AstroTurf
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- This article is about artificial grass. For political sense, see astroturfing.
AstroTurf is a registered trademark of Textile Management Associates, applied to a particular kind of artificial turf. The term is sometimes used as a generic description of any kind of artificial turf, especially short pile synthetic turf, known today as a "classic system" and still the preferred surface for field hockey.
AstroTurf was invented in 1965 by employees of Monsanto, patented in 1967, and originally sold under the name "Chemgrass". It was renamed AstroTurf after its first well-publicized use at the Houston Astrodome stadium.
The advantage of AstroTurf over grass turf is mainly that an artificial turf requires minimal maintenance. Please note, however, that maintenance plays an integral part with regards to playability and longevity where these surfaces are concerned. It is also ideal for indoor stadiums, since it does not require sunlight. However, synthetic surfaces can be much harder than natural grass. Players describe the impact as similar to falling on concrete (Vince Lombardi called AstroTurf "fuzzy cement"). Players' cleats can get caught in the turf, which does not give the way grass as dirt does, causing the injury known as "turf toe". Also, in baseball, the ball tends to bounce higher and faster. Because of these considerations, the use of AstroTurf was infamously controversial among baseball fans. Additionally, a general gut-feeling opposition against "technocracy" manifested itself in the anti-AstroTurf sentiment.
Classic systems are being replaced in many stadiums with newer generation artificial turfs whose materials have properties much closer to natural grass turf. AstroTurf's version of this new artificial grass was called AstroPlay. This changed when, in 2004, Southwest Recreational Industries, who held the rights to making AstroTurf, went out of business after filing for bankruptcy. It is now sold by AstroTurf, LLC.
As of 2005, there were no remaining Major League Baseball nor National Football League facilities with an AstroTurf surface. Astroturf is the preferred surface for field hockey.
