Last Updated on October 10, 2022 by UDC Sports
As the popularity of synthetic turf continues to grow, so does its use in football field construction. While artificial turf gained its initial fame back in the 60s when it was installed in the Houston Astrodome, it wasn’t until relatively recently that its use became widespread in new football field and stadium construction.
There are a number of reasons why synthetic turf is becoming more popular in modern football field construction. Not the least of which is the improved technology and quality of modern artificial turf products compared to those of the past.
This isn’t the only reason, of course—here are 7 more reasons that artificial turf is being used to build football stadiums and fields.
#1: Durability
Artificial turf is much more durable than natural grass, meaning it will last longer and require significantly less maintenance. This is especially important for football fields, which see a lot of wear and tear.
Most natural grass simply cannot withstand the wear and tear that a football field endures on a weekly basis—not without developing bare patches, divots, ruts, and other damage that needs to be repaired. This is especially true during the fall and winter, when football games may be played in all kinds of wet/snowy weather conditions.
#2: Player Safety
Artificial turf can provide more shock-absorption compared to natural grass, which can help reduce the risk of player injury. Modern synthetic turf products can provide better grip than regular grass, which can help prevent slips and falls.
A football field constructed with artificial turf is also less likely to develop dangerous divots and ruts, which can cause serious player injury. (Also, because a professionally-installed artificial turf football field drains so well, there is less risk of rain delays or game cancellations due to wet conditions!)
#3: Cost-Effectiveness
Synthetic turf can also be more cost-effective than natural grass, both in terms of initial installation and long-term maintenance. This is because artificial turf does not need to be watered, mowed, or fertilized, which can save a lot of money over time. These lower ongoing maintenance costs means that field and stadium operators can save significant amounts of money over the long term.
#4: Weather
Another advantage of synthetic turf is that it is not affected by weather conditions in the same way that natural grass is. This means that football fields made with synthetic turf can be used in all kinds of weather, even when it would be impossible to play on natural grass.
With a professionally-installed field drainage system, an artificial turf football field can drain much faster than a regular grass field—which means games can be played sooner after a heavy rain.
#5: Versatility
Another factor driving the use of synthetic turf in football stadiums is the increased demand for multi-use fields that can be used for a variety of activities. A synthetic turf field is ideal for not only football field construction, but also in the construction of soccer fields, baseball fields, and other sports fields. This means that schools and other organizations can get more use out of their investment in a synthetic turf field.
#6: Aesthetics
Many people also prefer the look of artificial turf vs natural grass for a football field. Synthetic turf can be made to look like real grass, or it can be made in a variety of colors and patterns. The lush, verdant green color of most artificial turf is especially striking when used in football field construction, and it can really make your field stand out.
A well-maintained artificial turf field will always look green and lush, while even the most fastidiously-kept natural grass football field may suffer from brown patches, bare spots, and other weather-related damage. Artificial turf always looks its best—no matter what the weather conditions are like.
#7: Environmentally-Friendly
As water conservation becomes an increasingly important issue, synthetic turf is seen as a way to reduce the amount of water needed to keep a grass field healthy and green. “Naturally,” synthetic turf fields use less water than regular grass football fields, making them a more environmentally-friendly option.
Conclusion
Building a football field is a big undertaking that requires numerous decisions to be made; the type of field surfacing you use is one of the most important choices you’ll make.
Synthetic turf has a number of advantages over natural grass that make it a great choice for football field construction. It’s come a long way since it was first installed in the Astrodome, and its use is only going to become more widespread in the years to come.
If you’re considering using artificial turf for a football field or stadium construction project, be sure to consult with a reputable sports field design and construction firm that has experience designing and constructing football fields with synthetic turf—like UDC Sports. It’s the best way to ensure that your field will be safe, durable, and beautiful for many, many years after it’s built.
