DALTON, Ga. — March 21, 2026 marks a landmark moment in sports history as we celebrate AstroTurf Day—a salute to the revolution in synthetic turf technology that has reshaped athletic fields around the globe. AstroTurf, the pioneering force behind synthetic turf, has guided the evolution of athletic surfaces for six decades, transforming countless fields into world-class stages for players at every level.
AstroTurf Day pays tribute to the first major league game played on synthetic turf on March 21, 1966, at the iconic Houston Astrodome. This showdown between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers was more than just a game—it was a historic event that propelled sports into a new era of technological innovation, opening the door to extraordinary moments on AstroTurf fields for decades to come.
From the World Series to the Super Bowl, from the Olympics to All-Star Games, AstroTurf has provided the platform for athletes to push boundaries, set records, and capture the world’s imagination. Beyond professional arenas, AstroTurf surfaces are where student-athletes learn teamwork and discipline, weekend warriors chase personal bests, and entire communities come together to celebrate the spirit of competition.
The evolution from the space-age “ChemGrass” to today’s highly advanced AstroTurf systems is a testament to relentless R&D and an unwavering commitment to replicating the feel, performance, and safety of natural grass. Over 60 years, AstroTurf has consistently exceeded expectations, delivering turf technology that stands on par with the most meticulously maintained natural fields—yet demands a fraction of the upkeep.
Now owned by the Sport Group, a global leader in sports surfacing, AstroTurf continues to broaden its reach and impact. Through this partnership, we unite the industry’s finest minds and resources to create high-performancesurfaces that prioritize safety, durability, and environmental responsibility—all while offering the pinnacle of sports technology.
As we mark six decades of AstroTurf, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community of Dalton, Georgia, whose support and expertise have been crucial to our success. We also salute the countless athletes, coaches, fans, and families who have made AstroTurf fields their home.
Reflecting on this special occasion, AstroTurf CEO Robb Carey shares, “We are immensely proud of the legacy we’ve built and the role we play in sports and communities around the world. Today is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise that have propelled AstroTurf to the forefront of our industry.”
AstroTurf Day isn’t just about commemorating past achievements; it’s also about envisioning the future. As we continue to innovate and challenge the limits of synthetic turf technology, our commitment to delivering the highest quality, most advanced, and safest playing surfaces remains at the core of everything we do.
On this AstroTurf Day, we invite everyone—athletes, fans, and community members alike—to join in celebrating the spirit of innovation and the relentless quest for excellence that AstroTurf represents. Here’s to 60 years of progress and to many more seasons of breaking new ground, setting new standards, and inspiring the next generation of athletes to reach for the stars.
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.
