Sylva, NC— Smoky Mountain High School, along with the Carolina Panthers, held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, May 20th at 11:00 AM, to commemorate the installation of a new, state-of-the-art athletic field from AstroTurf®. The new playing surface is being paid for in part by a $200,000 grant provided by the Panthers.
Dr. Michael Murray, Superintendent of Jackson County Schools, said, “This AstroTurf system will expand field usage, providing more students access to a predictable playing surface. It will truly benefit the entire community. Multiple groups will now be able to showcase their incredible talents! We are thrilled that through the collaboration of a community that loves their children and the support of the NFL this awesome opportunity will be a reality for all of our kids.”
The playing surface will be a cutting edge synthetic turf field that combines a sophisticated fiber system with a unique alternative infill. This innovative new AstroTurf Golden Series DT field will be the first of its kind in the state of North Carolina.
The initial conception for this type of system was initially presented by Los Angeles County Rec and Park Department, and has since gained rapid ground across the state of California and is spreading to the rest of the country. What makes the AstroTurf Golden Series DT product so distinctive is that it synthesizes several different advanced artificial turf technologies into one cohesive system. It begins from the bottom up with a specialized Brock pad for maximum shock attenuation and stability. The artificial turf itself is a combination of high density slit film fibers for durability, and a specialized version of AstroTurf’s patented RootZone® system, which bolsters the turf for improved structural integrity. The turf system is incredibly difficult to manufacture correctly, as it is four times denser than most products on the market. The final piece is the infill, which is made up of sand and a unique product called ZeoFill, an organic mineral used in health food supplements and water filtration systems. ZeoFill absorbs (but does not require) water, and it slowly releases the water to create an evaporative cooling effect. All of these elements combine to deliver an exceptional playing surface engineered for high usage and consistent performance, all while eliminating the use of rubber.
Sports Construction Management, a Certified AstroTurf Distributor, will install the new synthetic turf field. Their team will also be in charge of the literal groundbreaking as they handle excavation, site work and installation of the stone drainage base. The new surface will measure 81,150 square feet.
About AstroTurf
For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit www.astroturf.com.