Boone, NC – Each autumn, as the leaves blaze into shades of amber, crimson, and gold across the Blue Ridge Mountains, one baseball field quietly becomes a viral sensation – Appalachian State’s AstroTurf Diamond Series Baseball Field.
Nestled in Boone, North Carolina, with panoramic mountain views and rolling hills as its backdrop, the field is one of the most picturesque in all of college baseball. Photos flood social media every year, shared by fans, alumni, athletes, and even outdoor enthusiasts who cannot help but admire the surreal blend of nature and sport.
But for Head Baseball Coach Kermit Smith, the conversation goes beyond aesthetics.
“As good as at looks on social media and the picture that goes viral every year, it plays that well as well.” — Kermit Smith, Head Baseball Coach
A Viral View. A Championship Surface.
From drone shots capturing the diamond set against Appalachian hardwood forests, to sunset photos that glow against fall foliage, the field is more than a stadium – it is a postcard from baseball heaven.
The breathtaking visuals draw the world’s attention. But what keeps players confident and prepared for every inning is what is under their cleats – the AstroTurf Diamond Series system.
This is not just a pretty field. It is a finely engineered baseball surface built for Division I competition, relentless weather, and the pursuit of excellence.
Behind the Beauty: The Diamond Series Advantage
Plays like Grass where it should. Plays like Clay where it should.
The Diamond Series system is designed to replicate natural baseball surfaces with incredible realism:
· Engineered base paths that play like a perfectly groomed clay surface – true hops, no bad bounces.
· Natural-grass style field play with precise ball roll, pace, and traction.
· Seamless transitions from base paths to infield and outfield grass for authentic playability.
Get Your Field:
Built for Boone’s Climate
At 3,333 feet above sea level, Boone sees snow, rain, frost, and heavy winds – often in the same week. That is why App State chose a surface that performs in all conditions:
· Drains quickly to avoid rainouts.
· Maintains consistency during cold spring practices.
· Reduces maintenance so players can practice year-round.
Performance That Matches the View
· Reliable footing and cleat interaction for aggressive base running.
· Consistent ball speed and bounce for true defensive play.
· Comfortable underfoot to protect athletes during the long grind of the season.
A Field Players Love and the Internet Can’t Ignore
Every fall, App State’s field reminds the world that baseball isn’t just a summer game. The yellow foul lines cutting across rich green turf, surrounded by mountains aflame with autumn color, make it one of the most photographed diamonds in college sports.
But as Coach Smith says – it’s not just about the view.
It is about a surface that allows players to:
· Train longer.
· Compete harder.
· Play faster and safer.
· And chase championships – all on a field built for performance.
AstroTurf Diamond Series: Beauty. Precision. Appalachian Toughness.
Appalachian State did not just build a beautiful ballpark – they built a baseball destination.
One that showcases the majesty of the High Country while delivering the reliability, resilience, and performance that Division I baseball demands.
The world sees the view. The players feel the difference.
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.
