pierce College - Lakewood & Puyallup, Washington

Pine Athletic Complex - Wexford, PA

Plymouth Canton High School - Canton, Michigan

Prairie Land High School

Harbor Creek High School - Harborcreek, PA

Harding University- Searcy, Arkansas.

Hedgesville Athletics - Hedgesville, WV

Hillsdale College - Hillsdale, MI

Honesdale High School - Honesdale, PA

Iowa Softball - Iowa City, Iowa

John Burroughs School - St. Louis, MO

Jupiter High School - Jupiter, FL

Little Rock Central - Little Rock, AR

Morenci Baseball - Morenci, AZ

Dakota State - Madison, SD

Desert Christian High School - Tucson, AZ

Duvall High School, Jacksonville, FL

Earlham Softball - Syracuse, NY

Ellwood City High School - Ellwood City, PA

Lewisville High School - Lewisville, TX

Fricke Field - St, Papillion, NE

Ganesha High School - Pomona, CA

Grain Valley - City of Grain Valley, MO

Harmon Field - Greenville, OH

Anniston High School - Anniston, AL

Babcock Ranch - Babcock Ranch, FL

Bastrop Bears - Bastrop, TX

Blair Oaks High School - Jefferson City, MO

Lake Brantley High School - Altamonte Springs, FL

Bryn Mawr College - Bryn Mawr, PA

Cambridge High School - Milton, GA

CamdenCounty High School - Kingsland, GA

Central Unified School District - Fresno, CA

Central Georgia Techincal College - Macon, GA

Riesel Independent School District - Riesel, TX

Southeast High School - Miami Lakes, FL

Saint- Stephen’s Episcopal School - Manatee County, FL

Stockton Station Park - Camden, NJ

Tazewell High School - Tazewell, VA

Texas Tech University - Lubbock TX

Todd Stadium - Newport News, VA

Truman High School - Independence, MO

University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL

Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, Va

New Hampshire University - Durham, NH

Northern Illinois University, Huskie Stadium- DeKalb, IL

Northern Illinois University, Soccer-Track & Field Complex - DeKalb, IL

Northern Michigan University - Marquette, MI

Northside HS Lafayette Parish Schools- Lafayette, LA University of Oklahoma - Norman, OK

Old Dominion University- Norfolk, VA

Pleasant Grove High School - Texarkana,TX

Pulaski Academy - Little Rock, AR

Richlands High School - Richlands, VA

Illinois Institue of Technology, Stuart Field - Chicago, IL

Jim Thorpe High School - Jim Thorpe, PA

Lakewood Ranch High - Bradenton, FL

Liberty Hill High School - Liberty Hill, TX

Liberty High School - Liberty, MO

Moore High School - Moore, OK

Morris Frank Park - Lufkin, TX

Mustang HIgh School - Mustang, OK

North Broward Prep School - Coconut Creek FL

Northeast Alabama Community College- Rainsville, Alabama

Daphne High School - Daphne, AL

Drury College, Mark Worley Field- Springfield, MO

El Dorado High School - El Dorado, AR

Enumclaw High School - Enumclaw, WA

Girard High School - Girard, OH

Grand Valley State University - Allendale, MI

Grandville High School Stadium - Grandville, MI

Hy-Vee Multiplex, City of Grimes - Grimes, IA

Hillsborough High School- Hillsborough, NJ

Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls, NY

AIM Academy - Conshohocken PA

Alma High School - Alma, MI

Atlanta Braves Cool Today Park - North Port, FL

Beggs High School - Beggs, OK

Bonny Lake High School, WA

Bonny Lake High School - Bonney Lake, WA

Braden River High - Bradenton, FL

Bristow High School - Bristow, OK

C. Milton Wright High School- Bel Air, MD

Central Michigan University, Turf Bay - Mount Pleasant, MI

Academy Independent School District - Little River Academy, TX

Carroll High School - Ozark, AL.

FireLake Ball Fields - Shawnee OK

Julington Creek Plantation Park- St-Johns, FL

La Mirada High’s Goodman Stadium - La Mirada, CA

Packsaddle Elementary School - Kingsland, TX

Paris IDS High School - Paris, TX

Plymouth-Canton High School - Canton, MI

Shikellamy All Sports Complex - Sunbury, PA

Walled Lake Northern High School - Commerce, MI

Wausau West High School - Wausau, WI

West Valley High School - Yakima, WA

Springfield Central High School - Springfield, MA

Thomas Nelson High School - Bardstown, KY

Washington State University, Taylor Sports Complex - Pullman, WA

Chicago Fire Training Complex

Melissa High School - Melissa TX

Moore High School - Moore OK

South Moore High School - Moore OK

La Mirada High School - La Mirada, CA

2024 PROJECTS

THE ICON THAT INVENTED AN INDUSTRY

OH, WHAT A YEAR!

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW

As we look back on 2025, one phrase comes to mind - Oh what a year! From coast to coast and across every level of play, AstroTurf has continued to set the standard for innovation, performance, and partnership in the synthetic turf industry. This year was more than just about fields; it was about milestones that defined our legacy and strengthened our position as a leading provider of high performance fields.

In 2025, AstroTurf proudly became the Official Synthetic Turf Partner of Major League Baseball®, marking one of the most significant partnerships in our company’s history. This collaboration reflects the confidence that the highest level of America’s pastime has in our products, technology, and commitment to performance. We also joined forces with one of the most exciting teams in sports entertainment - the Savannah Bananas, becoming their Official Synthetic Turf Partner. Together, we’re proving that great fields don’t just host games - they create unforgettable experiences for fans and athletes alike.

Beyond partnerships, our installation teams and distributors delivered some of the most iconic projects in recent memory. From Folsom Field at the University of Colorado to Bulldog Stadium at Fresno State University, AstroTurf fields made headlines, transforming athletic facilities into showcases of innovation, safety, and durability. Each project represents not just another field, but a lasting investment in the future of sports.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we also look ahead with excitement and gratitude. Every field we build, every relationship we strengthen, and every milestone we achieve reinforces our mission to deliver the most advanced, high-performing, and sustainable synthetic turf systems in the world. To our partners, customers, and dedicated team members. Thank you for making 2025 one for the record books! Here’s to another year of big wins, bold ideas, and unmatched performance - the AstroTurf way.

Bayshore High School Stadium - Bradenton, FL

Belding High School Field - Belding, MI

Memorial Stadium and Harry Nelson Field - Orlando, FL

Joe Skinner Baseball Field - Orlando, FL

ASTROTURF CORPORATION ACQUIRES COAST TO COAST TURF

SEATTLE, Wash. — AstroTurf Corporation, a subsidiary of Sport Group, is excited to announce it has acquired Coast to Coast Turf, the premier artificial turf installer and dealer based in Seattle, Washington.

Under the leadership of Steve Webb, Coast to Coast has built a stellar reputation for quality and reliability, becoming a trusted leader in the Northwest Construction market.

Coast to Coast Turf’s operations and leadership, including Steve Webb, will continue post-transaction and partner with AstroTurf to further support rapid growth.

Philip Snider, Chief Operating Officer of AstroTurf, said, “We are incredibly proud to acquire Coast to Coast Turf and partner with Steve. The acquisition expands AstroTurf’s presence in the Northwest, with Coast to Coast Turf now serving as our official construction arm for Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho. Together, we are committed to delivering the highest-quality sports surfacing solutions to even more communities in the region. As the original innovators in their respective categories, AstroTurf fields, Rekortan tracks, and Laykold courts continue to set the standard for performance, durability, and innovation.”

Steve Webb, Founder and President of Coast to Coast Turf, said, “With AstroTurf’s resources and support, Coast to Coast Turf will maintain its exceptional service while offering an expanded portfolio of products and expertise to meet the evolving needs of customers. By combining Coast to Coast Turf’s local expertise and outstanding legacy with AstroTurf’s national scale and cutting-edge technology, this partnership will elevate the customer experience and strengthen our ability to deliver world-class projects.”

AstroTurf is proud to welcome Coast to Coast Turf to the family and looks forward to continuing the remarkable legacy of excellence that Steve Webb and his team have built in the Northwest.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

AstroTurf Corporation is the original inventor and innovator of synthetic sports surfacing, leading the industry for 60 years. Known for pioneering surfacing solutions, AstroTurf Corporation delivers cutting-edge products focused on performance, safety, and sustainability. The company’s portfolio includes AstroTurf fields, the trusted name in synthetic turf; Rekortan tracks, the benchmark for elite running surfaces; Laykold® courts, the premier choice for tennis and multisport court play; and SYNLawn®, the industry leader in residential and commercial landscaping solutions. These products are the original brands in their respective categories and set the standard for quality and innovation in sports and recreational surfacing. AstroTurf® is dedicated to creating world-class sports and recreational environments that inspire ath-letes and elevate communities. For more information, visit astroturf.com

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

Sport Group is a leading designer, manufacturer and installer of artificial surfaces serving the global sports flooring, leisure and landscaping and industrial markets to over 70 countries globally. Headquar-tered in Burgheim, Germany, the company’s brand portfolio includes AstroTurf® (the iconic brand that invented the industry), Polytan®, SYNLawn®, LigaTurf®, Poligras®, Rekortan® , and Laykold®. Sport Group is an industry leader in green technologies, pioneering sustainable products and services such as the world’s first carbon neutral soccer turf, the world’s first carbon zero field hockey turf and development of the industry’s first, and only, turf recycling facility capable of recycling EPDM rubber. The company has approximately 2,400 employees and operates nine vertically integrated manufacturing facilities and 31 distribution centers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. For additional information about Sport Group, please visit sportgroup-holding.com. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball. Visit MLB.com.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Hiddden Valley Sports Complex - Blue Springs, MO

Abiliene Youth Sports Authority - Abilene, TX

ASTROTURF CORPORATION ACQUIRES ATLANTIC SPORTS GROUP

ANTON, Mass. — AstroTurf® Corporation (“AstroTurf”), a subsidiary of Sport Group, is excited to announce it has acquired Atlantic Sports Group (or the “Company”), a premier landscaper and artificial turf installer based in Canton, Massachusetts.

Atlantic Sports Group offers over 21 years of experience installing artificial grass and synthetic turf surfaces for sports, residential, and commercial clients across New England. The Company has been a distributor of AstroTurf® and SYNLawn brands for over 20 years.

Atlantic Sports Group’s operations and leadership, including Founder and President Scott Koesterich, will continue posttransaction and partner with AstroTurf® and SYNLawn® to further support rapid growth.

Philip Snider, Chief Operating Officer of AstroTurf®, said, “We are delighted to welcome Atlantic Sports Group to our family. Scott has built strong relationships with the most well-known architect firms in New England throughout his 20 years as a business owner. From our past experiences with Scott, we have seen directly how instrumental he has been in overseeing countless sporting facilities throughout New England. We are energized by this acquisition and committed to leveraging the team’s expertise and relationships to bring the highest-quality sports surfacing solutions to more clients.”

JAN 22, 2025

George Neagle, President of SYNLawn®, said, “Scott brings a unique approach to commercial sales in our industry, leveraging his years of experience as both a business owner and a landscape architect. His diverse background enables him to understand client needs from multiple perspectives, making him a key asset in driving our commercial business.”

Scott Koesterich, Founder and President of Atlantic Sports Group, said, “I am thrilled that the iconic AstroTurf® brand acquired Atlantic Sports Group. This exciting acquisition represents a significant milestone for Atlantic Sports Group. I believe AstroTurf® and SYNLawn® are the most trusted partners in the industry. My team and I look forward to the new opportunities for growth and expansion resulting from our new ownership.”

Sport Group is proud to welcome Atlantic Sports Group to the family and looks forward to continuing the remarkable legacy of excellence that Scott Koesterich and his team have built over decades.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com |

Brother Rice High School - Bloomfield Hills, MI

Scranton Bulldog Stadium - Brighton, MI

ASTROTURF CORPORATION ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF GENERAL ACRYLICS

PHOENIX, Ariz. — AstroTurf Corporation, a subsidiary of Sport Group, is pleased to announce it has acquired General Acrylics, a leading contractor for tennis court, track and synthetic turf installations based in Phoenix, Arizona. Under the guidance of Owner and President Jonnie Deremo, General Acrylics has earned a reputation as the premier sports construction partner in the Southwest.

General Acrylics has been a distributor of AstroTurf for 18 years and is also an installer of Rekortan tracks. General Acrylics’ operations and executive leadership, including Jonnie Deremo, will continue post-transaction and partner with AstroTurf to further support rapid growth.

Philip Snider, Chief Operating Officer of AstroTurf, said, “We are thrilled to acquire General Acrylics and partner with Jonnie. Throughout his nearly four decades of experience, Jonnie and his team have provided countless satisfied customers with highquality installations. The acquisition expands AstroTurf’s presence in the Southwest, with General Acrylics now serving as our official construction arm in Arizona. Together, we will leverage the team’s expertise and relationships to deliver the highest-quality sports surfacing solutions to even more customers in the quality sports surfacing solutions to even more customers in the region.”

Jonnie Deremo, Owner and President of General Acrylics, said, “It is an honor for the business that I purchased nearly four decades ago to be acquired by the legendary AstroTurf brand. With AstroTurf’s national resources supporting General Acrylics’ local expertise, I am excited to pursue incredible opportunities for growth and expansion.”

Sport Group is proud to welcome General Acrylics to the family and looks forward to continuing the remarkable legacy of excellence that Jonnie Deremo and his team have built in the Southwest. AstroTurf Corporation is the original inventor and innovator of synthetic sports surfacing, leading the industry for 60 years. Known for pioneering surfacing solutions, AstroTurf Corporation delivers cutting-edge products focused on performance, safety, and sustainability.

The company’s portfolio includes AstroTurf fields, the trusted name in synthetic turf; Rekortan tracks, the benchmark for elite running surfaces and SYNLawn, the industry leader in residential and commercial landscaping solutions. These products are the original brands in their respective categories and set the standard for quality and innovation in sports and recreational surfacing.

AstroTurf is dedicated to creating world-class sports and recreational environments that inspire athletes and elevate communities. For more information about AstroTurf, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Zuidema Soccer Field, Grand Rapids, MI

Calvin University Stadium - Grand Rapids, MI

Canton HIgh School - Canton, TX

Cayuga ISD Softball Field - Tennessee Colony, TX

ASTROTURF AND SAVANNAH BANANAS TEAM UP TO ELEVATE BANANA BALL

SAVANNAH, GA. — AstroTurf, the leader in synthetic turf innovation, has partnered with the world-famous Savannah Bananas to install a brand-new AstroTurf Diamond Series field at Historic Grayson Stadium. This gamechanging surface enhances playability and provides the Bananas with a field tailored to their high-energy, fast-paced style of play. With AstroTurf’s Diamond Series turf, the Bananas now have a field that complements their one-of-a-kind approach to baseball. Bananas Owner Jesse Cole praised the impact the new surface has had on the team’s ability to entertain fans like never before.

“There are clean hops, clean bounces, and they can do trick plays that they have never performed before, as far as bouncing things between their legs, around their backs, and kicking up which they have never done previously,” said Cole. “This gives them an opportunity to really plus the game of Banana Ball.”

AstroTurf’s rapid installation at Historic Grayson Stadium ensured the Bananas had their new surface in record time, allowing them to hit the ground running with their signature high-flying tricks and non-stop entertainment.

“What we were able to do with AstroTurf in a very short window and for them to be able to make it happen and produce at a very high level is really special,” added Cole. “There are some companies that can deliver and some that can’t, and AstroTurf performed in every single way. They delivered for our players and for our fans for many years to come.”

A Game-Changer for Players, Coaches, and Fans

Bananas Head Coach Tyler Gillum echoed Cole’s excitement, emphasizing how the new field has revolutionized their ability to prepare and perform.

“This is a game-changer,” said Gillum. “This thing has changed the game for us as far as the time we can spend with the players— and trick plays have gone through the roof. We have some of the craziest trick plays coming this season.” Beyond on-field performance, the new surface allows the team to focus more on what makes Banana Ball special: fan engagement.

“The time that we do not have to spend on field maintenance has allowed us to spend more time with the players, work on social media, and connect with fans,” Gillum added. “Everything we do is about Fans First, so this AstroTurf fits in perfectly with our goals.”

AstroTurf’s Commitment to Innovation in Baseball

The AstroTurf Diamond Series is designed specifically for baseball, providing a superior playing surface that enhances performance, consistency, and durability. Aaron Klotz, AstroTurf’s Director of Baseball, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the Savannah Bananas and be part of the Banana Ball experience,” said Klotz. “This team is redefining sports entertainment in such a creative way, and we’re proud that our AstroTurf Diamond Series field will help elevate their game even further. It’s a perfect match of innovation and performance.”

By bringing together AstroTurf’s cutting-edge turf technology with the Bananas’ unparalleled showmanship, this partnership ensures that Banana Ball will continue to thrill fans for years to come.

AstroTurf is dedicated to creating world-class sports and recreational environments that inspire athletes and elevate communities. For more information about AstroTurf, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com. MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Swanger Baseball Complex - Texarkana, TX

Banner Field at Latrobe Park - Baltimore, MD

ASTROTURF INTERVIEWS SAVANNAH BANANAS OWNER JESSE COLE

With AstroTurf’s Diamond Series turf, the Bananas now have a field that complements their one-of-a-kind approach to baseball. Bananas Owner Jesse Cole praised the impact the new surface has had on the team’s ability to entertain fans like never before.

A Game-Changer for Players, Coaches, and Fans

Bananas Head Coach Tyler Gillum echoed Cole’s excitement, emphasizing how the new field has revolutionized their ability to prepare and perform.

Beyond on-field performance, the new surface allows the team to focus more on what makes Banana Ball special: fan engagement.

AstroTurf’s Commitment to Innovation in Baseball

By bringing together AstroTurf’s cutting-edge turf technology with the Bananas’ unparalleled showmanship, this partnership ensures that Banana Ball will continue to thrill fans for years to come.

AstroTurf is dedicated to creating world-class sports and recreational environments that inspire athletes and elevate communities. For more information about AstroTurf, please visit astroturf.com. MAR

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

College Station ISD, Middle School Field - College Station, TX

Utz Field at Patterson Park - Baltimore, MD

ASTROTURF SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR SUSTAINABLE SPORTS SURFACES

ATLANTA, Ga. — AstroTurf, originators of the synthetic turf industry, today reaffirmed its commitment to environmental stewardship. Renowned for its innovative approaches, the company remains focused on reducing its ecological footprint while delivering high-quality sports surfaces to schools, universities and professional facilities.

As the only USDA BioPreferred sports turf in the industry, AstroTurf holds a unique leadership position in sustainable manufacturing. It was the first to remove PFAS from its production processes and the first in its sector to join the Green Sports Alliance, reflecting a long-standing ethos of responsible innovation.

MAR 07, 2025

AstroTurf aims to set new standards for environmental responsibility in sports surfacing and inspire other organizations to adopt greener practices. In addition to its USDA BioPreferred distinction, AstroTurf continually invests in cutting-edge technology to maximize sustainability.

This includes using plant-based infill materials, researching zero-waste manufacturing processes, and optimizing production methods to further reduce water and energy consumption. By consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation, AstroTurf is shaping a more sustainable future for athletics and recreation worldwide.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com |

J.D. & Alice Butler Stadium at Deerfield Beach High School - Deerfield Beach, FL

Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, WI

Cooper ISD - Cooper, TX

University of Colorado, Folsom Field - Boulder, CO

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF ASTROTURF: INNOVATION, DURABILITY, AND UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE

DALTON, Ga. — For over six decades, AstroTurf has stood as one of the most recognizable and respected brands in the sports world—an icon synonymous with quality, innovation, and durability. Since its inception, AstroTurf has reshaped the very concept of athletic fields worldwide, covering millions of square feet of turf that exemplify the pinnacle of technological progress in the industry.

March 21, 2026 marks a special occasion for AstroTurf, the original inventor of synthetic turf, as we celebrate AstroTurf Day in Dalton, Georgia—the heartland of our manufacturing operations since 1968. This day commemorates the 60th anniversary of a watershed moment in sports history: the first major league game ever played on synthetic turf between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 21, 1966, at the iconic Houston Astrodome.

AstroTurf products are more than just playing surfaces; they are arenas where cutting-edge technology merges with time-honored sports traditions to create a superior athletic experience. As we honor AstroTurf Day and this remarkable 60-year journey, we invite you to explore the brand’s storied past, its unwavering commitment to innovation, and its forward-looking vision for the future of sports.

AstroTurf’s mission transcends the mere manufacturing of synthetic turf. It’s about transforming sports and recreation landscapes into sustainable, ecofriendly, and high-performing environments. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, our dedication to inspiring active lifestyles and elevating community spaces is evident in every AstroTurf product. Through continuous research and technological development, AstroTurf strives to ensure that each system exceeds expectations in performance, durability, and aesthetics—upholding the highest standards of quality and safety.

At the heart of AstroTurf’s philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to safety and performance. Our rigorous testing and validation processes guarantee that each athletic turf system not only protects athletes but also enables them to perform at their peak. AstroTurf’s innovative “More Fiber, Less Fill” approach and sport-specific system designs reflect our dedication to creating surfaces that offer:

Optimal Sport-Specific Playability

Long-Term Durability

Reduced Maintenance Requirements

For decades, AstroTurf’s manufacturing expertise has ensured that every square foot of turf meets our stringent quality controls. But our responsibility doesn’t end there. We proudly champion environmental stewardship by:

Conserving millions of gallons of water each year

Reducing the need for harmful pesticides

Repurposing materials at the end of their lifecycle

MAR 20, 2025

From production to installation, AstroTurf remains at the forefront of sustainable practices in the synthetic turf industry.

Born out of the space race era and the architectural marvel of the Houston Astrodome, AstroTurf’s story is steeped in groundbreaking innovation. Originally known as “ChemGrass,” the product was developed to overcome the challenges of growing natural grass inside a domed stadium. Its subsequent rebranding to AstroTurf heralded a transformative moment in sports history— one that inspired decades of advancements and set new standards for athletic surfaces everywhere. Over the years, AstroTurf has evolved to deliver turf systems that closely mimic the feel and performance of natural grass, all while maintaining the reliability and durability that only a synthetic surface can provide. This commitment to continuous research and development has kept AstroTurf at the forefront of the industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in turf technology.

As we celebrate 60 years since that first major league game on synthetic turf, we reflect not only on AstroTurf’s historic contributions to sports technology but also on our ongoing pursuit of innovation. The AstroTurf legacy is built on a foundation of quality, invention, and a forward-thinking approach to the challenges of tomorrow. With a keen focus on research and development, AstroTurf continues to lead the way in synthetic turf technology—pioneering advancements that set new standards for performance, safety, and durability. As we look to the future, we remain committed to shaping the landscapes of sports and recreation for the next generation of athletes and fans.

Join us in celebrating AstroTurf Day—an anniversary 60 years in the making—and be a part of the legacy that has redefined the world of sports.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Drury University, Mark Worley Field at Meador Park - Springfield, MO

Fairfield University - Fairfield, CT

Darlington High School - Darlington, SC

De La Salle High School - Concord, CA

COMMEMORATING 60 YEARS OF ASTROTURF: A LEGACY FORGED IN

INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

DALTON, Ga. — March 21, 2026 marks a special occasion for AstroTurf, the original inventor of synthetic turf, as we celebrate AstroTurf Day in Dalton, Georgia—the manufacturing heartland we’ve proudly called home since 1968. This date memorializes the 60th anniversary of a revolutionary moment in sports history: the first major league game ever played on synthetic turf between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 21, 1966, at the legendary Houston Astrodome.

For over six decades, AstroTurf has remained at the forefront of athletic surface technology, setting the bar for qualityand performance. From iconic moments in 12 World Series and 11 Super Bowls to the grand stages of 10 Olympic Games, AstroTurf’s surfaces have continuously proven their superiority, resilience, and ability to enhance athletes’ performance at the highest levels of competition.

The AstroTurf journey began when the harsh glare and lack of sunlight inside the Houston Astrodome made it nearly impossible to maintain natural grass. In response, AstroTurf introduced its pioneering product, originally known as “ChemGrass.” This trailblazing innovation quickly became the go-to solution for professional and collegiate sports venues seeking to overcome the limitations of natural turf.

Since then, AstroTurf has never rested on its achievements. Instead, a relentless drive to improve and reinvent has propelled our technology ever closer to replicating the feel, performance, and safety of natural grass—all while offering the durability and low-maintenance benefits that only synthetic turf can provide.

Now under the ownership of Sport Group, a global leader in sports surfacing, AstroTurf has significantly broadened its reach and capabilities. This partnership has led to the installation of over 30,000 synthetic fields and tracks worldwide, underscoring our commitment to delivering highperformance, safe, and sustainable playing surfaces for athletes of every level.

As we gather to commemorate AstroTurf Day, we reflect on a remarkable sixdecade journey—from the Astrodome to today’s advanced multi-sport systems that cater to football, baseball, field hockey, golf, and more. This celebration

pays tribute not only to our rich legacy but also to the people who have brought it to life.

At the heart of that legacy are the dedicated employees in Dalton, Georgia, whose unmatched expertise and hard work have solidified AstroTurf’s status as a premier brand in sports technology. We’re proud to stand alongside Dalton’s vibrant community, extending our gratitude for their enduring support and partnership.

AstroTurf’s success is built on a foundation of relentless innovation, quality craftsmanship, and a profound sense of community responsibility. As we look toward the next chapter, we remain devoted to enhancing the world of sports through superior synthetic turf systems that prioritize:

Player Safety: Rigorous testing for optimal performance and protection

High-Performance Play: Uncompromising standards that meet the demands of elite athletes

Environmental Stewardship: Sustainable practices that respect our planet’s resources

Join us in celebrating AstroTurf Day, a tribute to our 60-year journey of pioneering sports turf innovation. Here’s to the next six decades—and beyond— of excellence, ingenuity, and shared victories on AstroTurf surfaces worldwide.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com. MAR 21, 2025

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

Citizens Potawatomi Nation Firelake Fields Sports Complex - Shawnee, OK

Farmersville ISD - Farmersville, TX

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF ASTROTURF: A TRIUMPH OF INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

DALTON, Ga. — March 21, 2026 marks a landmark moment in sports history as we celebrate AstroTurf Day—a salute to the revolution in synthetic turf technology that has reshaped athletic fields around the globe. AstroTurf, the pioneering force behind synthetic turf, has guided the evolution of athletic surfaces for six decades, transforming countless fields into worldclass stages for players at every level.

AstroTurf Day pays tribute to the first major league game played on synthetic turf on March 21, 1966, at the iconic Houston Astrodome. This showdown between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers was more than just a game—it was a historic event that propelled sports into a new era of technological innovation, opening the door to extraordinary moments on AstroTurf fields for decades to come.

From the World Series to the Super Bowl, from the Olympics to AllStar Games, AstroTurf has provided the platform for athletes to push boundaries, set records, and capture the world’s imagination. Beyond professional arenas, AstroTurf surfaces are where student-athletes learn teamwork and discipline, weekend warriors chase personal bests, and entire communities come together to celebrate the spirit of competition.

The evolution from the space-age “ChemGrass” to today’s highly advanced AstroTurf systems is a testament to relentless R&D and an unwavering commitment to replicating the feel, performance, and safety of natural grass. Over 60 years, AstroTurf has consistently exceeded expectations, delivering turf technology that stands on par with the most meticulously maintained natural fields—yet demands a fraction of the upkeep.

Now owned by the Sport Group, a global leader in sports surfacing, AstroTurf continues to broaden its reach and impact. Through this partnership, we unite the industry’s finest minds and resources to create high-performancesurfaces that prioritize safety, durability, and environmental responsibility—all while offering the pinnacle of sports technology.

As we mark six decades of AstroTurf, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community of Dalton, Georgia, whose support and expertise have been crucial to our success. We also salute the countless athletes, coaches, fans, and families who have made AstroTurf fields their home.

Reflecting on this special occasion, AstroTurf CEO Robb Carey shares, “We are immensely proud of the legacy we’ve built and the role we play in sports and communities around the world. Today is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise that have propelled AstroTurf to the forefront of our industry.”

AstroTurf Day isn’t just about commemorating past achievements; it’s also about envisioning the future. As we continue to innovate and challenge the limits of synthetic turf technology, our commitment to delivering the highest quality, most advanced, and safest playing surfaces remains at the core of everything we do.

On this AstroTurf Day, we invite everyone—athletes, fans, and community members alike—to join in celebrating the spirit of innovation and the relentless quest for excellence that AstroTurf represents. Here’s to 60 years of progress and to many more seasons of breaking new ground, setting new standards, and inspiring the next generation of athletes to reach for the stars.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Fluvanna County High School - Palmyra, VA

Folsom High School - Folsom, CA

ASTROTURF RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH USA FIELD HOCKEY, PREPS FOR LA28

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo — USA Field Hockey is pleased to announce a continued partnership with AstroTurf. After almost a half century of innovation and research, AstroTurf pitches continue to be the gold standard for field hockey fields in the United States, with around 100 certified fields currently laid.

In partnership with the United States Performance Center, in 2023 USA Field Hockey and AstroTurf installed a replica of the playing surface to be used at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This playing surface is now the new home of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams and is a training facility for all national junior and Hockey5s teams. In partnership with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games committee and the International Hockey Federation, (FIH), the four organizations are collaborating on how to bring the best possible playing experience to the 2028 Olympic Games where the global world of field hockey will compete and make history in Los Angeles.

In the spirit of collaboration to support USA Field Hockey’s mission and welcome the top teams to compete at LA28, AstroTurf has renewed its long-time sponsorship with the USA Field Hockey to provide resources and financial support in addition to guidance and deep experience in constructing and maintaining the ideal playing surface for the sport.

“We are thrilled to renew our sponsorship with USA Field Hockey,” said Melissa Vassalotti-Twist, AstroTurf’s US-based Director of Field Hockey. “Our longstanding support extends beyond a partnership – it reflects AstroTurf’s deep commitment to field hockey and its continued growth. We greatly appreciate USA Field Hockey’s dedication to serving the hockey community across the United States and share their passion for inspiring young athletes while elevating the elite level of the game. Our relationship with the entire USA Field Hockey team is something we truly value, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to grow the sport and make a lasting impact on the game of hockey.”

MAR 24, 2025

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Astroturf, the best artificial turf in the industry,” said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director. “With Polytan and AstroTurf being the providers of the pitch for LA28, it is ever more important to continue this relationship as we lead into the Games. We value AstroTurf and know they share in our mission and commitment to grow the game.”

“As a long-time partner and official sponsor of USA Field Hockey, we couldn’t be more grateful to AstroTurf and Melissa for their longstanding support of field hockey as a sport in the United States and to USA Field Hockey as the national governing body,” said Ginger Wheeler, USA Field Hockey’s Commercial Partnerships and Marketing Manager. “AstroTurf shares our goals and mission which is truly the mark of a committed partner. Whether showing up to meetings, working with growing programs or helping to financially support programs like USA Field Hockey Foundation’s Hall of Fame, AstroTurf can always be counted on to come through. We rely on the support of our corporate partners to be successful, and AstroTurf has come through for us time and time again as a collaborator and true friend to the sport of field hockey.”

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com. MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

VA Memorial Stadium - Chillicothe, OH

California State University, Fresno - Fresno, CA

Franklin College - Franklin, IN

Cathedral High School, Brunette Field - Indianapolis, IN

SPORTS TURF INSTALLS PREMIUM ASTROTURF SYSTEMS AT TWO CARROLL COUNTY SCHOOLS

ATLANTA, Georgia— SportsTurf.net | April 18th, 2025 — Sports Turf Company, a specialty sports construction and surfacing company, recently announced the completed the turf replacement at two Carroll County School District campuses. Central-Carrollton High School in Carrollton as well as Temple High School in Temple have received new upgraded AstroTurf field systems.

Previously renovated by Sports Turf Company in the summer of 2016, both Central-Carrollton and Temple High Schools’ stadiums are Sports Turf Legacy Projects, an exclusive recognition for returning Sports Turf renovation projects. After nearly a decade, Sports Turf will update both of the surfaces’ technologies for enhanced durability, safety and performance to better suit these programs by entrusted clients.

“As a West Georgia-based company, we are honored to continue providing the latest athletic surfacing technology to both Temple and Central’s stadium fields, as Legacy Projects,” Sports Turf Company President Todd Wiggins said. “This longstanding relationship is extremely important to our team as a way to enhance facilities a decade later with the latest technology for the schools’ student athletes and programs overall.”

Sports Turf Company renovated both existing artificial turf fields into an elite system with top-of-the-line safety, durability and performance. The new surface features AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D Blend turf system and Brock YSR shock pad. AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D Blend is a performance artificial turf system that combines slit film and monofilament fibers with a RootZone layer of texturized fibers for optimum durability and better shock absorbency. The Brock YSR shock pad is specifically engineered to optimize safety for athletes during impacts to the surface.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com. MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex - Fort Dodge, IA

Glenville State University - Glenville, WV

COLORADO FOOTBALL TO INSTALL A PREMIUM ASTROTURF SYSTEM FOR 2025 SEASON

BOULDER, Colo— AstroTurf is pleased to announce that the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field, celebrating over a century of Buffs football history, will be upgraded with a premium AstroTurf® artificial turf system. Installed by United Turf and Track, the new field is set for completion by July 1, ensuring the iconic stadium remains a premier destination for college football, concerts, and community events.

“Bringing AstroTurf back to Folsom Field for the first time since 1998 is extremely exciting, and we are proud of the work our incredible distributor United Turf and Track has been doing on this project”, said Jeff Raiger, AstroTurf Regional General Manager. “As one of the most forward-thinking athletic departments in the nation, the University of Colorado recognizes the importance of providing a reliable and consistent surface—one that stands up to the demands of a busy schedule and the unpredictable Colorado climate.”

“It’s an honor to partner with the University of Colorado on this project,” said Dillon Ripley, Founder and CEO of United Turf and Track. “We’re not just installing a field—we’re helping to build a surface that will support athletes, inspire fans, and serve the university for years to come. With AstroTurf, we are bringing the best in synthetic turf technology to one of the most respected programs in the country.”

The project is slated to begin in late spring, following the renowned Bolder Boulder 10k race on May 26. This timeline ensures the field will be ready ahead of a series of high-profile concerts planned for the Fourth of July weekend. The upgraded artificial turf will offer:

Enhanced Durability and Safety: The new AstroTurf system provides a stable playing surface designed to reduce field-related wear and tear while meeting stringent safety standards.

Year-Round Playability: With the ability to withstand cold-weather climates, Folsom Field can more comfortably host December football games – an important consideration as the Buffaloes eye the expanded College Football Playoff.

APR 24, 2025

The decision to move back to an artificial surface was not taken lightly; however, CU’s athletic department determined it was critical for flexibility in scheduling and field reliability. With the Buffaloes hoping to capitalize on the opportunity to host late-season games under the new College Football Playoff format, AstroTurf’s technology meets the program’s current and future needs.

“The new AstroTurf playing surface gives us added flexibility, both with late-season games created by the expansion of the College Football Playoff, and opportunities to host more non-football events at our stadium,” said Colorado Athletic Director Rick George. “This state-of-the-art system provides the durability that is necessary for us to host games, concerts, and other events year-round.”

Some of Colorado’s most storied seasons took place on artificial turf – most notably the 1990 national championship campaign and Rashaan Salaam’s Heisman Trophy run in 1994. AstroTurf® and United Turf and Track are honored to continue this storied legacy, supporting the next generation of Buffs as they strive to bring more championships home to Folsom Field.

Colorado will kick off the 2025 season on August 29 against Georgia Tech. With legendary Coach Deion Sanders at the helm, the Buffaloes are eager to chase a playoff berth on their brand-new AstroTurf surface—proving that, at Folsom Field, every day is a great day to be a Buff.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com. MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Hartsville High School - Hartsville, SC

Holy Family Catholic School - Orlando, FL

Houseman Field Stadium - Grand Rapids, MI

Bart Kaufman Field - Bloomington, IN

ASTROTURF DIAMOND SERIES POWERS NCAA DIVISION II SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP IN CHATTANOOGA

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn— The NCAA Division II Softball Championship opened Thursday at Frost Stadium at Warner Park on a state-ofthe-art AstroTurf Diamond Series surface, marking the first time the national title rounds have been contested on synthetic turf. No. 1 UT Tyler edged No. 8 Western Washington 6-5 in a 10-inning opener, showcasing how AstroTurf’s customizable system handles bunts, slaps and slow rollers with true-to-game ball speed and bounce.

AstroTurf’s Diamond Series was selected for Frost Stadium after a months-long consultation process, in which the company’s softball division provided performance metrics, testing data and played-in simulations tailored to coach specifications. “Our goal was to deliver a surface that mimics grass and clay exactly where each is needed,” said Erin Cosan, AstroTurf’s newly appointed director of softball. “By adjusting fiber types, pile heights and infill ratios, we’ve created softer landings around the pitcher’s circle, truer hops in the outfield and realistic sliding distances on the base paths.”

AT A GLANCE

• What: NCAA Division II Softball Championship Finals on AstroTurf Diamond Series

• Where: Frost Stadium at Warner Park, Chattanooga, Tennessee

• When: May 22nd, 2025 through May 28th, 2025

• Watch: ncaa.com/liveschedule

Unlike traditional turf, the Diamond Series uses durable nylon in high-traffic infield areas to stand up to repeated play and return on investment for tournament hosts. Custom modules—such as the brown-clay pitcher’s mound, batter’s box and warning track—ensure appearance and playability meet NCAA standards, while the lush green outfield recaptures the feel of natural grass without the risk of rain-outs or mud.

MAY 22, 2025

“The seamless performance of our Diamond Series at a national championship level underscores AstroTurf’s leadership in sports-field innovation,” said Gary Jones, marketing director for AstroTurf. “Seeing championship-caliber athletes compete on a surface engineered for authenticity and durability is exactly why we invest so heavily in R&D and coach collaboration.”

TECH SPECS

• Infield & base paths: Diamond Series Brown with high-durability nylon

• Outfield grass: Diamond Series Green with tunable infill

• Warning track & mound: Specialized brown modules

The national semifinals and finals run through Wednesday, May 28. Thursday’s slate continues with No. 4 North Georgia against No. 5 Saginaw Valley at 1:30 p.m., followed by No. 2 Tampa versus No. 7 Shippensburg at 4 p.m., and No. 3 Central Oklahoma against No. 6 Pace at 6:30 p.m. Friday features elimination and championshipbracket contests, with a best-of-three final series set for May 27–28.

As the final eight teams vie for a national title in Chattanooga, AstroTurf’s spotlighted performance could set a new standard for championship-level softball venues. The championship concludes with Game 1 of the finals at 6 p.m. Tuesday, followed by Games 2 and, if necessary, Game 3 on Wednesday afternoon.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com. MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Kalamazoo Central High School - Kalamazoo, MI

Hartsville High School - Hartsville, SC

NAS JRB Field - New Orleans, LA

Joplin High School - Joplin, MO

FIH NOMINATES SPORT GROUP TO SUPPLY LA 2028 HOCKEY TURF

LAUSANNE, Switzerland— The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is pleased to announce that it has nominated Sport Group, represented by their brands AstroTurf and Polytan, as the hockey turf sole supplier for the LA 2028 Olympic Games. The Poligras hockey turf used for the competition will be manufactured and installed by AstroTurf. The agreement includes three hockey fields (one competition field, one warm-up field and one training field) and their shock pads.

AstroTurf, the original turf made in the USA, created the very first Olympic synthetic surface for hockey for the Montreal 1976 Games. Since then, Sport Group brands AstroTurf, Polytan and Poligras have been selected for 12 Olympic Games.

AstroTurf and Polytan to deliver their 9th Olympic Games on Poligras, driving the standard for elite performance, sustainability, and a lasting legacy in hockey.

Sport Group has constantly innovated alongside the sport. The Paris 2024 hockey turf, Poligras Paris GT zero, marked the world’s first carbon zero hockey turf, and each Olympic Games features new turf technology. Research and Development for the Poligras LA28 turf is well underway.

FIH PRESIDENT TAYYAB IKRAM SAID:

“The next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 will offer another fantastic opportunity for our sport to showcase itself to the world. The most important protagonists of this promotion of hockey are the athletes. It is our duty to offer them the best conditions for them to express their amazing talent. I’m really grateful that our strong partnership with Sport Group, AstroTurf and Polytan will deliver a turf that will include both the competition and sustainability aspects, and leave a lasting legacy for hockey in the USA.”

MELISSA TWIST, DIRECTOR OF FIELD HOCKEY, ASTROTURF SAID:

“AstroTurf started the hockey turf revolution in 1976 with the first turf at the Montreal Olympics. Since then, we have installed hockey turf in major stadiums, schools and clubs around the world, including many Olympic Games and World Cups. AstroTurf is based in the USA, so providing the hockey turf for a home Olympic Games, 52 years after

June 3, 2025

Montreal, is deeply rewarding and testament to our enduring love of the sport and respect for everyone involved in the game.”

PAUL KAMPHUIS, HEAD OF HOCKEY, SPORT GROUP, ADDED:

“We are thrilled that Poligras has been chosen as the hockey turf for LA2028, this will be the 9th Olympic hockey tournament on Poligras. This record of Olympic excellence is something that we are very proud of. Sport Group, together with AstroTurf and Polytan are committed to hockey globally. From the London blue, to the carbon zero turf in Paris 2024, our turf innovations have helped the sport become more skillful, dynamic and thrilling for players and fans. We continue to invest in reducing water and carbon while ensuring that our hockey turf performs at Olympic levels.”

In terms of physical legacy post-Olympic Games, and upon request from FIH, the pitches will be installed in suitable locations within the USA as agreed through a re-allocation process agreed between USAFH and LA 2028, approved by FIH and with support from AstroTurf.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com. MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

La Porte ISD, Bulldog Stadium - La Porte, TX

LSU Eunice - Eunice, LA

ASTROTURF NAMED THE OFFICIAL SYNTHETIC TURF OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Major League Baseball (MLB) and AstroTurf®, the originator of synthetic turf and a global leader in sports surface innovation, have announced a multi-year partnership designating AstroTurf as the Official Synthetic Turf of Major League Baseball.

As a Proud Partner of MLB, AstroTurf will be marketing its products with one of the most iconic logos in sports. This partnership reinforces AstroTurf’s presence at the highest level of the game and reflects the brand’s long-standing reputation as a surface trusted and chosen by Major League Baseball and elite baseball programs across the country.

Iconic Turf Brand Aligns with America’s Pastime for Multi-Year Partnership

The central product being marketed through partnership is the AstroTurf Diamond Series®, the industry’s premier line of baseballspecific turf systems. Engineered to deliver true ball bounce, realistic sliding distances, and consistent playability, the Diamond Series replicates the look and feel of natural surfaces while exceeding expectations for durability, safety, and game-time performance. Trusted by top collegiate programs and professional organizations alike, the Diamond Series sets the gold standard for baseball turf.

“This partnership is a milestone moment for our team and our brand,” said Aaron Klotz, AstroTurf’s Director of Baseball. “To be The Official Synthetic Turf of Major League Baseball is an extraordinary opportunity and a reflection of the trust MLB places in our Diamond Series systems to perform for even the most demanding customers.”

For over 60 years, AstroTurf has been synonymous with innovation in synthetic sports surfacing. The company’s relentless focus on performance has made it the go-to choice for athletes and coaches seeking surfaces engineered for excellence.

“At AstroTurf, everything we do is about elevating the game,” said Philip Snider, Chief Operating Officer of AstroTurf. “From how

June 18, 2025

the ball reacts to how athletes move, we obsess over the details. Being trusted and chosen by Major League Baseball is a powerful endorsement of our commitment to performance, quality, and safety.”

As part of this partnership, AstroTurf will collaborate with MLB and additional league partners on select events and projects including the highly anticipated 2025 Speedway Classic presented by BuildSubmarines.com on August 2nd. This first-of-its-kind showcase designed by MLB will transform Bristol Motor Speedway into a custom-built ballpark, where the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will compete on an AstroTurf Diamond Series field designed for elitelevel play and maximum fan excitement.

With this agreement, AstroTurf is poised to influence the next generation of baseball field turf systems, from professional stadiums and training centers to college diamonds and community ballfields.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Lincoln High School - Portland, OR

Stevenson High School, Lester C. Anders Field - Livonia, MI

Loy Norrix High School - Kalamazoo, MI

Mattawan High School - Mattawan, MI

SYNTHETIC TURF DELIVERS YEARROUND PERFORMANCE, DURABILITY,

AND A COMPETITIVE

EDGE

DALTON, Georgia — Synthetic turf has become the preferred playing surface for baseball programs nationwide- from Major League ballparks to high school diamonds. Why? Because it delivers reliable, safe, and consistent performance and durability that natural grass simply can’t match. With fewer rainouts, lower maintenance demands, and customization of the field, bunts, slaps, and bounces play like they should.

Natural grass fields are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather, often needing downtime for repairs. In contrast, advanced drainage systems mean synthetic turf fields recover quickly after storms. That means less impact from rainouts, less disruption to practice or game schedules, and more opportunities to play. The durability of artificial turf also makes it ideal for high-traffic and frequent usage.

Artificial turf removes many of the expenses tied to natural grass. No mowing, watering, or fertilizing. This not only reduces labor and operational expenses but also helps conserve water. Over time, the cost savings from reduced maintenance make artificial turf a wise investment, especially for schools or organizations with tight budgets.

Every inch of a synthetic field is engineered for safety and consistency. Player safety is a top priority, and synthetic turf fields deliver consistent, impact-absorbing surfaces that help minimize injuries. Integrated shock-absorption layers help reduce impact forces, limiting the risk of joint injuries and surface-related sprains.

June 18, 2025

The predictable surface also supports more accurate ball behavior, benefiting both hitters and fielders. Synthetic turf systems ensure uniform ball bounce and consistent sliding distances. With no surface inconsistencies, synthetic turf helps players train and compete with confidence.

One of the biggest advantages of synthetic turf is customization. You don’t just get a field, you get a performance system built to suit your team’s unique style. Want a faster infield and a slower outfield? No problem. Synthetic turf systems can be tuned through custom infill ratios, specialized fibers and pile heights, and surface speed adjustments.

Synthetic turf isn’t one-size-fits-all. Backed by lab data, playability metrics, and decades of innovation, AstroTurf delivers a surface engineered for your team’s success. This tailored approach helps fine tune each field’s speed to give customized playability and performance. AstroTurf engineers your field with the resilience and safety your athletes deserve.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com. MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Lake Michigan College - Benton Harbor, MI

Manchester High School - Manchester, GA

SIX DECADES OF HOME RUNS, HEROES, AND HARD-HITTING INNOVATION

NEW YORK, New York. —In 1965, baseball witnessed a revolutionary moment when the Houston Astrodome, the world’s first domed stadium, introduced synthetic turf to the sport. The surface was AstroTurf, and the moment marked the beginning of a partnership between baseball and AstroTurf that would stretch over the next six decades. The installation in the Astrodome wasn’t just a novel solution to grass maintenance, it sparked an innovation journey that has fundamentally changed how baseball is played at every level, from little league to Major League Baseball.

Celebrating AstroTurf’s deep-rooted history with baseball from the Astrodome to MLB

AstroTurf has been the surface for some of the most historic moments in the sport, beginning with the first MLB game on synthetic turf between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 21, 1966 and extending over 12 World Series and 8 Major League All-Star Games. Today, as the Official Synthetic Turf of Major League Baseball, AstroTurf still leads the way as the most trusted turf system in the industry.

The first baseball turfs optimized maintenance and durability

Since that first installation, AstroTurf has been an integral part of America’s baseball story. As the game evolved, so did the surface beneath it. AstroTurf was adopted by numerous MLB teams in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in multi-use stadiums where field maintenance and durability were paramount. Responsive, consistent and durable, it brought a different style of play to the sport, one that favored quick infielders and speedy baserunners.

The Diamond Series marks the arrival of tailored turf

But AstroTurf didn’t just keep pace. It helped to transform the sport.

In 2008, AstroTurf became the first company to develop a sport-specific turf system for baseball with the creation of the Diamond Series, a groundbreaking technological advancement tailored to the unique demands of the diamond. The AstroTurf Diamond Series achieves the most natural playability of all synthetic turf and marked a pivotal shift from generic turf to baseball-engineered systems. With it, came realistic ball bounce, improved traction, and tailored design from the batter’s box to the warning track.

The tailoring is made possible by thousands of hours of research and testing providing the data to custom make baseball fields and give each AstroTurf baseball turf a unique ‘home field’ advantage.

Turf powered by science

June 23, 2025

AstroTurf and baseball’s relationship is rooted in science. No other synthetic turf company has invested more resources into research and development. For over 12 years, the company has maintained a partnership with the University of Tennessee’s Department of Turf Sciences. This collaboration has led to advancements in player safety, field performance, and durability. Dr. John Sorochan, a renowned turfgrass expert from the University of Tennessee, has been instrumental in guiding the scientific foundation of the AstroTurf Diamond Series, ensuring that the product meets the highest standards of safety and playability.

Trusted from little leagues to World Series

AstroTurf’s heritage in the game extends far beyond the professional level. From local little leagues to top-tier NCAA Division 1 programs, AstroTurf has supported the grassroots of the game through communities and collegiate play. Since 2009, more Division 1 college baseball programs choose AstroTurf’s Diamond Series than any other artificial turf provider. AstroTurf’s advances in drainage systems and durable surfacing allowed athletes to play and practice in challenging weather conditions, an advantage for college teams whose seasons begin earlier than their professional counterparts. Every day, thousands of athletes play on AstroTurf fields from young kids just learning to play baseball, to high school elite athletes enhancing the game for coaches, fans, and players at all levels.

A legacy that keeps growing

The bond between baseball and AstroTurf is more than historical – it’s foundational. Now, as the Official Synthetic Turf of the MLB with a long and intertwined history of partnerships at all levels of the sport, AstroTurf continues to shape how the game is played and how it is experienced by the players, coaches and fans who live and breathe the game.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com. MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Mattawan High School - Mattawan, MI

Marina High School - Huntington Beach, CA

ASTROTURF SELECTED AS SURFACE PROVIDER FOR MLB SPEEDWAY CLASSIC AT BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Bristol, Tenn. — AstroTurf®, the Official Synthetic Turf Partner of Major League Baseball®, has been chosen to provide the playing surface for the MLB Speedway Classic presented by BuildSubmarines.com, a historic matchup between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds set inside the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway.

In an extraordinary feat of engineering and coordination, the infield of one of NASCAR’s most legendary venues will be transformed into a professional-grade MLB baseball field in just ten days, an ambitious undertaking made possible by AstroTurf’s Diamond Series system and decades of expertise in premium sports surfacing.

2025 MLB Speedway Classic Gameday Info

Matchup: Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds

Venue: Bristol Motor Speedway | Bristol, Tennessee

First pitch: 7:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, August 2, 2025

Broadcast: MLB on FOX | Radio: ESPN Radio

June 25, 2025

“We’re honored to be the turf provider for such an extraordinary event,” said Philip Snider, Chief Operating Officer of AstroTurf Corporation. “Converting a high-speed racing venue into a baseball stadium in just over a week is no small task, but our experienced construction team is built for this kind of challenge. This is more than a game, it is a celebration of innovation, tradition, and the limitless spirit of sport.”

The AstroTurf® Diamond Series, designed specifically for baseball, will deliver a surface that mirrors the performance characteristics of natural grass while withstanding the demands of a temporary, high-profile installation. Engineered for consistent ball bounce, optimal traction, and true playability, the Diamond Series is trusted by elite programs at every level.

As a proud partner of the MLB Speedway Classic and the Official Synthetic Turf Partner of Major League Baseball, AstroTurf continues to lead the industry in transforming bold ideas into unforgettable experiences.

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Metcalfe County High School - Edmonton, KY

Moore High School - Moore, OK

Mounds High School - Mounds, OK

North Salinas High School - Salinas, CA

MELISSA VASSALOTTI TWIST ON ASTROTURF AND AMERICA’S GREEN TURF TREND

COLLEGE PARK, Mary. —With a lifetime in field hockey, Melissa Vassalotti Twist is a passionate champion for her sport. Her years of elite playing and coaching (winning three ACC Championships and three NCAA National Championships with the University of Maryland) have shaped her mission: growing field hockey and ensuring that schools and colleges have the best facilities. As Director of Field Hockey at AstroTurf, she combines athlete and coach insights with the latest developments in turf technology, helping shape the sport across the Americas.

YOUR CAREER STARTED ON ASTROTURF AS A PLAYER AND CONTINUES WITH ASTROTURF AS DIRECTOR OF FIELD HOCKEY. HOW IMPORTANT IS THAT HOCKEY CONNECTION?

Field hockey has been at the center of my life for a long time. I feel really fortunate, not only to work for AstroTurf, the surface I’ve played on since I was young, but to still be deeply involved in the sport. The field hockey community is close-knit and staying connected to coaches and athletes is something I value. In my role, I oversee field hockey development across the Americas, working directly with coaches and administrators, supporting product R&D, helping programs build new fields, and contributing to national and Olympic-level projects. “With Poligras GT zero, we have a surface that delivers elite performance while drastically reducing water consumption. That’s the future of hockey.”

WITH FIELD HOCKEY BEING SUCH A COLLEGE-FOCUSED SPORT IN THE US, IT MUST BE VALUABLE FOR COACHES AND FACILITY MANAGERS TO WORK WITH SOMEONE WHO KNOWS AND UNDERSTANDS THE SPORT?

Relationships are everything in this industry. Having played and coached at the Division I level, I’ve built long-term connections – many of the coaches I now work with were former teammates or competitors. That history creates trust. Performance-wise, I know what high-level athletes expect from a surface and I understand how much the field impacts the game. At the end of the day, I’m looking out for the sport I love.

POLIGRAS HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS THE TURF FOR THE 2028 OLYMPICS. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THE US MARKET?

It’s a big moment. LA will be the 9th Olympic Games on a Poligras turf and the product technology evolves with each Games to create our ‘Olympic line’. The Poligras Paris GT zero turf is hockey’s only carbon zero turf, plus it is certified for wet and dry hockey. Feedback from other locations around the world is that without irrigation it essentially plays the same as a watered turf – this is a huge advantage for many programs here in the States. From both a sustainability and accessibility perspective, it’s a game-changer.

WHAT EFFECT DO YOU THINK A HOMEGROWN OLYMPICS WILL HAVE ON THE SPORT IN THE US?

Anytime a sport gets the Olympic spotlight, interest surges. That visibility helps programs attract funding, fans, and future players. So it’s an exciting time for hockey and for AstroTurf. We hope to see growth in places like California, where sustainability and innovation are already top priorities. This turf helps bridge that gap, as it allows schools to build elite-level fields, while aligning with climate goals and budget needs. The more quality fields we get out there, the more kids get to play. Currently, the sport is most prominent on the East Coast, especially in the Northeast, but there are programs in the Midwest too, in places like Louisville, Iowa, and Ohio State. On the West Coast, there are fewer Division I programs, so the Olympic spotlight will definitely help the sport expand out West. With more exposure and investment, there’s real potential for growth.

SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE CONCERNS ARE MAJOR ISSUES, ESPECIALLY IN PLACES LIKE CALIFORNIA. HOW DOES THIS TURF ADDRESS THEM?

It’s a perfect fit for those challenges. The Paris turf allows programs to drastically reduce water use without compromising performance, which is crucial in water-scarce areas. It

also helps schools meet their sustainability goals, from reduced emissions to more ecofriendly construction. There’s also the operational side. Fields that don’t require irrigation systems are easier and more affordable to maintain. For schools that want Olympicquality performance but need to be cost-conscious and climate-responsible, this turf is amazing. That bright blue Olympic-style turf sparks curiosity and excitement.

WHAT KIND OF ADOPTION ARE YOU SEEING FOR THE POLIGRAS PARIS GT ZERO TURF IN THE US?

It’s growing quickly. USA Field Hockey trains on it at UNC Charlotte. We’ve installed it at Stanford, Fairfield, Davidson, and this summer, Smith College will have theirs. Bryn Mawr and Wesleyan also upgraded to the Paris turf recently, and both had breakout seasons afterward, reaching the NCAA tournament for the first time. It’s also gaining traction at the high school level. Private schools like Greenwich Academy, Sacred Heart Greenwich, and Agnes Irwin have invested in the surface. They get the Olympic look and feel without needing a full irrigation setup. That accessibility is what’s driving adoption.

HOW DOES THE LATEST TURF FIT ALONGSIDE ASTROTURF’S EXISTING PRODUCTS?

We offer three key products for field hockey in the US. The classic is AstroTurf 12, our domestically produced, knitted nylon surface that’s incredibly popular. Then there’s Poligras Platinum, which has been proven over many years. And finally, the Olympic line, which is currently the Poligras Paris GT zero. Right now, we’re seeing about a 50-50 split in the college market between AstroTurf 12 and Poligras Paris GT zero. Some coaches prefer the feel and performance of AstroTurf 12, while others want to replicate the Olympic experience.

WHAT ROLE DO PARTNERSHIPS PLAY IN YOUR STRATEGY?

They’re essential. We’ve had a long-standing relationship with USA Field Hockey, and we also partner with the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA). We attend events like the Field Hockey Convention and Hall of Fame awards every year. It’s about more than turf, it’s also about helping the sport thrive. By working with these organizations, we support coaches, we celebrate success, and we work together to keep the sport moving forward. Poligras is available globally through Polytan in EMEA, Polytan in Asia Pacific & Australasia, and AstroTurf in North & South America, as well as our global installer network.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Parrish Community High School - Parrish, FL

Highmark Stadium - Pittsburgh, PA

THE MAKING OF AN OLYMPIC ASTROTURF FIELD HOCKEY SYSTEM

LAUSANNE, Switzerland. —An Olympic hockey turf is years in the making – shaped by athlete feedback, technical innovation, and close collaboration with the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Poligras has supplied the playing surface for eight Olympic Games, leading advances in dry hockey and sustainability. With LA ahead, Polytan’s Head of Hockey, Paul Kamphuis, shares how Olympic surfaces are developed to meet elite standards and support the sport’s future.

HOW MANY YEARS OUT FROM THE GAMES DOES PLANNING FOR THE TURF BEGIN?

A minimum of four years, but often more like five or six. In 2019, we were already installing the turf for Paris and gathering feedback on how that system was performing. Even then, we were thinking ahead. What can be improved? What will the next Games require? It’s a continual cycle, learning from one Olympics while preparing for the next.

WHERE DOES THAT FEEDBACK COME FROM AND HOW DO YOU ACT ON IT?

It comes from a mix of sources. Right now, the FIH has made it clear they want to move toward dry hockey, so we’re focused on how turf can be more water-efficient, or work with no water at all. That includes working with venue managers on water usage and collecting feedback from players and coaches to ensure performance isn’t compromised. We take on board all the feedback that we can get and then we digest it to see what the common trends are and what we think we can influence for better outcomes.

WHAT ARE THE NON-NEGOTIABLES FOR AN OLYMPIC-STANDARD TURF?

A globally certified turf, backed by a track record of delivering at major international tournaments, with player approval to match. Athens 2004 was the last time we didn’t supply the Olympic turf. It wasn’t FIH-approved, and the feedback wasn’t great. Since then, we’ve delivered every Olympic turf – and LA will be our ninth. “Players are generally open to change once they understand the reasoning. Coaches tend to be more cautious, as they want consistency. But both perspectives are essential to shaping the product.”

HOW CLOSELY DO YOU WORK WITH THE FIH TO DEVELOP THE TURF?

Very closely. I have fortnightly calls with them at a minimum, covering product development, tournament planning and general updates. Feedback goes both ways –within the limits of IP of course. It’s a productive, ongoing dialogue built on the spirit of true collaboration.

HOW INVOLVED ARE ATHLETES AND COACHES IN THE PROCESS?

As much as possible. Elite player access isn’t always easy, but when we get direct input, it’s hugely valuable. The FIH did a great job collecting survey feedback from players at the Hockey5s World Cup in Oman, particularly around dry turf performance. Players are generally open to change once they understand the reasoning. Coaches tend to be more cautious, as they want consistency. But both perspectives are essential to shaping the product.

DO YOU CONSIDER THINGS LIKE BALL DESIGN, KIT OR RULE CHANGES WHEN DEVELOPING THE TURF?

Not directly – we can’t design turf around external equipment, but we do collaborate. We work closely with Kookaburra here in Melbourne and I’ve tested goalkeeper gear with OBO in New Zealand. We stay informed, but our priority right now is making the turf perform

with less water. If other innovations help, that’s a bonus, but we focus on what we can control.

DO LOCATION OR CLIMATE IMPACT THE DESIGN OF THE TURF SYSTEM?

Not the system itself, because it has to be viable globally, but local climate and construction practices definitely influence how we approach installations. We work with organising committees early in the process to help guide decisions. I was in LA recently doing exactly that – reviewing venue planning and offering advice based on local conditions.

PARIS 2024 MARKED A BIG STEP FORWARD IN SUSTAINABILITY. WHAT COMES NEXT?

On the carbon side, we’re already at carbon-neutral turf and that’s a benchmark we’ll maintain. On the water side, there’s still room to improve – both through product innovation and education. In Paris, we helped shift the mindset about irrigation. Based on what we saw in Oman, we were able to show that less water doesn’t mean less performance. The FIH backed that approach and pushed it through to the Games. It’s not just about product design, it’s about changing behaviour.

SO DECISIONS WERE STILL BEING MADE CLOSE TO THE TOURNAMENT?

Right up to the final months. In Oman, we had a dry pitch next to a full-size one that had been irrigated by mistake. We tested both. Twelve hours later, the irrigated pitch still had water deep in the surface, even though it looked dry on top. That evolved the product development. It convinced the FIH and other stakeholders, including players and coaches, that dry appearance isn’t always a performance issue. That insight carried through to Paris and will help drive water savings in LA.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING OVER THE 5 OLYMPIC TURF PROJECTS YOU HAVE OVERSEEN?

That it’s not just about turf. Our development work is aligned with the FIH’s broader ambitions – sustainability, innovation, growing the game. But we have to do that without compromising performance. The FIH has a clear vision, and we’re here to support it, while making sure the changes are introduced in a way that brings players and coaches along. Being the FIH’s Official Turf Partner is a privilege and a responsibility because we’re helping deliver the future of the sport.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

Newman Catholic High School - Wausau, WI

Mustang High School - Mustang, OK

FROM SPEEDWAY TO SHORTSTOP: A TURF TRANSFORMATION LIKE NO OTHER

Inside AstroTurf’s Transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway for the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic

BRISTOL, Tennessee. —When Major League Baseball announced the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds, all eyes turned to an unlikely venue: Bristol Motor Speedway. Known for roaring engines, 28-degree banked turns, and a seating capacity of more than 150,000, the NASCAR racetrack isn’t exactly synonymous with baseball. But thanks to AstroTurf’s technical and installation teams, the impossible is becoming reality.

In just 10 days, Bristol’s oval raceway is being transformed into a baseball diamond. The logistics are monumental. Over 15 tractor trailers of materials are staged into a stadium designed for cars, not cargo. “We’re coming down a nearly 30% incline with heavy equipment,” said Joey Alexander, General Manager of AstroTurf’s Southeast Region. “Tight quarters. Limited access. It’s one of the most complex installs we’ve ever tackled.”

The process began on June 23, immediately after NASCAR events wrapped up. Over 15,000 tons of granite and fill were brought in to flatten the field for the foundation. Layer by layer, a sub-base was constructed from scratch, complete with drainage infrastructure.

At the heart of the conversion is the AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 turf system. The field includes over 87,000 square feet of AstroTurf green outfield, 6,544 square feet for the infield, and an additional 22,628 square feet for the brown warning track.

The turf’s RootZone technology adds a textured layer of crimped fibers that reduces rubber splash, improves shock absorption, and limits infill movement. Paired with a 52-ounce face weight, the system ensures a dense, durable surface perfect for an MLB showdown, inning after inning.

“We had to meet the highest standards MLB expects for athletes,” Alexander noted. “That meant combining performance and protection, all on a fast timeline in unusual conditions.”

Beneath the turf, AstroTurf has integrated Brock shock pads as a lightweight layer engineered specifically for use under synthetic fields. These pads offer a unique balance of firmness for speed and cushioning for impact safety,

providing a more natural feel for athletes. Installed across the entire field, they enhance athlete safety while maintaining consistent playability.

10 Days. Zero Margin for Error.

What makes this installation truly unique is its timing. “MLB gave us a 10-day window. That’s it,” Alexander emphasized. “We have a motivated crew, and every team member from logistics to install has had to bring their absolute best.”

And despite the complexity of building a ballpark inside a racetrack, the team has stayed on track — literally and figuratively — thanks to meticulous planning and a deep bench of experience. Once the final pitch is thrown, the field will be carefully dismantled. However, its story won’t end there. In line with AstroTurf’s commitment to sustainability and community impact, the turf, pads, and infill are all destined for second lives.

Meanwhile, the AstroTurf team will act once again, just hours after the final out the dismantling of the field will begin. From installation to restoration, it’s a full-circle showcase of speed and precision.

For Joey Alexander and the crew, this is more than just another install. “It’s the first time in history that MLB will be played at a NASCAR venue,” he said. “To be part of a team that brought that vision to life – that’s something we’ll never forget.”

With innovation above the surface and science beneath it, AstroTurf is trusted and chosen by Major League Baseball and proudly named the Official Synthetic Turf Partner of the MLB Speedway Classic.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

Newton High School - Covington, GA

North Port High School - North Port, FL

North Polk CSD - Alleman, IA

Northwood University - Midland, MI

WHITELAND’S NEW SOCCER COMPLEX SHINES WITH STATE-OFTHE-ART ASTROTURF SURFACE

WHITELAND, Indiana. —The dream of a first-class soccer home became reality Saturday for Clark-Pleasant Community Schools, as Whiteland High School unveiled its brand-new $3.5 million soccer complex — complete with a gleaming AstroTurf® field that’s already turning heads.

The new facility, built in just over a year, will serve as the home for the Warriors’ boys and girls soccer programs. From the moment the ribbon was cut, players, coaches, and community members marveled not only at the scope of the project, but at the crown jewel in the middle of it all: a pristine synthetic turf surface designed for durability, consistency and safety.

The complex’s AstroTurf surface represents the latest in synthetic turf technology, designed to play fast while reducing injuries. With advanced fiber construction, reinforced backing systems, and a sand-and-rubber infill engineered for ideal ball roll and footing, the field mirrors the feel of natural grass but requires far less maintenance.

AstroTurf fields are built to handle the unpredictable Indiana weather, allowing teams to practice and play without fear of cancellations. Unlike natural grass, which wears quickly under heavy use, the new field will maintain consistent performance across thousands of hours of play — an investment that ensures reliability for years to come.

The project, developed by the Skillman Corporation, The Peters Group and Lancer Associates Architecture, also features

locker rooms, meeting spaces, a concession stand, separate bleachers for home and away fans, and a new press box for student broadcasters. The design is part of a community-wide effort to elevate athletics and academics.

Saturday’s opening featured a youth clinic, varsity and junior varsity scrimmages, and an alumni game to close out the day. The new facility was originally expected to be a multi-phase project, but with quick coordination, the complex was finished ahead of schedule.

Now, Whiteland’s student-athletes step into a new era — one defined by modern amenities, community pride, and a cuttingedge playing surface that bears the name synonymous with innovation in sports: AstroTurf®.

The Warriors girls team will christen the field in competition Aug. 18 against Indian Creek, followed by the boys’ home debut Aug. 19 against Triton Central.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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Pittsburg ISD, Pirate Stadium - Pittsburg, TX

Parkwood High School - Monroe, NC

Ozona Lions Baseball - Ozona, TX

Ozona Lions Softball - Ozona, TX

NFCA WELCOMES ASTROTURF AS NEW OFFICIAL SPONSOR

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky —The NFCA is pleased to welcome AstroTurf® as a new Official Sponsor of the Association.

“We are thrilled to welcome AstroTurf as our newest Official Sponsor. “They are a first-class company and passionate about the sport of fastpitch softball,” said NFCA CEO Carol Bruggeman. “Over the last several years, for weather-related and maintenance-related reasons, softball programs and organizations have made the decision to install turf into stadiums and fields across the country, presenting a huge need for turf surfaces. AstroTurf creates high-quality products and we appreciate its support of the Association.”

AstroTurf, one of the most iconic brands in the world of sports, will have a pronounced presence at the Association’s in-person events, which include the annual NFCA Convention and Coaches Clinics. AstroTurf will be prominent on the NFCA’s website, NFCA.org, in publications, and at other NFCA events.

“We are thrilled to partner with the National Fastpitch Coaches Association to advance the sport of softball at every level,” said Erin Brooks Cosan, National Director of Softball, AstroTurf. “As someone who spent 18 years as a collegiate coach, I have tremendous respect for the NFCA’s dedication to coaching excellence and innovation. It makes me incredibly proud to be associated with an organization that has been

August 13, 2025

such a cornerstone for coaches throughout my career and continues to elevate the sport we all love. This collaboration represents our shared commitment to providing athletes with the highest-quality playing surfaces and supporting coaches with the resources they need to develop the next generation of softball talent. AstroTurf’s innovative field solutions, combined with the NFCA’s expertise and leadership in coaching excellence, will help create safer, more consistent, and performance-driven environments where players can reach their full potential. Together, we’re not just building better fields – we’re building a stronger future for softball.”

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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South Dakota State University, Erv Huether Field - Brookings, SD

Riverside Park, The Miracle League of Sioux City - Sioux City, IA

ADRIAN COLLEGE OFFICIALLY OPENS THE SWEEBE FAMILY INDOOR ATHLETIC CENTER AS FOOTBALL HOLDS FIRST PRACTICE

ADRIAN, Mich —Thursday, August 14, 2025, marked a major milestone for Adrian College athletics as the football team held its first official practice inside the new Sweebe Family Indoor Athletic Facility.

The brand-new facility, nicknamed “The Dome,” opened its doors to student-athletes as the Bulldogs kicked off the 2025 season.

“We are very excited to have the Dome open for our studentathletes,” said Athletic Director Craig Rainey. “This state-ofthe-art facility ensures our teams can continue practicing without interruption, regardless of weather. We’re incredibly grateful to the donors who made this possible and look forward to the impact this will have on our athletic success.”

The centerpiece of the facility is a 131,000-square-foot airsupported dome that includes a full-size turf field and a fourlane track. Standing 90 feet tall, the Dome is a striking new landmark visible from across campus.

August 14, 2025

Attached to the Dome is a 5,000-square-foot lobby featuring two changing rooms, an athletic training room, and an office space to support team operations.

The $11 million facility is designed to serve multiple sports, including football, soccer, rugby, track & field, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. It’s fully equipped with a portable sound system, scoreboards, and shot/play clocks making it suitable for hosting indoor competitions during inclement weather.

The Sweebe Family Indoor Athletic Center is located on the site formerly known as the “Back-40,” nestled between Nicolay Field and the Adrian College Track & Field Complex. In addition to enhancing year-round training opportunities, the project also expands parking options for surrounding athletic venues.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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Solomon Calhoun Community Center - St. John County, FL

Sam Houston State University - Huntsville, TX

South Broward High School - Hollywood, FL

CALVIN UNIVERSITY KICKS OFF SEASON ON A NEW PREMIUM ASTROTURF ® FOOTBALL FIELD

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —Calvin University is kicking off its football season on brand-new AstroTurf® RootZone™ 3D3 premium surface, marking a major upgrade for the Knights’ athletic facilities. The newly installed field will serve as both a premier competition surface and an invaluable space for student-athlete development.

“Our program is beyond grateful to open fall camp on our new turf field,” said Trent Figg, Head Football Coach at Calvin University. “This field is the largest classroom on campus, and the lessons that we teach on the turf stretch way beyond football. We are working to develop and mentor champions for life, and we now have the best classroom to do so. A big thank you to AstroTurf and their entire team for helping to get this project completed and ready to go for day one of fall camp. God Bless and Go Knights.”

The new field installation reflects Calvin University’s commitment to providing its athletes with the safest, most advanced playing surfaces available. The chosen AstroTurf system delivers top-tier performance, durability, and safety that ensures that players can train and compete at the highest level.

Todd DeWolfe, President of AstroTurf Great Lakes, expressed his excitement about the project’s completion:

“It has been an honor to partner with Calvin University on this new football field. We understand how important this facility is to the student-athlete experience, and our team is proud to deliver a surface that meets the highest standards of performance and safety. We can’t wait to see the Knights take the field this season.”

The installation comes just in time for fall training camp, offering the Knights a state-of-the-art home field that will enhance both game-day excitement and daily practice. The field represents not just an investment in athletics, but in the growth and success of Calvin University’s student-athletes for years to come.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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Kearney SportsPlex - Kearney, NE

Pawnee Park Baseball Field - Columbus, NE

Forest Hills Northern High School - Grand Rapids, MI

UMASS LOWELL FIELD HOCKEY RECEIVES NEW ASTROTURF SURFACE

LOWELL, Mass. —The University of Massachusetts Lowell field hockey team is stepping into a new chapter in program history, with a stateof-the-art AstroTurf® field providing the foundation for excellence. The surface, installed this summer, gives the program a home designed for the speed, precision and consistency that defines the sport.

“For 12 years we loved our Astro-12 field, and when it came time to replace it, there was no question that we wanted to replicate the experience,” said UMass Lowell Head Coach, Shannon LeBlanc. “Our team loves how fast and smooth the surface plays. The new inlaid text behind our goals enhances the vibrancy of the blue. We are extremely happy with the finished product and look forward to winning more games on this stunning field.”

AstroTurf’s field hockey systems are engineered for the highest level of play, delivering unmatched speed, precision, and consistency. The surface ensures a true and predictable ball roll, enabling athletes to showcase technical skill and execute strategies at full pace. With rapid playability and responsive performance, the pitch rewards quick decision-making and sharp tactical execution. Every element is designed to elevate training and competition, giving players and coaches the confidence to perform at the game’s elite standard.

UMass Lowell Field Hockey vs. Merrimack College

Where: Wicked Blue Field – Lowell, Massachusetts

When: Friday, August 29, 2025 – 7:00 p.m. ET Watch: Television Broadcast on ESPN+

“We are thrilled with how our Astro-12 field came out,” said Matthew Delmonte, Assistant Athletic Director – Events & Operations. “Between the blue color of the field as well as the inlaid text behind each goal, we could not be more pleased with the final product. We also would like to thank the AstroTurf crew for their tireless efforts to get our field completed. We look forward to celebrating numerous victories on our brand new Wicked Blue Field.”

This will be the 50th season of UMass Lowell field hockey. All the action begins at home under the lights on the newly renovated Wicked Blue Field against Merrimack on Friday, August 29 at 7 p.m. After defeating two Power Four opponents last year and being ranked at the Division I level for the second consecutive season, they will strive to push even further against top competition this year. The team is due to square off against opponents from six other athletic conferences, including the ACC.

The challenging, 17-game campaign features a record four night games and three opponents who appeared in the 18-team field of the 2024 NCAA Division I Tournament beginning with Massachusetts, who will visit Lowell for a Kennedy Cup matchup to close out opening weekend on Aug. 31. The 2025 schedule features ten home games and seven road games. The team hosts Northeastern on September 5 before heading out on its first of two, three-game road trips. On that trek, UMass Lowell visits Yale (Sept. 7) and Queens University (Sept. 12) before traveling to Wake Forst of the ACC on Sept. 14. They will look to turn in another impressive performance against the Demon Deacons this season after grabbing a thrilling 1-0 win in 2024.

With the new surface in place, the UMass Lowell will enjoy a home that blends performance and pride – a brilliant colorful field, not only for the team, but for the campus and community that supports them. The program now plays on the same innovative surface trusted by elite teams worldwide, carrying on UMass Lowell’s tradition of competitive spirit on the cutting edge of the game.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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St. Francis High School - St. Francis, WI

St. Michael the Archangel High School - Baton Rouge, LA

BELDING HIGH SCHOOL TRUSTS ASTROTURF ® ONCE AGAIN FOR HIGH PERFORMING FOOTBALL FIELD

BELDING, Mich. Belding High School has unveiled its brandnew synthetic turf field, installed by industry leader AstroTurf®. The school selected the innovative AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 Blend system with Trionic fibers, featuring a 52-ounce pile weight and a 2-inch pile height for unmatched performance, durability, and safety.

This installation continues AstroTurf’s relationship with Belding athletics by providing a top-tier playing surface that will benefit student-athletes and the community for years to come. The RootZone 3D3 Blend system is designed to deliver the perfect balance of playability, player protection, and long-lasting resilience, making it one of the most advanced synthetic turf systems available today.

“From start to finish, the team at AstroTurf Great Lakes knocked it out of the park,” said Michael Ostrander, Principal of Belding High School. He praised the new field and experience of working with AstroTurf, continuing on to say “our new field is beautiful – the students, coaches, and community could not be more impressed. We look forward to continuing our relationship with AstroTurf for years to come.”

“Belding High School’s commitment to its students and community is evident in this new field,” said AstroTurf Great Lakes Director of Sales, Mark Staten. “The RootZone 3D3 Blend

system will give their athletes a first-class surface to train and compete on, while also serving as a hub for community pride and school spirit. AstroTurf is honored to partner with Belding on this project.”

The installation provides a world-class surface for football, band, and community events, ensuring that the field remains a centerpiece for student development and community engagement.

For more than 60 years, AstroTurf has been the pioneer and trusted name in synthetic turf, offering innovative systems designed to improve safety, performance, and sustainability. The Belding High School project is the latest example of AstroTurf’s dedication to delivering premium playing surfaces to schools, universities, and professional teams nationwide.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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University of Michigan, Oosterbaan Field House - Ann Arbor, MI

University of Michigan, Lacrosse Stadium - Ann Arbor, MI

INDIANA BASEBALL SETS THE STANDARD WITH NEW ASTROTURF ® DIAMOND SERIES FIELD

BLOOMINGTON, IN — Indiana University has announced the installation of a brand-new AstroTurf® Diamond Series field at Bart Kaufman Field, providing Hoosier Baseball with one of the most advanced synthetic playing surfaces in the game. Designed to replicate the look, feel, and play of natural grass and clay, the Diamond Series gives IU athletes a big league experience every time they take the field.

The AstroTurf® Diamond Series, trusted and chosen by MLB®, is specifically engineered for baseball, featuring turf systems tailored to each part of the diamond. The infield is built with specialized fiber and infill to simulate the speed and bounce of clay, while the outfield uses a grass-like blend that supports consistent ball roll and true hops. Mound and basepath areas are constructed for durability under heavy traffic, ensuring that the field maintains peak performance throughout long seasons.

“Bart Kaufman Field is a special venue with a proud tradition, and this installation ensures the Hoosiers will have a world-class playing surface for years to come. It’s about matching the program’s excellence on the field with the best technology underfoot.” said Astroturf Director of Baseball, Aaron Klotz.

By selecting AstroTurf®, Indiana University is investing in more than just performance. The Diamond Series also minimizes maintenance requirements, withstands Midwest weather challenges, and reduces water use compared to natural grass—all factors that make the system a sustainable choice for the program’s future.

“Astroturf was a pleasure to work with. They communicated, asked great questions and provided the exact product we desired. We couldn’t be more pleased with how the process was handled. The field looks great and we are so excited to get to work this season.” –Head Coach Jeff Mercer.

The new field underscores IU’s commitment to providing its studentathletes with facilities that match the level of their talent and ambition. For fans, it also enhances the gameday experience, offering a visually striking surface that ensures playability from opening day through the final pitch of the season.

AstroTurf’s Diamond Series provides the most naturally-playing surface on the market. True bounces, natural speed, and realistic sliding distances are required for a quality synthetic turf baseball system. We’ll let you in on a little trade secret — we’ve designed systems that play like clay where they’re supposed to and like grass where they should.

Customization of an AstroTurf Diamond Series field system is possible and allows for a home–field advantage. Importantly, our use of nylon in the base paths creates realistic sliding distances and enhances durability in these high–use areas. Specialized fibers, differentiated pile heights, and tunable infill ratios are critical to the popularity of the Diamond Series. The Diamond Series product lineup is available a la carte for each area of the baseball field.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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Willie Mays Park - Fairfield, AL

Ronselli Park - Sweetwater, FL

Whiteland Community High School - Whiteland, IN

Whitnall High School - Greenfield, WI

FRESNO STATE INSTALLS

NEW ASTROTURF USDA BIOPREFERRED FIELD

FRESNO, Calif. In a bold move that reinforces its commitment to environmental stewardship and athletic excellence, AstroTurf®, a pioneer in synthetic turf innovation, today announced the installation of a USDA BioPreferred®-certified field at Fresno State’s Valley Children’s Stadium. This nextgeneration playing surface not only marks a milestone in sustainability but also exemplifies the deep-rooted partnership between AstroTurf and Fresno State Athletics.

The new field features AstroTurf’s RootZone® 3D3 Blend GT-B system, the first synthetic turf product in the industry to earn the USDA Certified Biobased Product label. This designation signifies a high percentage of renewable, plant-based materials without compromising durability or performance. Verified through the USDA BioPreferred® Program, the system represents a greener, safer alternative to traditional petroleum-based turf surfaces.

Adding to the innovation, the field utilizes BioBased TPE Infill by Guardian, a more environmentally responsible infill. Made from renewable materials, Guardian’s BioBased TPE not only enhances sustainability but also plays a critical role in reducing on-field surface temperatures, improving athlete comfort, and safety.

“This new turf reflects where we’re headed — not just as a football program, but as a department committed to excellence, innovation, and progress,” said Fresno State Director of Athletics Garrett Klassy.

The longstanding collaboration between AstroTurf and Fresno State continues to grow with this installation. Previously, the

Bulldogs selected AstroTurf’s popular RootZone® 3D3 system for Jim Sweeney Field, citing its superior shock absorption, reduced heat retention, and resilience — key advantages in the hot Fresno Valley climate. Over time, the relationship has strengthened, built on shared values of innovation, sustainability, and community.

“With a USDA BioPreferred-certified system, our customers get more than a playing surface — they get a meaningful step forward in meeting their sustainability goals without compromising performance,” said Dominick Berarducci, VP of Sales, AstroTurf NW Region. “The addition of Guardian’s BioBased TPE infill further advances this mission, delivering a cooler, safer surface that reflects Fresno State’s commitment to both performance and the planet.”

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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UMass Lowell Cushing Field Complex - St. Lowell, MA

Temple High School, Rogers Stadium - Temple, GA

ASTROTURF ® GREAT LAKES INSTALLS NEW ROOTZONE

3D3 TRIONIC BLEND AT NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY’S DEAN SOCCER FIELD

MIDLAND, Mich. - Northwood University has taken a major step forward in enhancing its athletic facilities with the installation of a brand-new AstroTurf® RootZone® 3D3 Trionic Blend surface at Dean Soccer Field. The project, completed in partnership with AstroTurf® and regional distributor AstroTurf Great Lakes, reflects both the university’s commitment to its student-athletes and the distributor’s continued growth across the region.

AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend is a premium synthetic turf system engineered for top-level play. With a unique blend of fibers and AstroTurf’s RootZone layer, the system reduces infill migration, enhances durability, and delivers consistent performance under the demands of soccer training and competition.

“AstroTurf was great to work with; from the start of our project to the very end, they were helpful, accessible, and proactive. The product and installation have exceeded our expectations! First class all the way!” said Jeff Curtis, Athletic Director at Northwood University.

For the Wolves, the new Dean Soccer Field represents more than just an upgraded surface, it is a resource that enhances daily training, and ensures their athletes are competing on one of the most reliable and advanced soccer fields in the region.

“Northwood continues to pour back into their student-athletes with their continued partnership choosing AstroTurf. Dean Soccer Field’s RootZone 3D3 Trionic Blend provides the Wolves with a tremendous surface to match their top-notch athletic program,” said Mark Staten, Director of Sales, AstroTurf Great Lakes.

By aligning with Northwood, AstroTurf demonstrates how its blend of innovative products, trusted installation, and dedicated customer service continues to transform facilities and elevate athletic programs across the Midwest.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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Fort Cherry High School, Jim Garry Stadium - McDonald, PA

Venice High School, Powell-Davis Stadium - Venice, FL

Sapulpa High School Complex - Sapulpa, OK

Broken Bow Sports Complex - Broken Bow, OK

THE ASTROTURF DIAMOND SERIES IS WORLD SERIES READY IN TORONTO

TORONTO, Ontario | AstroTurf.com | September 24th, 2025 — As the Toronto Blue Jays surge into the postseason as the top team in the American League, all eyes are on Rogers Centre — and on the playing surface beneath the athletes’ feet. The ballpark’s AstroTurf® Diamond Series field, which covers all non-clay areas, will be on display as the Blue Jays begin their quest for a World Series title.

For AstroTurf, this moment represents more than just another field installation. As the Official Synthetic Turf Partner of MLB®, seeing the Diamond Series in action at this stage highlights the company’s enduring role in shaping the game. From design to playability, the Diamond Series system was engineered with baseball’s unique needs in mind — delivering true ball bounce, reliable traction, and consistent performance that players and coaches demand.

The Diamond Series isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. It was developed specifically for the diamond, with fibers and infill tuned to replicate the nuances of natural grass in baseball’s most critical areas. Outfielders track balls with confidence, infielders rely on true hops, and base runners get a stable footing as they sprint around the bases. Grounds crews also benefit from reduced maintenance and durability that stands up to the demands of a 162-game season — plus the intensity of October baseball.

“We love the intensity of playoff baseball,” said Aaron Klotz, Director of Baseball at AstroTurf. “The Toronto Blue Jays are

proving themselves as the best in the American League, and our Diamond Series field is right there with them, supporting every play. As the postseason unfolds, fans everywhere will see the innovation, quality, and reliability that make AstroTurf the leader in our industry.”

As October baseball takes center stage, AstroTurf’s Diamond Series will once again prove why it’s the trusted choice for organizations at every level. On the biggest stage, under the brightest lights, AstroTurf is honored to be Trusted and Chosen by Major League Baseball® — and to play a role in the Blue Jays’ chase for a championship.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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Bloomington High School South - Bloomington, IN

Dakota Community Bank and Trust Field - Dickinson, NC

ASTROTURF ROOTZONE ®

GT-B DEBUTS AT DE LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL

CONCORD, Calif. - De La Salle High School, a program celebrated for its excellence on the field, is making a bold investment in its future with the installation of AstroTurf® RootZone® GT-B Mono 60oz 2”, a turf system recognized by the USDA BioPreferred® Program for its renewable content. This project reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to providing its athletes with state-of-the-art facilities that also support a healthier environment.

The GT-B Mono system combines advanced monofilament fibers for a realistic look and feel with AstroTurf’s patented RootZone® infill stabilization technology. The result is a surface that delivers reliable footing, consistent ball performance, and reduced maintenance needs—all while integrating plant-based materials to help lower the facility’s environmental impact.

“The quality and service provided by AstroTurf fields have been outstanding. The durability and performance of the surface not only elevates the level of play but also provide our student-athletes with a safe, consistent, and professionalgrade environment every single day. Their product has become an invaluable part of our program, helping our athletes train and compete at their very best.” said Vice President for Athletics, Leo Lopez

“We’re grateful to partner with forward-thinking clients who share our vision. When schools and communities choose USDA BioPreferred certified systems, they’re investing in something bigger than a game,” said AstroTurf Regional Sales VP, Dominick Berarducci.

At De La Salle, the new surface will serve as the home for practices, competitions, and community events, offering athletes a safe, high-performance field that stands up to the demands of year-round use. The combination of performance engineering and sustainability ensures that this upgrade will benefit both today’s teams and the generations of players to come.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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W.F. West High School - Chehalis, WA

University of Georgia, Foley Field - Athens, GA

ASTROTURF ® GREAT LAKES SHOWS GREAT GROWTH

NOVI, Mich. - AstroTurf® Great Lakes has made 2025 a year to remember. With over Five dozen fields installed across the region, the distributor has become one of the fastest-growing leaders in the industry, transforming athletic facilities from high school stadiums to top-tier collegiate programs such as the University of Michigan. From Kalamazoo to Ann Arbor, AstroTurf Great Lakes is not only delivering elite synthetic turf systems, but also representing the rapid growth and trusted reputation of the AstroTurf brand.

“I have been in the synthetic turf industry for almost a decade, the AstroTurf difference is real. The research, development, and care of turf before, during installation, and post installation is unparalleled compared to others in the industry” said Ryan Anderson,

Vice President of Sales. “The AstroTurf team continues to strive for the most durable and safest products for athletes in all shapes and sizes.”

This year’s projects have ranged from multi-purpose fields serving entire communities, to high school football stadiums that act as central hubs for student-athletes, to the advanced facilities of nationally recognized collegiate programs. Each installation reflects AstroTurf Great Lakes’ dedication to quality, customer service, and long-term partnerships.

One of those partnerships is Centennial HS, where the new AstroTurf RootZone® system has redefined the facility.

“We are beyond excited with the AstroTurf RootZone turf that was installed in Cougar Stadium! Each aspect of our relationship with AstroTurf Great Lakes was professional and seamless from the design process through installation. The outstanding quality of the AstroTurf RootZone turf that was installed is essential in assisting us as we strive to create a positive experience for our students and student-athletes. Cougar Stadium has been transformed into a world-class learning classroom and multi-purpose athletic stadium for years to come. We are appreciative of the professionalism and overall relationship with AstroTurf Great Lakes and could not be more pleased with our decision to partner with them on this project,” said Matt St. Martin, Director of Athletics and Activities.

At Northwood University, Dean Soccer Field also benefitted from a recent AstroTurf Great Lakes installation.

These testimonials are echoed across dozens of schools and athletic programs, underscoring AstroTurf Great Lakes’ ability to deliver projects that not only meet but exceed expectations. By combining the innovation of AstroTurf’s industry-leading products with a local, hands-on approach, the distributor has built a reputation as a trusted partner for programs of all sizes.

Mark Staten, Director of Sales noted “As a coach who has worked with championship teams throughout my college career, I can confidently say that AstroTurf Great Lakes is a championship-caliber organization. Like any great team, we bring together exceptional people, deliver an industry best product, while partnering with other top-tier organizations. Our fields will continue to keep players safe as we strive to exceed expectations. “

With more than five dozen successful installations completed in 2025 alone, AstroTurf Great Lakes is setting the pace for growth within the AstroTurf network. Their impact can be seen across Michigan and the Midwest — where new fields are transforming athletic experiences for athletes, coaches, and communities alike.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Holton High School - Holton, MI

Metcalfe County High School - Edmonton, KY

OREGON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL ADDS NEW USDA BIOPREFERRED ® ATHLETIC SURFACES FROM ASTROTURF ® AND REKORTAN ®

PORTLAND, Oregon — Oregon Episcopal School has taken a major step forward in enhancing its athletic facilities with the installation of a new AstroTurf® RootZone® GT-B Blend 52oz field, a USDA biopreffered field and a Rekortan® G13 Gel Series track, with Qualipur ingredients certified by the USDA. This is the first installation of its kind for the GT-B system in the Northwest, and the first in the nation to combine two USDA Certified products on the same playing surface. The dual projects highlight the school’s commitment to sustainability while highlighting the rapid growth of AstroTurf and its sister brands in the Pacific Northwest.

The GT-B Blend 52oz turf system is the first synthetic turf product to earn the USDA Certified Biobased Product label, integrating renewable, plant-based materials into its design. With this installation, Oregon Episcopal athletes gain a high-performance playing surface that balances durability, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Encircling the field is the Rekortan® Gel Series track, one of the most innovative running surfaces available today. Rekortan Gel provides 58% energy return to athletes, delivering speed and efficiency without the excessive firmness that can increase the risk of injury. The Gel layer itself is a leap forward in sustainable technology — made from 84% renewable and recycled materials, it replaces traditional carbon-based oils with bio-based polyols. The result is a surface that is fast, consistent, natural, athlete-friendly, and energy- efficient to produce.

“From start to finish, our track and field project has been nothing short of outstanding. The AstroTurf team, with Coast 2 Coast Turf as the distributor, delivered a world-class turf field featuring the RootZone 3D3 Blend GT-B system, ensuring a safe, high-performance, and environmentally conscious surface. On the track side, Rekortan’s Gel Series Track exceeded every expectation.” said C. J. Remmo, Director of Campus Operations for Oregon Episcopal

“Gregg Swenson with AstroTurf, Steve Webb with Coast to Coast Turf, and their skilled installation crew provided top-notch service and expertise at every stage, from design through installation. Likewise, the Rekortan team stood out in every respect—Tim Jordan’s leadership was evident throughout the project, while Johnny Monforte and his crew worked tirelessly to deliver a premier track surface.

Together, these efforts have given us a best-in-class facility that proudly carries the USDA BioPreferred® designation across both our full field system and track project. The combination of innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship has resulted in a facility our community can be truly proud of. We are honored to stand as a shining example in the Pacific Northwest of what can be achieved when performance, service, and environmental sustainability come together.”

The new AstroTurf field and Rekortan Gel track reflect a growing movement across the region to prioritize performance, sustainability, and athlete welfare. By choosing these advanced systems, Oregon Episcopal not only elevates its athletic facilities but also strengthens its role as a forward-thinking institution investing in both its students and the planet.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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Oregon Episcopal School - Portland, OR

Orange Beach City Schools Athletic Complex - Orange Beach, AL

NORTH SALINAS HIGH SCHOOL ELEVATES

ATHLETICS WITH NEW USDA BIOPREFERRED ® ASTROTURF ® ROOTZONE ® GT-B BLEND FIELD

SALINAS, CA — North Salinas High School is stepping into a new era of athletics with the installation of a state-of-the-art

AstroTurf® RootZone® GT-B Blend field, a system recognized by the USDA BioPreferred® Program for its use of renewable, plant-based content. This installation highlights the school’s dedication not only to providing a top-tier athletic surface for its student-athletes, but also to making environmentally responsible choices for an agriculture-based product for an agricultural community.

The RootZone® GT-B Blend system is engineered for highperformance, multi-sport environments like North Salinas. Its patented RootZone® layer stabilizes infill for improved safety and playability, while the USDA BioPreferred certification underscores its sustainability profile. The result is a field that performs at the highest level while reducing reliance on petroleum-based products.

Dominick Berarducci , AstroTurf® VP of Sales for the Northwest region, said “This field is part of a larger movement toward smarter, greener sports infrastructure. We’re proud to be at the forefront of that shift.”

For North Salinas, the new turf is more than an upgrade for football and soccer. It’s an investment that will benefit the entire community — supporting physical education classes, youth sports, and local events on a surface that is durable, low-maintenance, and built for heavy year-round use.

By selecting AstroTurf’s USDA BioPreferred-certified RootZone® GT-B Blend, North Salinas High School is joining a growing movement of schools and universities making forwardthinking facility decisions. This field is not only a place for competition, but also a symbol of the school’s commitment to sustainability, safety, and excellence for generations of Vikings athletes to come.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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Lake Michigan College - Benton Harbor, MI

Metcalfe County High School - Edmonton, KY

BLUE JAYS RETURN TO THE FALL CLASSIC, CHASING THEIR THIRD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

TORONTO, Canada | October 21st, 2025 — For the first time since 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays are heading to the World Series. In the bottom of the seventh inning, with runners on second and third with nobody out, George Springer launched a ball over the left field fence to take a 4-3 lead.

Toronto will now face the reigning-champion Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday. A mix of power hitting, precision pitching, and a little bit of synthetic resilience beneath their cleats got the job done.

The Blue Jays are hoping they can do what that team did in 1993, as the Toronto team secured back-to-back World Series titles that season.

Rogers Centre, the Blue Jays’ home since 1989, features a nextgeneration AstroTurf surface, designed to mirror the playability and performance of natural grass while maintaining year-round durability in a domed environment.

Toronto’s postseason run was powered by a deep lineup and balanced pitching staff. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rediscovered his MVPcaliber swing, Bo Bichette anchored the middle infield with poise, and Chris Bassitt’s postseason steadiness gave the rotation a reliable heartbeat.

From design to playability, the Diamond Series system was engineered with baseball’s unique needs in mind – delivering true ball bounce, reliable traction, and consistent performance that players and coaches demand.

bases. Grounds crews also benefit from reduced maintenance and durability that stands up to the demands of a 162-game season –plus the intensity of October baseball.

“We love the intensity of playoff baseball,” said Aaron Klotz, Director of Baseball at AstroTurf. “The Toronto Blue Jays are proving themselves as the best in the American League, and our Diamond Series field is right there with them, supporting every play. As the postseason unfolds, fans everywhere will see the innovation, quality, and reliability that make AstroTurf the leader in our industry.”

The Blue Jays’ return to baseball’s biggest stage carries heavy nostalgia. Their last World Series appearance ended with Joe Carter’s iconic walk-off home run in 1993, a moment etched in Canadian sports history. Now, a new generation of Blue Jays has a chance to script its own legend – one played out not on dirt and grass, but on a surface built for the modern era.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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De La Salle High School - Concord, CA

A&M Consolidated High School - College Station, TX

EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY UNVEILS

FIRST-EVER GREY DIVISION I COLORED INFIELD WITH ASTROTURF ® DIAMOND SERIES FIELD

YPSILANTI, Mich | October 21st, 2025 — Eastern Michigan University Baseball has made history with the installation of the nation’s first grey colored infield at the Division I level, featuring AstroTurf’s Diamond Series system. The project, part of a full field renovation, has drawn significant attention from local and national media outlets, spotlighting EMU’s commitment to innovation and AstroTurf’s reputation for industry leadership.

This is field is no stranger to trend setting; it was also one of the first turf baseball fields in the state of Michigan when originally installed. The new field features a custom-colored infield, designed to complement Eastern Michigan’s distinctive green and gray color scheme that has become a hallmark of the university’s athletic identity. The surface visually sets the Eagles apart from programs across the nation while maintaining the traditional, highperformance playability of a clay infield

Built with AstroTurf’s Diamond Series RootZone® technology, the surface provides a natural ball response, consistent footing, and reduced infill migration ensuring that the bold design does not compromise the integrity of the game. The result is a field that plays just like clay but captures the spirit and style that define Eastern Michigan athletics.

“We are so excited to finally bring this project to fruition. This surface encapsulates the identity and tradition of our program while paving the way for us to create more of the same.” Said head coach, Robbie Britt, “As our staff went through this process, there was only one option for turf and that was the AstroTurf Diamond Series, which is the official turf of Major League Baseball.

The project has generated widespread media coverage, with stories appearing across sports networks, digital outlets, and social media platforms highlighting the field’s unique look and innovative design. The reaction from players, coaches, and fans has been overwhelmingly positive, marking the new facility as a standout feature in collegiate baseball. “Eastern Michigan’s new Diamond Series field showcases the perfect blend of creativity and performance,” said Todd DeWolfe, AstroTurf Great Lakes President. “To see a program embrace a design that reflects its identity while still maintaining the performance standards expected at the Division I level is great. ‘

From its bold green and gray branding to its forward-thinking facility upgrades, Eastern Michigan continues to demonstrate that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully. With this installation, the Eagles have not only transformed their home field — they have set a new precedent for what’s possible in collegiate baseball.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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La Crosse Loggers, Copeland Park - La Crosse WI

San Joaquin Delta College - Stockton, CA

12TH WORLD SERIES APPEARANCE FOR ASTROTURF

DALTON, GA — As the 2025 World Series® approaches, AstroTurf® once again takes its place on baseball’s biggest stage – marking the company’s 12th appearance in a World Series and continuing a relationship with the game that has spanned generations. With the Toronto Blue Jays among the sport’s top teams and returning to the Fall Classic, AstroTurf’s Diamond Series system will once again play host to championship baseball.

AstroTurf’s connection to the game runs deep. Since its introduction to professional baseball in the mid-1960s, nine World Series champions home fields have been AstroTurf, and four entire World Series have been contested exclusively on AstroTurf surfaces. One of the most iconic moments in this history came in 1975, when the National League Championship Series between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates marked the first postseason matchup entirely on AstroTurf. The Reds would go on to win the World Series on AstroTurf symbolizing the start of a new era in baseball’s evolution.

For the Toronto Blue Jays, this year’s World Series run marks the third time competing for a championship on AstroTurf, extending a relationship that spans more than three decades. From the early days of the Rogers Centre (then SkyDome) to the modern AstroTurf Diamond Series surface in place today, the Blue Jays have become one of the most enduring examples of a professional franchise built on consistency, innovation, and performance.

This year’s milestone also reflects AstroTurf’s continued growth as the Official Synthetic Turf Partner of Major League Baseball®, following landmark projects such as the Willie Mays Field in Birmingham, the Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway, and the Diamond Series field at Rogers Centre. Each installation shows AstroTurf’s dedication to quality, playability, and the ongoing advancement of baseball’s playing environment.

From the early days of the Big Red Machine to today’s modern Blue Jays, AstroTurf has been a constant presence in baseball’s greatest moments. As the 2025 World Series unfolds, the story continues – proof that after more than half a century, when the lights shine brightest, baseball trusts AstroTurf®

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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North Rock Creek High School - Shawnee. OK

Lakewood Ranch High School

- Bradenton, FL

LOCAL SYRACUSE STUDENT, ASPIRING SPORTS ANNOUNCER HEADS TO THE WORLD SERIES, COURTESY OF ASTROTURF

AstroTurf honors lifelong fan and Syracuse student with trip to Game 2 in Toronto

SYRACUSE, N.Y. | AstroTurf.com | October 29th, 2025 — Syracuse student and aspiring sports announcer Finn O’Brien attended Game 2 of the World Series in Toronto. The baseball enthusiast witnessed the historic game at Rogers Centre between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers courtesy of AstroTurf®.

A lifelong baseball fan, player, announcer, and turf management crew member, Finn has been a fixture in Central New York’s baseball community for more than a decade. He’s currently studying at Syracuse InclusiveU, an education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Finn is majoring in Sports Management and set to graduate in 2026 with the dream of building a career in sports.

• He’s been part of the Challenger Baseball League since 2010, playing and helping make the game more inclusive for others.

• In 2023, he joined the turf management crew for the Syracuse Mets, where he continues to care for the field and support gameday operations.

• That same year, Finn represented his league at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, as part of a Challenger exhibition team.

• In 2024, he served as an announcer for the Syracuse Spartans, adding play-by-play excitement to local summer league games.

• He’s also traveled to many MLB stadiums to watch his cousin and MLB player Tim Locastro — also the former fastest man in the league — play in the majors.

“For Finn, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Kristine O’Brien, Finn’s mother. “His dream is to be a professional sports announcer, and he loves being in a professional stadium listening to those announcers. Though he didn’t speak until he was 6 years old, Finn is proof that every voice finds its time to be heard.”

Finn’s trip to Rogers Centre—and its AstroTurf field—was part of AstroTurf’s “It’s All About The Play” campaign to celebrate the fans whose love for baseball extends far beyond the stands — and bring them even closer to it.

“Finn’s story captures what makes baseball truly special — the community, the tradition, and the people who keep the spirit of the game alive,” said Aaron Klotz, AstroTurf Director of Baseball. “We want to celebrate fans like Finn who bring heart and energy to the game at every level — from local fields to the World Series.”

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

Pleasanton Middle School - Pleasanton, CA

Palmetto High School - Palmetto, FL

ASTROTURF SENDS THREE BASEBALL SUPER FANS TO THE WORLD SERIES

AstroTurf’s “It’s All About the Play” campaign brings three inspiring young fans to Dodger Stadium during this star-studded showdown for the history books.

LOS ANGELES — October 31, 2025 — This week, three young baseball superfans attended the World Series games in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium. AstroTurf aimed to bring these young fans closer to the game they love with a playoff experience they’ll never forget.

Sebastian Quintero, Mia Rose Lopez, and Jackson Aitken attended the games with their families. These three young players and fans exemplify courage and perseverance both on the field and off and the unbreakable spirit that defines the next generation of champions.

· Sebastian Quintero, is the winner of his middle school’s Student-Athlete Award. He attended Game 3, his first professional baseball game attendance.

· Mia Rose Lopez is a Shohei Ohtani superfan who attended Game 4, where she got to see her hero pitch on the game’s biggest stage.

· Jackson Aitken is a champion Little Leaguer who attended Game 5, where he and his family saw that World Series dreams grow from Little League love.

“Baseball has always been a great way for us to spend time together,” says Jackson’s mom Ashley. “Jackson loves the energy of the fields and the theatrics of the stadium.

Getting to have this kind of experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

AstroTurf’s “It’s All About The Play” campaign celebrates the fans whose love for baseball extends far beyond the stand – and brings them even closer to it. Syracuse student and lifelong baseball fan, player, announcer, and turf manager Finn O’Brien attended Game 2 in Toronto as part of AstroTurf’s campaign. Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, is an AstroTurf field.

“These fans’ stories capture what makes baseball truly special: the community, the tradition, and the people who keep the spirit of the game alive,” said Aaron Klotz, AstroTurf Director of Baseball. “We want to celebrate fans who bring heart and energy to the game at every level, from local fields to the World Series.”

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

Sacred Heart Preparatory - Atherton, CA

J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park - Princeton, TX

FOR NCAA FIELD HOCKEY THE ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS ON ASTROTURF

DALTON, GA — As conference championship season arrives, AstroTurf® continues to stand at the forefront of collegiate field hockey. This year, eight of the ten NCAA Division I conference championships will be played on AstroTurf fields, underscoring the company’s leadership and deep-rooted partnership with the sport at every level.

Across the country, top programs and conferences host postseason play on AstroTurf including Louisville, Harvard, and James Madison. These venues represent the gold standard for collegiate field hockey facilities, where performance, consistency, and safety meet the highest competitive standards.

AstroTurf fields have become synonymous with championship success. In recent years, programs such as Louisville, North Carolina, Liberty, Harvard, and Delaware have each captured conference titles on AstroTurf surfaces. From overtime thrillers to tournament sweeps, the common thread among the sport’s most successful programs is the confidence and consistency that comes from competing on a surface designed specifically for field hockey’s speed and precision.

AstroTurf has long been the trusted foundation of field hockey in the United States. As an official partner of USA Field Hockey and a supporter of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA), the company has played an integral role in growing the game from grassroots development to the collegiate and national stages. Since the sport transitioned away from natural grass, every NCAA Field Hockey Final Four has been played on AstroTurf, reinforcing its place as the premier surface for the game’s biggest moments.

At Harvard University, the connection between performance and playing surface is evident every day.

“Getting out to Berylson Field, on our AstroTurf Poligras Platinum surface, is something we all look forward to every day. Our field provides us the quality surface we want to play on every day to set our standards higher every practice…” said Harvard Head Coach Tjerk van Herwaarden.

“Field hockey is a sport defined by precision, and the surface is a critical part of the experience,” said Melissa Vassalotti Twist, Director of Field Hockey for AstroTurf®. “Seeing the continued success for all our programs is paramount.”

From national powerhouses to emerging programs, AstroTurf remains the defining surface of collegiate field hockey. As championships unfold this fall, one thing is clear when the competition is at its highest, the game is played on AstroTurf®.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

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For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

Temple College - Temple, TX

Sam Houston State University - Huntsville, TX

THE ROAD TO DURHAM RUNS ON ASTROTURF

DALTON, GA – November 10, 2025 – AstroTurf Corporation, the inventor and global leader in synthetic sports surfacing, today announced its commanding presence in the NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship, with a staggering 16 of the 18 competing teams playing their home games on an AstroTurf field.

As the nation’s top programs chase the coveted national title, the vast majority will rely on the consistency and elite performance of AstroTurf’s specialized field hockey systems—including the Poligras and System 90 surfaces—for training and competition.

“The NCAA Tournament is where precision meets pressure, and we are incredibly proud that nearly 90% of the tournament field has chosen AstroTurf as their foundation for success,” said Melissa Vassalotti Twist, Director of Field Hockey at AstroTurf. “From the first round to the Final Four, championship field hockey in America is played on our surface. This statistic is a direct reflection of the trust coaches and athletes place in our product to deliver elite performance, speed, and reliability when it matters most.”

The road to the championship is filled with thrilling storylines that begin on an AstroTurf pitch:

UNC Chasing History: The perennial powerhouse North Carolina Tar Heels are pursuing another national championship, continuing their legacy of excellence on their Poligras system at Karen Shelton Stadium.

Home Field Advantage: The Duke Blue Devils, who are set to host the Final Four at the Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium (equipped with Poligras), are looking to capitalize on their home surface familiarity to make a deep run.

The Cinderella Story: The Saint Joseph’s (SJU) Hawks, who often enter the field as conference automatic qualifiers, will attempt to pull off their signature Cinderella story, bringing the momentum of their A-10 Championship run to the national stage.

Repeat Aspirants: Teams like the Northwestern Wildcats are looking to build upon their recent postseason success and repeat the performance that put them among the nation’s elite.

“ Our ability to train and prepare for post-season play at a worldclass facility is essential to success. Our AstroTurf surface at Lakeside Field is fast, smooth, and incredibly reliable – the best place to train for championship season” says Northwestern Head Coach, Tracey Fuchs

As these 16 AstroTurf programs face off, the game’s biggest moments—from penalty corners to game-winning goals—will be decided on the world-class surfaces that have defined the sport. Since the transition from natural grass, every NCAA Division I Field Hockey Final Four has been played on an AstroTurf surface, a testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to the sport.

AstroTurf wishes all teams the best of luck as they compete for the national title.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

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For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Eastern Michigan University - Ypsilanti, MI

Texas Tech University, University

Recreation - Lubbock, TX

WHERE BEAUTY MEETS PERFORMANCE: APPALACHIAN STATE’S ICONIC ASTROTURF DIAMOND SERIES FIELD

Boone, NC – Each autumn, as the leaves blaze into shades of amber, crimson, and gold across the Blue Ridge Mountains, one baseball field quietly becomes a viral sensation – Appalachian State’s AstroTurf Diamond Series Baseball Field. Nestled in Boone, North Carolina, with panoramic mountain views and rolling hills as its backdrop, the field is one of the most picturesque in all of college baseball. Photos flood social media every year, shared by fans, alumni, athletes, and even outdoor enthusiasts who cannot help but admire the surreal blend of nature and sport. But for Head Baseball Coach Kermit Smith, the conversation goes beyond aesthetics. “As good as at looks on social media and the picture that goes viral every year, it plays that well as well.” — Kermit Smith, Head Baseball Coach

A Viral View. A Championship Surface. From drone shots capturing the diamond set against Appalachian hardwood forests, to sunset photos that glow against fall foliage, the field is more than a stadium – it is a postcard from baseball heaven. The breathtaking visuals draw the world’s attention. But what keeps players confident and prepared for every inning is what is under their cleats – the AstroTurf Diamond Series system. This is not just a pretty field. It is a finely engineered baseball surface built for Division I competition, relentless weather, and the pursuit of excellence.

Behind the Beauty: The Diamond Series Advantage Plays like Grass where it should. Plays like Clay where it should. The Diamond Series system is designed to replicate natural baseball surfaces with incredible realism:

• Engineered base paths that play like a perfectly groomed clay surface –true hops, no bad bounces.

• Natural-grass style field play with precise ball roll, pace, and traction.

• Seamless transitions from base paths to infield and outfield grass for authentic playability.

Built for Boone’s Climate

At 3,333 feet above sea level, Boone sees snow, rain, frost, and heavy winds –often in the same week. That is why App State chose a surface that performs in all conditions:

• Drains quickly to avoid rainouts.

• Maintains consistency during cold spring practices.

• Reduces maintenance so players can practice year-round.

Performance That Matches the View

• Reliable footing and cleat interaction for aggressive base running.

• Consistent ball speed and bounce for true defensive play.

• Comfortable underfoot to protect athletes during the long grind of the season.

A Field Players Love and the Internet Can’t Ignore

Every fall, App State’s field reminds the world that baseball isn’t just a summer game. The yellow foul lines cutting across rich green turf, surrounded by mountains aflame with autumn color, make it one of the most photographed diamonds in college sports. But as Coach Smith says – it’s not just about the view. It is about a surface that allows players to:

• Train longer.

• Compete harder.

• Play faster and safer.

• And chase championships – all on a field built for performance.

AstroTurf Diamond Series: Beauty. Precision. Appalachian Toughness. Appalachian State did not just build a beautiful ballpark – they built a baseball destination. One that showcases the majesty of the High Country while delivering the reliability, resilience, and performance that Division I baseball demands. The world sees the view. The players feel the difference.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com. Nov 11, 2025

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Chicago Fire FC, Endeavor Health Performance Center - Chicago, IL

Southeast High School - Bradenton, FL

FROM MILB PARKS TO OCTOBER GLORY

A Legacy of Performance, Innovation, and Passion on AstroTurf Diamond Series Fields

From the first crack of the bat in Class-A ballparks to the roar of the crowd under the bright lights of October, every great baseball journey is paved with dedication, development, and dreams. AstroTurf’s Diamond Series is proud to be part of that journey – helping shape the game at every level, from Minor League proving grounds to Major League moments.

Where Legends Begin – MiLB Roots and Rising Stars

AstroTurf’s reputation in professional baseball has been built on fields where tomorrow’s stars take their first steps toward the Show. Across the country, teams trust the AstroTurf Diamond Series system to deliver consistent play, true hops, and surfaces built for the grind of the season.

• Hudson Valley Renegades – A player development hub for rising Yankees stars, built on performance-ready AstroTurf.

• Daytona Tortugas – The charm of Jackie Robinson Ballpark paired with a system crafted for speed, hops, and precision.

These are just some of the MILB stages created by AstroTurf. These ballparks are more than venues – they are launchpads. And AstroTurf is there for every ground ball, line drive, and breakout season.

Trusted at the Highest Level – All the Way to Toronto

From the Minor Leagues to Major League Baseball, the journey culminates on one of the sport’s biggest stages: Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. AstroTurf is trusted to deliver a playing surface built for postseason aspirations, athletic excellence, and unforgettable moments.

That commitment extends beyond the stadium lights.

• Blue Jays Player Development Complex – Dunedin, Florida

• Atlanta Braves Spring Training Complex – CoolToday Park

• Plus fields, batting cages, training facilities for several MLB organizations.

These facilities represent the future of baseball, where science, training, and turf innovation meet to create champions. Built Through the College Game –The Most Trusted in D1 Baseball

Before players reach the pros, many hone their skills at Division I programs. More D1 baseball programs choose AstroTurf than any other synthetic turf provider. It is a reputation built on decades of delivering fields that play like natural grass where they should – fast in the outfield, firm on the basepaths, true around home plate.

The Stage Is Set – Turf Built for the Moment

Nov 13, 2025

AstroTurf is not just trusted for everyday excellence. It is chosen when the lights shine brightest on baseball’s biggest temporary stage:

MLB at Bristol Motor Speedway – The Ultimate Temporary Diamond When Major League Baseball transformed a NASCAR track into a ballpark, AstroTurf was chosen to create a field worthy of the moment – a jewel event combining precision, performance, and spectacle.

Growing the Game at Every Level of Baseball

AstroTurf continues to invest in the future of the game, from grassroots to global entertainment.

• Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy – Multiple AstroTurf fields built to mentor the next wave of talent.

• Savannah Bananas – The Official Synthetic Turf Partner Baseball’s most entertaining team trusts AstroTurf to support the fun, flair, and fearless style that has captivated fans nationwide. The AstroTurf Diamond Series is built for performance… and fun!

From First Pitch to Final Out – The Diamond Series Difference

The AstroTurf Diamond Series shatters the idea that all turf is created equal. Each system is designed specifically for baseball – engineered so that the infield plays like infield clay, and the outfield mimics a perfectly manicured grass surface. True hops where it matters. Predictable cleat release for safety. Durability built for long seasons and long careers.

—This Is the Road to the Show. And AstroTurf Is on It at Every Mile Marker. From the minors to Major League parks, from college campuses to major exhibitions, AstroTurf has earned its place as a trusted partner in baseball’s journey. Whether it is October drama, spring training mornings, or summer nights under fireworks – the game plays better on the Diamond Series.

AstroTurf. Where performance begins, and glory is made.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

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For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com. MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Bells ISD - Bells, TX

Atlantic Coast High School - Jacksonville FL

FIELDS BUILT WITH OMAHA DREAMS IN MIND

Why More D1 Programs Trust the AstroTurf Diamond Series Than Any Other Turf System

Every college baseball program that steps onto the field in February shares one dream – to still be playing in June under the bright lights of Omaha. That journey does not begin with the first pitch of the postseason. It begins with a field built to train champions. That is why more NCAA Division I baseball programs choose the AstroTurf Diamond Series than any other turf system.

DESIGNED FOR THE ROAD TO OMAHA

The Diamond Series is not just a turf system – it is a competitive advantage. Engineered to replicate the precise play of natural clay and grass, AstroTurf’s Diamond Series delivers truest hops, ideal ball speed, and secure traction for athletes who train like pros. It is built to perform during cold snaps in February, April downpours, and postseason heat because Omaha does not wait for perfect weather.

From the base paths that mimic finely groomed clay to the infield and outfield fibers designed for natural ball roll and realistic pace of play, every inch of a Diamond Series field is crafted for teams preparing for championship moments.

Championship Programs. Championship Surfaces. When college baseball’s elite programs invest in their future, they choose turf that performs when it matters most.

SOME OF THE MOST PROMINENT INSTALLATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY INCLUDE:

• Vanderbilt University – One of the nation’s most storied programs, built on a Diamond Series foundation.

• University of Georgia – A premier playing surface built for SEC competition.

• Duke University – Precision and performance in the heart of Durham.

• University of Kentucky – A system crafted for SEC toughness and yearround training.

• University of Michigan – Big Ten resilience paired with professional-grade play.

• University of Iowa – Reliable through rain, snow, and postseason pressure.

• Indiana University – Durable, dependable, Omaha-ready.

• Boston College – Northeast program that trusts Diamond Series to dominate in all conditions.

• University of Pittsburgh – Built for ACC intensity and northern climates.

• Dallas Baptist – A traditional powerhouse program powered by innovative turf technology.

Nov 18, 2025

And that is only the beginning. More Division I programs trust AstroTurf’s Diamond Series than any other synthetic turf system in college baseball.

WHY COACHES AND PLAYERS TRUST THE DIAMOND SERIES

Built for the Game

• Clay-like base paths for consistent ball hops and pace

• Natural grass-like infield and outfield for true ball roll and responsive footing

• Optimized cleat interaction for player safety and explosive movements

Consistence in Every Condition

• Withstands heavy rain, early frost, and late-season heat.

• Eliminates bad bounces and game delays.

• Always ready for practice, doubleheaders, or postseason play

A System Built for Performance and Longevity

• Engineered layers that enhance safety and minimize injury risk.

• Designed to reduce maintenance costs and weather-related disruptions.

• Backed by AstroTurf’s decades of baseball expertise and innovation.

The Field Is Where Omaha Dreams Begin

At AstroTurf, we believe the pursuit of Omaha begins long before regionals and super regionals – it starts with a field that plays perfectly every inning, every game, every season. The Diamond Series is more than turf. It is a foundation for greatness. A competitive edge. A surface built for programs chasing titles and making memories in June.

Because if you are building a team with Omaha dreams in mind… you should be playing on AstroTurf.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Bishop Moore Catholic High School - Orlando, FL

Kinyon Sports Complex - Centerton, AR

Broken Bow Youth Complex - Broken Bow, OK

College Station ISD - College Station, TX

WHEN SPORTS GO BIG, THEY GO WITH ASTROTURF

From the Bristol Speedway Classic to the U.S. Open, AstroTurf Corporation has become the trusted name for the world’s most ambitious playing surfaces.

Engineering Baseball’s Boldest Stage

The Bristol Motor Speedway has long been known as “The Last Great Colosseum,” with 160,000 seats towering above one of the fastest short tracks in NASCAR. But for the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic, the steep-banked oval became the foundation for something entirely new: hosting a regular season MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves. Transforming the Bristol Motor Speedway into a baseball field required a complete reinvention of the surface. Over 15,000 tons of granite and fill were brought in to flatten the oval, creating a perfectly level foundation where race cars usually tear through at 140 mph. Drainage infrastructure was embedded layer by layer, ensuring the field could withstand both the Tennessee summer and the torrential storm that swept through game day. AstroTurf, the Official Synthetic Turf Partner of Major League Baseball, was chosen to provide the playing surface for the MLB Speedway Classic. The Diamond Series synthetic turf system was installed with millimeter precision, delivering durability, uniformity, and performance identical to the league’s best permanent ballparks. The result? A field ready for the highest level of baseball, in a place it had never been played before.

Lessons from Global Stages

The MLB Speedway Classic is the latest chapter in a shared legacy of reimagining where and how sports can be played. Together with our sister brands Laykold, Rekortan, and Poligras, we continue to engineer surfaces that make the impossible possible.

Laykold

The Fountains during the Miami Open tennis tournament,Tuesday, Mar. 19, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (LS/South Florida Stadium) Miami Open: For more than 40 years as the Official Surface of the Miami Open, Laykold has continually innovated to meet the demands of changing venues. The 2019 move to Hard Rock Stadium, home of NFL’s Miami Dolphins, required custom colors, precise pace ratings, and the installation of thirty courts under intense time pressure. FastDry Courts and Laykold technology enabled rapid installation, building one of the sport’s most iconic “pop-up” events.

US Open: As the Official Court Surface of the US Open for the last 5 years, Laykold has consistently demonstrated a winning formula of installation experience and product quality to ensure that across and within courts, the surface plays consistently as the world’s top tennis players step out into New York’s heat and humidity.

Rekortan

Nov 20, 2025

In early 2025, Rekortan resurfaced Jamaica’s National Stadium in record time to host the inaugural Grand Slam Track event. The project transformed a deteriorating track into a world-class surface in just two weeks. The challenge included custom materials in Jamaican green, black, and gold, coordinating the local and overseas workforce. Despite the tight timeline, the project was completed flawlessly.

Poligras

Poligras continues to define hockey at the highest level, chosen for nine Olympic Games and seven World Cups. The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles will be the ninth Olympic Games played on Poligras turf.

The Paris 2024 Summer Games showcased the world’s first carbon-zero turf. LA 2028 will continue that tradition, delivering the next generation of highperformance, sustainable hockey surfaces at the iconic home of the LA Galaxy. The new turf will be available globally through Polytan in Europe and Australia, and AstroTurf in the US.

Beyond the Speedway

Each of these projects shares the same DNA: transforming vision into reality through surfaces engineered for elite performance. The MLB Speedway Classic did not just make history — it set records. Attendance: 91,032 fans, the largest crowd ever for an MLB regular season game, eclipsing a mark that had stood since 1954. Broadcast Reach: 2.4 million viewers tuned in worldwide.

Even a two-hour rain delay could not overshadow the historic game. While the infield took on wet weather, the AstroTurf surface performed exactly as designed, draining efficiently and preserving the integrity of the field.

The MLB Speedway Classic was more than a field installation. It was a showcase of what’s possible when expertise, innovation, and vision come together. From Bristol Motor Speedway asphalt to a Major League Baseball diamond, AstroTurf once again demonstrated that wherever sport dreams big, we deliver the surface that makes it real.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com

Haskell High School - Haskell, Ok

Huntsville High School, Indoor Baseball Facility - Huntsville, AR

John B. Lewis Soccer Complex - Asheville, NC

Jordan High School - Long Beach, CA

ASTROTURF

Dec 15, 2025

GC jobs by AstroTurf which shows our commitment to not only being the best surfacing company but also a commitment to being a respected field builder as well” said Wes Allen, AstroTurf Regional Manager for FL. “Providing a turnkey solution for these customers gives them comfort in knowing one group is providing high quality service from start to finish”

ACROSS

® THE INDUSTRY LEADER IN MULTI-FIELD SPORTS COMPLEXES

FLORIDA & THE NATION

DALTON, GA — AstroTurf® continues to solidify its reputation as the industry leader in sports complexes and multi-field facilities, highlighted this year by a wave of high-impact projects across Florida. From Publix Park and Simmers-Young Park to the massive Boombah Multi-Field Sports Complex, AstroTurf systems are now central to some of the state’s most active and visible community sports destinations.

At the nearly complete Boombah Sports Complex, AstroTurf has supplied a comprehensive multi-field solution, including nine synthetic turf fields designed to support tournament play, high-volume weekly use, and a variety of sports. Projects at Publix Park and Simmers-Young Park reflect how cities and parks departments are turning to AstroTurf to modernize facilities, reduce long-term maintenance, and ensure dependable playability regardless of weather.

AstroTurf’s footprint in Florida also includes the first synthetic public sports field in Marion County, located in Ocala. While smaller in scale than a multi-field complex, the project is significant for the community: it delivers a consistent, high-quality playing surface, extends field availability, and sets a new standard for public recreation in the region.

These Florida projects build on AstroTurf’s track record with some of the most recognizable sports destinations in the country, including The Ripken Experience® venues and the USSSA Space Coast Complex. AstroTurf fields are the foundation of youth and tournament experiences that draw teams from across the nation. AstroTurf is trusted to handle continuous high-level play across dozens of diamonds and multi-purpose fields, weekend after weekend.

“These owners put their communities first by choosing the leader in artificial turf to surface and build their fields. Three of these projects are

Beyond installation, AstroTurf is a strategic partner to owners, municipalities, and developers—helping them design complexes that maximize community impact, event flexibility, and long-term value. From early planning and field selection to layout strategy and maintenance guidance, clients rely on AstroTurf not just for the surface, but for the expertise behind building best-in-class sports destinations.

Together, these partnerships and projects underscore why AstroTurf is the first call for organizations planning multi-field and complex environments. Whether it’s a national tournament hub or a city’s first public synthetic field, AstroTurf continues to deliver facilities that perform, endure, and elevate the communities they serve.

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

ABOUT ASTROTURF® CORPORATION

ABOUT SPORT GROUP

For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: GARY JONES Director of Marketing, AstroTurf Corporation gary.jones@astroturf.com