NEW YORK, New York | AstroTurf.com | October 21st, 2025 — Aaron Klotz breaks down the technology, engineering, and performance science behind AstroTurf’s Diamond Series — the surface chosen for Bristol’s one-of-a-kind MLB field. Discover how the turf delivers the playability and consistency elite programs rely on.
When Major League Baseball announced the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds, all eyes turned to an unlikely venue: Bristol Motor Speedway. Known for roaring engines, 28-degree banked turns, and a seating capacity of more than 150,000, the NASCAR racetrack isn’t exactly synonymous with baseball. But thanks to AstroTurf’s technical and installation teams, the impossible became reality.
In just 10 days, Bristol’s oval raceway was transformed into a baseball diamond. The logistics were monumental. Over 15 tractor trailers of materials are staged into a stadium designed for cars, not cargo. “We came down a nearly 30% incline with heavy equipment,” said Joey Alexander, General Manager of AstroTurf’s Southeast Region. “Tight quarters. Limited access. It’s one of the most complex installs we’ve ever tackled.”
From design to playability, the Diamond Series system was engineered with baseball’s unique needs in mind – delivering true ball bounce, reliable traction, and consistent performance that players and coaches demand.
The Diamond Series isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. It was developed specifically for the diamond, with fibers and infill tuned to replicate the nuances of natural grass in baseball’s most critical areas. Outfielders track balls with confidence, infielders rely on true hops, and base runners get a stable footing as they sprint around the bases. Grounds crews also benefit from reduced maintenance and durability that stands up to the demands of a 162-game season – plus the intensity of October baseball.
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“We love the intensity of baseball,” said Aaron Klotz, Director of Baseball at AstroTurf. “Our Diamond Series field is tailored to high-level baseball, supporting every play. That innovation, quality, and reliability make AstroTurf the leader in our industry.”
With innovation above the surface and science beneath it, AstroTurf is trusted and chosen by Major League Baseball and proudly named the Official Synthetic Turf Partner of the MLB Speedway Classic.
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.
