Welcome to AstroTurf
Since 1965, the AstroTurf brand has been driven by forward thinking ingenuity. Today AstroTurf continuously improves its system design to deliver playing surfaces with the most realistic, sport-specific performance, longest lasting durability, and sound player protection.
University of Washington Husky Stadium – AstroTurf Installation Time-lapse
AstroTurf 3D3 RootZone system installation at Husky Stadium, the “Greatest Setting” in college football.
Interested in Working at AstroTurf?
Welcome to the Second Half of the AstroTurf Century!
Latest News
AstroTurf GO BIG Program and Sports Tourism Experiencing Huge Growth
Sports Tourism. Meet AstroTurf. AstroTurf. Meet Sports Tourism. 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...
Fiber vs. Infill: Which Turf System Approach Is Better?
Fiber vs. Infill – Which Turf System Approach Is Better?
Synthetic turf consists of a few key materials: the fiber, which makes up the carpet system, and the infill mix, which is usually a blend of sand and rubber.
When making artificial turf, manufacturers take one of two approaches. They can create a fiber-heavy field or an infill-heavy field. The question is, which is better? Which type of field offers superior performance, player safety, and longevity?
When you understand what each component does, it’s clear that in the fiber vs. infill debate, fiber-heavy turf systems always come out on top. Let’s take a look at why this is and what this means for those searching for a top-quality turf system for their facility.
What’s in Your Turf?
To make an artificial field, the turf provider will install a fiber carpet and coat it to hold it in place. Then, they pour the infill over the fiber system. This infill is generally rubber and sand, although today you can find turf systems that use alternative infill options such as specialized rubbers or organic materials.
- The fibers are the replacement for natural grass. Ideally, they offer comparable traction and feel, and they should be long-lasting.
- The infill mix stabilizes the carpet and will absorb shock, helping to protect players from injury.
You can also include a pad in your system for extra shock absorption. But, the core of an artificial athletic field is the fiber and infill.
What’s the Difference Between an Infill-Heavy and a Fiber-Heavy Field?
An infill-heavy field uses more sand and rubber and fewer fibers.
With an infill-heavy field, the manufacturer will tuft the fiber rows, so they are ¾” apart – a practice known as wide-gauge tufting. Then, they use extra infill to fill in the empty spaces.
Sand and rubber infill are cheap, so this allows the manufacturer to create an inexpensive field. The problem with this approach is, you have less fiber. And, the fiber is what you need more of to enhance performance and durability.
Here’s why:
UV exposure eventually breaks down polyurethane (PE) fibers. So, over time, it’s the fiber that will start to degrade.
With an infill-heavy field, you have minimal fibers. The less fiber you have to start, the faster it disappears. As a result, you’ll have a field that’s mostly infill after a few years, which isn’t safe for play.
At this point, you’ll have to replace the field.
A fiber-heavy field naturally lasts longer. You get more years of use, even with intensive play. And, when you choose an AstroTurf field, you also benefit from an even better fiber quality.
Instead of the standard PE fibers, you can opt for our special, innovative fiber that fuses PE and nylon: Trionic fiber. The nylon adds durability and strength, while the PE gives you grass-like traction. The end result is a superior field that will outlast any infill-heavy system.
What’s more, you’ll get more value out of your investment because fiber-heavy fields don’t cost more.
Better Performance, Better Safety, More Value
Why pay the same amount for an athletic field that won’t last as long and that can’t provide the same level of consistency and safety?
There’s no question that the fibers are the most important part of an artificial turf system. So, if you want an exceptional playing surface, make sure you’re getting one that focuses on quality fibers, not a cheap infill mix.
NCAA Field Hockey Championships loaded with AstroTurf teams
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.
“We are thrilled to see so many AstroTurf schools in the NCAA tournament, said Melissa Vassalotti Twist, AstroTurf’s National Manager of Field Hockey Sales. “To have 16 out of the 18 Division I teams that play daily on our surface in the NCAA tournament is incredible. Hockey coaches along with their Universities trust AstroTurf to produce and install the best hockey surface for high level championship play and we are elated to deliver this for our hockey community.”
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.
“The NCAA Division I Field Hockey Final Four has been played on an AstroTurf surface since the game left grass,” Twist added. “We are pleased to see this tradition continue at the University of Michigan. We are looking forward to watching Championship hockey in Ann Arbor on their AstroTurf Poligras Platinum field.
“AstroTurf can be found at every level of Field Hockey, from the Division I, II, III, and high school level. At any place where excellence is expected and championships are pursued you can expect to see an AstroTurf surface.”
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®
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 reliable safety. To learn more, visit AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.
AstroTurf’s DeWolfe named chairman of the Synthetic Turf Council
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. 17-19, 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®
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.
