LOWELL, Mass. | AstroTurf.com | August 16, 2025 — The University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks are stepping onto a new chapter in program history, with a state-of-the-art AstroTurf® field providing the foundation for excellence in field hockey. The surface, installed this summer, gives the River Hawks a home designed for the speed, precision and consistency that define 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 Head Coach of the River Hawks, 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 specifically for the modern game, offering tight ball roll, exceptional footing, and weather-resistant reliability. For athletes, the result is a field that rewards skill and decision-making while helping to minimize injuries. For coaches, it ensures a dependable training and competition surface year-round.
“We are thrilled with how our Astro-12 field came out,” said Athletic Director, Lynn Coutts. “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.”
With the new surface in place, the River Hawks will enjoy a home that blends performance with pride — a showcase 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.
