"I coach high school, premier and club soccer. I've played on a lot of indoor artificial turf fields and have seen the benefits first hand. I remember playing on the old surfaces. My knees, back and ankles would get so sore. This new artificial turf just doesn't even compare."
Dave DeConto
Donated $250,000 for artificial turf field at Sandwich High School in Massachusetts
A New Generation of Synthetic Turf
Synthetic turf was introduced to much fanfare in the 1960s, but it was not until the early 1980s when a vastly improved, second generation product gained widespread popularity. With significant enhancements in performance, drainage, durability, quality and safety since that time, the synthetic turf market is now booming in its three major segments: athletic fields, landscaping and golf, with athletic fields representing 35% to 40% of the overall market.
Worldwide: AMI Consulting estimates that the global market for all synthetic turf was approximately 505 million square feet in 2005, and has grown approximately 20% per year since 2001.
In North America: AMI estimates that approximately 59 million square feet of synthetic turf was installed in 2005 for full-size (greater than 60,000 square feet) athletic fields. AMI believes that the market will continue to grow at this rate through 2009 to approximately 124 million square feet. Primary targets are the 45,000 + colleges, high schools and middle schools in the U.S., many with multiple fields.
The Synthetic Turf Council estimates that annual full-size installations of synthetic turf for athletic fields in the U.S. increased approximately 100% from 2003-2005, from approximately 400 installations in 2003 to approximately 800 in 2005.
Why the Growth?
There are several factors contributing to the increased demand for synthetic turf, including significantly improved safety since its introduction. Other factors include:
- Proliferation of multi use athletic fields, with durability a key factor in increased utilization
- Lower annual operating costs and ongoing maintenance requirements
- Favorable environmental aspects - eliminating water usage, pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, and utilizing recycled auto tires for the infill
- Extension of the playing seasons for all sports, and the ability to use the surface in all weather conditions
To learn more about the benefits of synthetic turf, click here.
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