Floyd Stadium that is near to Memphis city in Tennessee states installed new synthetic turf on the field this summer. After replacing a grass that had been in place since 2006, the Blue Raiders will take the field for the first time as a whole team on the new turf when preseason practice kicks off starts.
Football coach, who was raised in Memphis, spends his daily jog on the new surface in Floyd Stadium. And since the completion of the project, the players have broken in during the summer practice. Sports players and coaches are pleased with the outcome of the new field; they say it looks like a real national sports field with the character that motivates to play and win. And last Monday, first seven practices were scheduled to be held on the artificial grass rather than then grass practice field.
Installation of artificial grass was completed on July 1 that replaced the previous turf that was initially placed in 2006. The old one was ripping and had patches of wholes that caused a player to injure their ankles, the field needed to be fixed. The new synthetic surface is similar to the old one, mostly sand, a mixture of rubber pellets, artificial grass and other materials, though it is intended to be a sturdier and required less maintenance than the old one. And their new artificial grass has a unique textured pattern, with alternating shades of green and a brighter blue turf in the end zones. The new synthetic turf price tag cost the team $1.1 million, but it was worth it to replace it.
Memphis fans will notice the new turf on the field because of the expansion of the fresh artificial grass across the entire surface. The whole stadium is now covered with synthetic grass, and there is no blue concrete around the playing field. Coaches and players said it had a safer setup than the old grass. In the past, players would run full speed toward the sideline and stop abruptly for not risking slipping on the concrete while wearing cleats. Many coaches in Memphis know that maintaining sports fields are expensive. However, it is not just about the field maintenance, sports health organizations for teams or leagues can be overwhelming making the safety of athletes a number one priority in the sport's industry.
Football player does love not having concrete on the side of the field because they are no longer slip and fall. Also, players are pleased that the area is flat without the holes and bumps that help them to be at a constant speed. Aside from safety, many users like the extra turf around the playing field for additional practice space. Last football games on the old field, some position teams would be crammed into a tight area between the sideline and the edge of the concrete while other groups used the playing field.
Memphis city's sports professionals recommend every stadium in the state to check the synthetic alternatives for their playing field. Companies like Global-Syn Turf, Inc., supply durable synthetic grass products that have innovative technology, which guarantee the safety and comfort of the players as well as the life-spend of the initial investment for all stadiums.