FieldTurf will install a full sized football field within the UPMC Sports Performance Center, joint practice facility for both organsations, as well as a smaller outdoor practice area. Work on the project is scheduled to begin in May of 2000 and be ready for play by mid-June.
With well over 150 installations worldwide, FieldTurf's first major breakthrough was triggered by the surface installed for the Nebraska Cornhuskers Memorial Stadium in August 1999. The Steelers decision has been made as a result of positive reports about the playing characteristics of FieldTurf.
According to FieldTurf CEO John Gilman, "This is the first of many other professional teams on the cusp of making the switch from conventional turf to the FieldTurf system. Twelve years ago, the FieldTurf system was created as a natural grass substitute for the golf industry. Shortly thereafter we realized that FieldTurf's application on a playing field would be of tremendous value to athletes all over the world."
FieldTurf combines blades of artificial grass with a specially patented infill mixture of sand and cryogenic rubber granules. John Gilman added, "This year saw so many marquee athletes injured, some very seriously, without contact. I believe that FieldTurf will dramatically reduce many of those injuries."
The Pittsburgh Steelers, in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh Panthers, have chosen FieldTurf as their artificial grass supplier.
