The first synthetic grass surface, Chemgrass was invented in 1964 by two employees of the Chemstrand Company (now Monsanto Textiles Company). In 1994, Southwest Recreational Industries, Inc., acquired the AstroTurf brand and its proprietary manufacturing techniques and equipment.

The first surface installations, as intended by the Ford Foundation, were indeed in public areas such as schools and neighborhoods, however, within a couple years the major league stadiums came seeking a solution to their surface woes. The first of these contracts was with the AstroDome in Houston, Texas. Newly built, the AstroDome was to use natural grass under a domed roof. However, lack of sufficient sunlight resulted in dead grass and a contract with Chemgrass to install the new synthetic turf. In 1967, "Chemgrass" blossomed into the more dynamic "AstroTurf" and major stadiums signed on nationwide. By 1970, AstroTurf had crossed the pond and made its first appearance in Europe (Sportschule Hennef, Germany); for the last 35 years, AstroTurf has been supplying athletic venues all over the world from Argentina to Pakistan, Hong Kong to the Netherlands.

But it’s not the end of the competition or the outside threats. There are many competing brands and views on synthetic turf versus natural grass.

AstroTurf has stared down such formidable opponents as 3M’sTartan Turf, American Biltrite’s PolyTurf, and J.F. Adolff AG’s PoliGras, but more brands have sprouted up to take their place. The latest attack is a head on assault by FieldTurf Inc. FieldTurf brought a suit against Southwest in early 2000, alleging predatory pricing, patent infringement and unfair practices in general. In conjunction with its litigation tactics, FieldTurf launched a marketing and advertising campaign broadcasting claims against Southwest and its products – including AstroTurf. At this point, Southwest sued FieldTurf for false advertising, breach of agreement and disparagement. In late 2000, a jury found in favor of Southwest on its false advertising and breach of contract claims and the result was a US$1.2M award for lost profits and US$500,000 for punitive damages. However FieldTurf’s January 2000 case is still pending in the courts.

Over the years, Southwest has worked to improve its AstroTurf product, making it softer, less abrasive, tufted, knitted – customizing it for the specific needs of individual sports. Still when a player leaves the field with a bad injury, very often it’s the surface that gets the blame. The eternal green of synthetic turf is a blessing for venues without the means for natural grass or upkeep, but the downside is that it can cause abrasions and other injuries. For the fans, it’s often a blanket reference to "astroturf" that’s sent to the penalty box when a player goes down. However, the folks at Southwest are not concerned that their AstroTurf brand will be mistaken for an inferior product. They contend that the purchasing director for an athletic venue does distinguish between a Sprinturf and an AstroPlay, and therefore, AstroTurf is still judged in the industry on its individual reputation.

In fact reputation is one of the key strengths for AstroTurf. Its 35-year legacy includes testing resources, longtime contracts with stadiums to provide and maintain the product, and an aim to continually improve the product year after year to adapt with the industry. Now if they could just work out a way to get your team to win, all would be right with the world.

ADDENDUM: In 2004, Southwest Recreational Industries, which held the rights to making AstroTurf, went out of business after filing for bankruptcy. So much for our powers of foresight....

Robin D. Rusch lives and works in New York City.