Brigham Young University lays Astroturf on football field

The new synthetic turf field is a customized version of AstroTurf's GameDay Grass 3D 52 Xtreme. The premium product incorporates several features which translate into high marks across a wide spectrum of evaluation categories, including performance, durability, consistency, aesthetics and safety.

With the ever-increasing focus on safety and player health permeating football's cultural climate from Pop Warner to the pros, selecting a synthetic turf product with viable injury prevention safeguards has become paramount.

In a recent study published by Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, AstroTurf's GameDay Grass performed closest to natural grass and demonstrated the lowest torque output of any synthetic product measured. That result was due in no small part to AstroTurf's proprietary RootZone technology, an infill stabilization system which is composed of a thatch layer of textured nylon running just underneath the polyethylene fibers throughout the field.

By preventing splash and migration of the loose rubber infill particles and thus maintaining a uniform and consistent surface, the RootZone promotes a more natural biomechanical function of cleat penetration and release. In addition, GameDay Grass surfaces with RootZone technology prevent the deep cleat penetration seen in other heavily infilled surfaces which can lead to so many lower extremity injuries.

"Here at AstroTurf, our dedication to safety as a vital component of the products we create is unparalleled," said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf. "We're excited to have the Cougars practice on our playing surface, which is considered to be the finest synthetic surface in the world."

BYU is no stranger to studies on artificial grass surfaces, having conducted one of their own in 2002 on synthetic surface heat following the installation of a FieldTurf surface at the football practice fields.  Significantly, the newest custom practice field includes AstroTurf's AstroFlect technology, which reduces surface temperature when compared to typical synthetic turf.

The chemistry behind AstroFlect lowers fiber "emissivity", which allows the fibers of the surface to reflect infrared light and dissipate heat into the atmosphere instead of being absorbed by the turf. In addition, AstroTurf supplied a green-coated SBR rubber infill for the new field. The green-colored infill absorbs less heat than the traditional black rubber infill.