Pittsburgh, PA – The University of Pittsburgh men’s and women’s soccer programs, in a continuing effort to improve the student-athlete experience and elevate athletic facilities, has unveiled a new AstroTurf® playing surface at Ambrose Urbanic Field at the Petersen Sports Complex.
The pitch features the University’s updated colors and markings, as revealed in collaboration with Nike in April.
The new surface features LigaTurf RS Pro II turf, a tried and trusted system that has been used for elite pitches around the globe. It is designed for the elite players with high standards for ball-to-surface interaction. AstroTurf’s many years of research and development has resulted in a system that balances the desire for grass’s playability with the need for high durability. This premium surface imitates the playability and safety of the most pristine natural grass fields while maintaining the most uniform, predictable playing surface over time.
“The installation of this premium FIFA certified, soccer specific playing system exemplifies our continued commitment to providing our elite level student-athletes competitively excellent facilities,” said Pitt Executive Associate Athletic Director for Facility & Event Operations Brendan Fouracre. “Who we choose as a partner is of great importance to achieving this goal. We highly value the AstroTurf brand and believe it aligns with our core values and objective of setting the Gold Standard.”
The 103,500 square feet of AstroTurf® will sit on a Brock PowerBase YSR pad. Combined with the Brock underlayment for ultimate shock absorbency, this field will deliver superior playability, safety, and durability.
“We couldn’t be any more excited about our partnership with AstroTurf,” said women’s soccer head coach Randy Waldrum. “The new turf we are putting in is being used throughout Germany with the top Bundesliga teams and we will be one of the first programs in the United States to have the opportunity to use it. Many thanks to our athletic department, Heather Lyke and the administration, as we continue to upgrade our facility and build successful soccer programs.”
Waldrum, along with head men’s coach Jay Vidovich, bring national championship experience to the Panther programs, as Pitt continues to cultivate a culture of high level success within the soccer programs.
“Pitt soccer continues its forward-acting philosophy by being the first field in the United States to feature LigaTurf RS Pro II turf,” said AstroTurf Director of Soccer, Carl Capellas. “The turf system, manufactured in the United States has hosted UEFA Champion’s League matches and has been long regarded as the most consistent and highest performing synthetic turf system in Europe.”
About AstroTurf®
For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The brand offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. 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 AstroTurf’s website at www.astroturf.com.