LOWELL, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts Lowell field hockey team is stepping into a new chapter in program history, with a state-of-the-art AstroTurf® field providing the foundation for excellence. The surface, installed this summer, gives the program a home designed for the speed, precision and consistency that defines the sport.
“For 12 years we loved our Astro-12 field, and when it came time to replace it, there was no question that we wanted to replicate the experience,” said UMass Lowell Head Coach, Shannon LeBlanc. “Our team loves how fast and smooth the surface plays. The new inlaid text behind our goals enhances the vibrancy of the blue. We are extremely happy with the finished product and look forward to winning more games on this stunning field.”
AstroTurf’s field hockey systems are engineered for the highest level of play, delivering unmatched speed, precision, and consistency. The surface ensures a true and predictable ball roll, enabling athletes to showcase technical skill and execute strategies at full pace. With rapid playability and responsive performance, the pitch rewards quick decision-making and sharp tactical execution. Every element is designed to elevate training and competition, giving players and coaches the confidence to perform at the game’s elite standard.
UMass Lowell Field Hockey vs. Merrimack College
Where: Wicked Blue Field – Lowell, Massachusetts
When: Friday, August 29, 2025 – 7:00 p.m. ET
Watch: Television Broadcast on ESPN+
“We are thrilled with how our Astro-12 field came out,” said Matthew Delmonte, Assistant Athletic Director – Events & Operations. “Between the blue color of the field as well as the inlaid text behind each goal, we could not be more pleased with the final product. We also would like to thank the AstroTurf crew for their tireless efforts to get our field completed. We look forward to celebrating numerous victories on our brand new Wicked Blue Field.”
This will be the 50th season of UMass Lowell field hockey. All the action begins at home under the lights on the newly renovated Wicked Blue Field against Merrimack on Friday, August 29 at 7 p.m. After defeating two Power Four opponents last year and being ranked at the Division I level for the second consecutive season, they will strive to push even further against top competition this year. The team is due to square off against opponents from six other athletic conferences, including the ACC.
The challenging, 17-game campaign features a record four night games and three opponents who appeared in the 18-team field of the 2024 NCAA Division I Tournament beginning with Massachusetts, who will visit Lowell for a Kennedy Cup matchup to close out opening weekend on Aug. 31. The 2025 schedule features ten home games and seven road games. The team hosts Northeastern on September 5 before heading out on its first of two, three-game road trips. On that trek, UMass Lowell visits Yale (Sept. 7) and Queens University (Sept. 12) before traveling to Wake Forst of the ACC on Sept. 14. They will look to turn in another impressive performance against the Demon Deacons this season after grabbing a thrilling 1-0 win in 2024.
With the new surface in place, the UMass Lowell will enjoy a home that blends performance and pride – a brilliant colorful field, not only for the team, but for the campus and community that supports them. The program now plays on the same innovative surface trusted by elite teams worldwide, carrying on UMass Lowell’s tradition of competitive spirit on the cutting edge of the game.
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.
