The Evolution
Of Artificial Turf
1960s
1970s to 1990s
Artificial turf has changed considerably since it was first used at the Houston Astrodome in 1966. Just five of Major League Baseball’s 30 teams play on artificial turf; 14 of the NFL’s 30 stadiums have artificial turf.
Short, abrasive
nylon fibers
1" deep
Short, abrasive
nylon fibers
Sand infill
3/4" deep
Soft cushion
Glued to
concrete or
asphalt
Soft cushion
1" deep
Asphalt
2000s
2010s
Present
Soft, grass-like
polypropylene
fibers
Soft, grass-like,
polypropylene
fibers
Soft, grass-like
polypropylene fibers
Sand and rubber infill
Sand and
rubber infill
Sand and
rubber infill
Rock
Soft pads used
occasionally
Soft cushion
Rock
Rock
Sources: Synthetic Turf Council; globalsportmatters.com
Steve Madden / Staff Artist
The Evolution
Of Artificial Turf
Artificial turf has changed considerably since it was first used at the Houston Astrodome in 1966. Just five of Major League Baseball’s 30 teams play on artificial turf; 14 of the NFL’s 30 stadiums have artificial turf.
1960s
Short, abrasive
nylon fibers
Soft cushion
Glued to
concrete or
asphalt
1970s to 1990s
Short, abrasive
nylon fibers
1" deep
Sand infill
3/4" deep
Soft cushion
1" deep
Asphalt
2000s
Soft, grass-like
polypropylene fibers
Sand and rubber infill
Rock
2010s
Soft, grass-like
polypropylene
fibers
Sand and
rubber infill
Soft pads used
occasionally
Rock
Present
Soft, grass-like,
polypropylene
fibers
Sand and
rubber infill
Soft cushion
Rock
Sources: Synthetic Turf Council; globalsportmatters.com
Steve Madden / Staff Artist
