CHATTANOOGA, Tenn | AstroTurf.com | May 22nd, 2025 — The NCAA Division II Softball Championship opened Thursday at Frost Stadium at Warner Park on a state-of-the-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.
“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 championship-bracket 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
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 multi-sport 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 athletes 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. Headquartered 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.
