March 21st marks a special occasion for AstroTurf, the original inventor of synthetic turf, as we celebrate AstroTurf Day in Dalton, Georgia, the heartland of our manufacturing operations since 1968. This day commemorates the 58th anniversary of a groundbreaking moment in sports history—the first major league game ever played on synthetic turf, between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers, on March 21, 1966, at the Houston Astrodome.
AstroTurf has been at the forefront of athletic surface innovation for over five decades, consistently setting the benchmark for quality and performance. From the iconic moments of 12 World Series and 11 Super Bowls to the high-stakes competitions of 10 Olympics, AstroTurf surfaces have proven their superiority and resilience across an array of sporting events.
The story of AstroTurf is one of ingenuity and response to a challenge. Born from the necessity to overcome the glare and subsequent death of natural grass in the Houston Astrodome, AstroTurf revolutionized sports surfaces with its pioneering “ChemGrass,” which quickly became the go-to solution for professional and collegiate sports arenas.
Through the years, AstroTurf has not rested on its laurels. Our commitment to relentless innovation has seen our technology evolve, inching ever closer to our ultimate goal of mirroring the feel, performance, and safety of natural grass, while offering the durability and low maintenance benefits of synthetic turf.
Under the ownership of Sport Group, a global leader in sports surfacing, AstroTurf has continued to lead with cutting-edge developments in turf technology. This partnership has expanded our reach, enabling the installation of over 30,000 synthetic fields and tracks worldwide, and bolstering our mission to supply superior surfaces that ensure safe, high-performance play for athletes at all levels.
As we celebrate AstroTurf Day, we reflect on our journey, from the installation at the Astrodome to today’s advanced multi-sport systems that cater to a range of activities, from football and baseball to field hockey and golf. This day is not only a nod to our rich history but also an acknowledgment of the people who have made it possible—the dedicated employees in Dalton, Georgia, whose expertise and hard work have cemented AstroTurf as a premier brand in sports technology.
AstroTurf’s success is deeply rooted in our commitment to innovation, quality, and community. We are proud to be part of Dalton’s vibrant community and extend our gratitude to the city, its people, and, most importantly, our employees, for their unwavering support and dedication.
As we look to the future, AstroTurf remains dedicated to enhancing the world of sports through superior synthetic turf systems that prioritize player safety, performance, and environmental sustainability. Join us in celebrating AstroTurf Day, a testament to our enduring commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of sports.
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.