In a significant stride towards advancing the sport of field hockey, AstroTurf has unveiled its cutting-edge Poligras Paris GT Zero turf at the new USA Field Hockey facility. This installation marks a pivotal move, showcasing AstroTurf’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and high-performance sports infrastructure.
AstroTurf’s Poligras Paris GT zero, developed for the Paris 2024 Olympics is the world’s first and only carbon zero hockey turf and has also been FIH Innovation-certified for dry hockey. The choice for USA Field Hockey, the new system represents the zenith of pitch technology. This state-of-the-art surface provides athletes with a playing field that is unmatched in both quality and performance.
“Our aspiration to qualify for the Paris Olympics was a key factor in choosing the Poligras Paris GT Zero surface. We wanted our athletes to train on a surface that mirrors what they will experience at the pinnacle of their sport,” said Craig Parnham, USA Field Hockey’s Director of High Performance.
The turf has been lauded for its exceptional performance, offering a flat, fast, and true ball run that significantly enhances the game’s speed and precision. Unlike traditional pitches, the Poligras Paris GT Zero requires substantially less water. This feature not only meets Astroturf’s goal and commitment to building eco-friendly sports solutions, but it also provides operational efficiency for facilities. The reduced water attributes of this turf aligns with the FIH’s goal of dry hockey by 2028.
Using sugarcane as a bio-raw material means the Poligras Paris GT zero turf saves 73 tonnes of CO₂ compared to a conventional turf. The carbon footprint of the turf has been certified as a climate-neutral by Berlin-based DAkkS accredited consulting company GUTcert. The Paris turf features a new and proprietary friction-reducing technology called Turf Glide, which reduces friction and abrasion, allowing the turf to meet the FIH Innovation standards for dry hockey.
Turf Glide not only means that when dry, the Paris turf plays better-than-sand, but also that less water is required to lubricate the turf for elite hockey. In many locations the atmospheric moisture, such as light rain or dew on a cool night, will be enough to transform the turf to Olympic level performance. This gives facilities the flexibility to do a dry installation (i.e. without an irrigation system) and benefit from an upgrade when there is moisture in the air.
Sustainability at the Forefront
In the world of sports, the importance of sustainability cannot be overstated. AstroTurf has taken a significant step forward with the Poligras Paris GT Zero turf, developed for the Paris 2024 Olympics is the world’s first and only carbon zero hockey turf and has also been FIH Innovation-certified for dry hockey. Highlights of this product include: made with 80% biobased material (sugarcane), made with green energy, Turf Glide technology means unique ‘play wet / play dry’ crossover performance, designed to minimize water usage.
Using sugarcane as a bio-raw material means the Poligras Paris GT zero turf saves 73 tonnes of CO₂ compared to a conventional turf. The carbon footprint of the turf has been certified as a climate-neutral by Berlin-based DAkkS accredited consulting company GUTcert.
“Developing products that reduce the environmental impact is crucial,” Parnham emphasized. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to sustainability within the field hockey community and sports infrastructure worldwide.
A Catalyst for Elite Training and Performance
As the U.S. Women’s National Team prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the new Poligras Paris GT Zero turf has already made a transformative impact. “The new Paris turf has been transformative for us. It holds the water brilliantly and makes for a fast game but without the lumps and bumps you often get when a star turf is first laid,” said David Passmore, U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach.
Jillian Wolgemuth, a prominent athlete on the U.S. Women’s National Team, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the pitch’s unparalleled speed and precision. “The new blue AstroTurf offers unmatched speed and precision. We’re grateful to train on such a quality and reputable field,” she stated.
The collaboration between AstroTurf and USA Field Hockey goes beyond just installing a new playing surface. It’s about setting a new standard for the sport’s future, emphasizing the importance of innovative technology, sustainability, and performance excellence. The facility will serve as a training ground for elite athletes.
AstroTurf’s Poligras Paris GT Zero turf at the USA Field Hockey facility will represent a significant milestone in sports technology and environmental stewardship. As the spotlight turns to the Paris 2024 Olympics, this project stands as an example of innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the field hockey community and beyond.
About AstroTurf
For athletes and sports enthusiasts, AstroTurf has revolutionized the game. The brand offers advanced, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems equipped with proprietary engineered technologies. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and municipalities are choosing AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. For more information, visit astroturf.com.