Hoosiers expand their investment in AstroTurf baseball and softball systems with a new playing surface built for the demands of Big Ten competition.
BLOOMINGTON, IN — Indiana University Softball has installed a new AstroTurf® Diamond Series outfield at Andy Mohr Field, bringing a more dependable playing surface to the Hoosiers’ home diamond. The upgrade replaces the traditional grass outfield with a softball-specific synthetic system, helping Indiana address the challenges of Midwest spring weather while improving the field’s consistency, durability, and long-term maintenance demands.
Spring softball in Bloomington can bring anything from cold temperatures and heavy rain to sunny afternoons and back-to-back games. Those changing conditions can quickly affect a natural grass outfield, particularly as the season progresses and traffic builds. Indiana’s new AstroTurf surface is designed to drain efficiently and maintain its playing characteristics through repeated use, allowing the program to spend less time managing grass conditions and more time preparing for competition.
Outfield performance presents its own set of challenges in softball. Hard-hit line drives, sharp ground balls through the gaps, and balls tracking toward the warning track require predictable surface response. AstroTurf’s Diamond Series incorporates specialized fibers and infill configurations developed to replicate the playing characteristics of natural grass, giving outfielders consistent ball movement while maintaining the familiar look and character of a collegiate softball field.
Indiana’s decision also continues a growing relationship between the Hoosiers and AstroTurf. In 2025, Indiana Baseball selected our Diamond Series system for Bart Kaufman Field, located alongside the softball facility. With the addition of AstroTurf at Andy Mohr Field, both Hoosier diamond sports programs now benefit from surfaces developed specifically for their respective games.
The two projects also demonstrate the customizabilty of our Diamond Series lineup. At Bart Kaufman Field, Indiana Baseball utilizes a complete synthetic playing surface engineered to recreate the different characteristics of grass and clay. At Andy Mohr Field, the softball program has chosen to preserve its traditional dirt infield while upgrading the outfield. Each project reflects how we work with athletic departments to develop solutions around their facility priorities, competitive needs, and preferred playing environments.
“You can’t control a Midwest spring, but our new AstroTurf outfield at Andy Mohr Field gives us a surface we can count on, regardless of the weather. It means less time attending to field conditions and more time focused on what matters most, playing ball.” Said Shonda Stanton, Indiana University Head Coach & AUSL Chicago Bandits Head Coach “
We’ve already seen the difference, and we’re excited about what it will mean for our program this spring. Having experience with AstroTurf both in Bloomington and in Rosemont with the Bandits, it’s a surface we know and trust.”
Our continued investment in softball-specific product development has helped expand AstroTurf’s presence throughout collegiate athletics. Through testing, engineering, and collaboration with programs across the country, we’ve continued refining how our surfaces respond to the movements and ball interactions unique to softball. The result is a family of systems that can support everything from individual outfield renovations to complete synthetic diamonds at some of the nation’s leading collegiate facilities.
The benefits extend into the daily operation of Andy Mohr Field. Replacing the grass outfield reduces the need for mowing, irrigation, and turf recovery following heavy use. During a busy Big Ten schedule, those improvements give Indiana greater flexibility in preparing for practices, games, and potential postseason competition, while reducing the maintenance burden associated with keeping natural grass ready for play.
Indiana Softball’s new outfield adds another Big Ten program to AstroTurf’s growing portfolio of collegiate softball installations. As schools continue investing in the sport, we’re proud to provide game-specific surfaces that help improve facility reliability and support the athletes who compete on them.
With Diamond Series now featured at both Andy Mohr Field and Bart Kaufman Field, Indiana has strengthened its baseball and softball facilities with surfaces built around the distinct demands of each sport.
