DALTON, Ga. — March 21, 2026 marks a special occasion for AstroTurf, the original inventor of synthetic turf, as we celebrate AstroTurf Day in Dalton, Georgia—the manufacturing heartland we’ve proudly called home since 1968. This date memorializes the 60th anniversary of a revolutionary 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 legendary Houston Astrodome.
For over six decades, AstroTurf has remained at the forefront of athletic surface technology, setting the bar for qualityand performance. From iconic moments in 12 World Series and 11 Super Bowls to the grand stages of 10 Olympic Games, AstroTurf’s surfaces have continuously proven their superiority, resilience, and ability to enhance athletes’ performance at the highest levels of competition.
The AstroTurf journey began when the harsh glare and lack of sunlight inside the Houston Astrodome made it nearly impossible to maintain natural grass. In response, AstroTurf introduced its pioneering product, originally known as “ChemGrass.” This trailblazing innovation quickly became the go-to solution for professional and collegiate sports venues seeking to overcome the limitations of natural turf.
Since then, AstroTurf has never rested on its achievements. Instead, a relentless drive to improve and reinvent has propelled our technology ever closer to replicating the feel, performance, and safety of natural grass—all while offering the durability and low-maintenance benefits that only synthetic turf can provide.
Now under the ownership of Sport Group, a global leader in sports surfacing, AstroTurf has significantly broadened its reach and capabilities. This partnership has led to the installation of over 30,000 synthetic fields and tracks worldwide, underscoring our commitment to delivering high-performance, safe, and sustainable playing surfaces for athletes of every level.
As we gather to commemorate AstroTurf Day, we reflect on a remarkable six-decade journey—from the Astrodome to today’s advanced multi-sport systems that cater to football, baseball, field hockey, golf, and more. This celebration pays tribute not only to our rich legacy but also to the people who have brought it to life.
At the heart of that legacy are the dedicated employees in Dalton, Georgia, whose unmatched expertise and hard work have solidified AstroTurf’s status as a premier brand in sports technology. We’re proud to stand alongside Dalton’s vibrant community, extending our gratitude for their enduring support and partnership.
AstroTurf’s success is built on a foundation of relentless innovation, quality craftsmanship, and a profound sense of community responsibility. As we look toward the next chapter, we remain devoted to enhancing the world of sports through superior synthetic turf systems that prioritize:
- Player Safety: Rigorous testing for optimal performance and protection
- High-Performance Play: Uncompromising standards that meet the demands of elite athletes
- Environmental Stewardship: Sustainable practices that respect our planet’s resources
Join us in celebrating AstroTurf Day, a tribute to our 60-year journey of pioneering sports turf innovation. Here’s to the next six decades—and beyond—of excellence, ingenuity, and shared victories on AstroTurf surfaces worldwide.
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.
