Phoenix, AZ – AstroTurf has been honored with the prestigious Sports Field Project Award in the “Single Field under 75k Sq Ft” category from the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) for its innovative work on the USA Field Hockey field at the United States Performance Center at UNC Charlotte. The award, presented during the STC Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, recognizes projects that exemplify excellence in safety, innovation, and sustainability within the synthetic turf industry.
The award-winning field, which showcases AstroTurf’s revolutionary Poligras Paris GT Zero turf, is a milestone for sustainable sports infrastructure. Designed for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Poligras Paris GT Zero is the world’s first carbon-neutral hockey turf, setting a new standard in both performance and environmental responsibility. Developed with 80% bio-based materials, primarily sugarcane, and certified climate-neutral by GUTcert, this advanced surface represents a forward-thinking approach to synthetic turf that aligns with global sustainability goals.
“Winning this award from the STC underscores our commitment to pushing boundaries in synthetic turf technology,” said AstroTurf’s Director of Marketing, Gary Jones. “Our collaboration with USA Field Hockey allowed us to provide them with a cutting-edge surface that not only supports athletes’ peak performance but also promotes environmental stewardship.”
A Field Built for High Performance and Elite Training
The Poligras Paris GT Zero field provides USA Field Hockey athletes with a fast, flat, and true playing surface, essential for elite training. Featuring Turf Glide technology, the turf offers superior friction reduction, allowing for a smoother play experience.
“The new Paris turf has transformed our training,” said David Passmore, Head Coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. “It provides an optimal, fast surface that remains consistent over time, preparing our athletes for the highest levels of competition, including the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
A Commitment to Sustainability
AstroTurf’s Poligras Paris GT Zero field underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability. By integrating bio-based materials and significantly reducing water dependency, this turf exemplifies AstroTurf’s forward-thinking approach to sports field design. “Developing products that reduce the environmental impact is crucial,” emphasized Craig Parnham, USA Field Hockey’s Director of High Performance. “The Poligras Paris GT Zero turf embodies our shared vision for sustainable sports infrastructure.”
AstroTurf’s collaboration with USA Field Hockey reflects a shared commitment to elevating field hockey training in the United States. The USA Field Hockey facility at UNC Charlotte now serves as a world-class training venue, positioning the sport at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.
About the Synthetic Turf Council (STC)
The STC is a leading trade association dedicated to promoting, educating, and advocating for synthetic turf advancements. Founded in 2003, the STC assists buyers, end users, and the public with credible information on synthetic turf’s safety, environmental impact, and technical specifications.
About AstroTurf®
For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The inventor of synthetic turf, AstroTurf® offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. To learn more, visit astroturf.com.