DALTON, Ga. — For over six decades, AstroTurf has stood as one of the most recognizable and respected brands in the sports world—an icon synonymous with quality, innovation, and durability. Since its inception, AstroTurf has reshaped the very concept of athletic fields worldwide, covering millions of square feet of turf that exemplify the pinnacle of technological progress in the industry.
March 21, 2026 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 60th anniversary of a watershed 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 iconic Houston Astrodome.
AstroTurf products are more than just playing surfaces; they are arenas where cutting-edge technology merges with time-honored sports traditions to create a superior athletic experience. As we honor AstroTurf Day and this remarkable 60-year journey, we invite you to explore the brand’s storied past, its unwavering commitment to innovation, and its forward-looking vision for the future of sports.
AstroTurf’s mission transcends the mere manufacturing of synthetic turf. It’s about transforming sports and recreation landscapes into sustainable, eco-friendly, and high-performing environments. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, our dedication to inspiring active lifestyles and elevating community spaces is evident in every AstroTurf product.
Through continuous research and technological development, AstroTurf strives to ensure that each system exceeds expectations in performance, durability, and aesthetics—upholding the highest standards of quality and safety.
At the heart of AstroTurf’s philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to safety and performance. Our rigorous testing and validation processes guarantee that each athletic turf system not only protects athletes but also enables them to perform at their peak.
AstroTurf’s innovative “More Fiber, Less Fill” approach and sport-specific system designs reflect our dedication to creating surfaces that offer:
- Optimal Sport-Specific Playability
- Long-Term Durability
- Reduced Maintenance Requirements
For decades, AstroTurf’s manufacturing expertise has ensured that every square foot of turf meets our stringent quality controls. But our responsibility doesn’t end there. We proudly champion environmental stewardship by:
- Conserving millions of gallons of water each year
- Reducing the need for harmful pesticides
- Repurposing materials at the end of their lifecycle
From production to installation, AstroTurf remains at the forefront of sustainable practices in the synthetic turf industry.
Born out of the space race era and the architectural marvel of the Houston Astrodome, AstroTurf’s story is steeped in groundbreaking innovation. Originally known as “ChemGrass,” the product was developed to overcome the challenges of growing natural grass inside a domed stadium. Its subsequent rebranding to AstroTurf heralded a transformative moment in sports history—one that inspired decades of advancements and set new standards for athletic surfaces everywhere.
Over the years, AstroTurf has evolved to deliver turf systems that closely mimic the feel and performance of natural grass, all while maintaining the reliability and durability that only a synthetic surface can provide. This commitment to continuous research and development has kept AstroTurf at the forefront of the industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in turf technology.
As we celebrate 60 years since that first major league game on synthetic turf, we reflect not only on AstroTurf’s historic contributions to sports technology but also on our ongoing pursuit of innovation. The AstroTurf legacy is built on a foundation of quality, invention, and a forward-thinking approach to the challenges of tomorrow.
With a keen focus on research and development, AstroTurf continues to lead the way in synthetic turf technology—pioneering advancements that set new standards for performance, safety, and durability. As we look to the future, we remain committed to shaping the landscapes of sports and recreation for the next generation of athletes and fans.
Join us in celebrating AstroTurf Day—an anniversary 60 years in the making—and be a part of the legacy that has redefined the world of sports.
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.
