![Cal Ripken World Series Being Competed on Synthetic Turf]()
by Shelby Becker
The prestigious international tournament for baseball’s youth teams is currently being hosted at Ballparks of America, a facility with five fields completely outfitted with synthetic turf.
Ballparks of America is a baseball experience that allows youth players to become immersed in the Major League feel. It started 17 years ago when three dads had a vision to bring back the joy of baseball and the sense of belonging it creates for players and families. Baseball of America was created to be a destination to learn about the history of the sport and for youths to play it themselves. The campus features miniature versions of five of the most iconic stadiums across the US: the Saint Louis stadium, the Chicago field, the Boston park, the Detroit field, and the Brooklyn field. These 2/3 sized pitches were created to perfectly match the dimensions and elements that make each stadium unique. All of the stadiums are complete with the latest synthetic turf technology that allows for consistent and nonstop play throughout the summer months. This is crucial for the play-ability of this facility which has held 19 tournaments from March of this year to August.
Today is the final day of one of Ballparks of America’s most notable events- the Cal Ripken World Series. This tournament is the culmination event of the Babe Ruth League’s Cal Ripken Major/70 Tournament Trail. Throughout the past week 8 U.S Regional Champions and 8 International teams have been facing off to win the CRWS title, and tonight the two finalist teams will face off. The game will be streamed live at 6:55 (CT) on the Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series facebook page, where Atlantic Beach, FL will be competing against Japan!
We’re excited to see how these boys perform, and couldn’t be happier that this tournament is being played on our artificial grass. As a company committed to player safety, we’re honored to be the surface for which these teams play on. We wish the best of luck to both the Japan and Florida team, and would like to congratulate each of the other 14 teams for their hard work this season.
Check out Ballparks of America.
Learn more about how synthetic turf can benefit your baseball team.
Shelby Becker is a creative content creator and marketing specialist at Act Global. She’s an animal rights activist, avid concert-goer, and scary movie enthusiast. Follow her on LinkedIn .
For more information, contact marketing at sbecker@actglobal.com
![Cal Ripken World Series Being Competed on Synthetic Turf]()
by Shelby Becker
Rutherford Park is a recreational area located above the underground McTavish Reservoir of Montréal,Quebec. For years the park has been a shared asset to both the students of McGill University and the people living in the surrounding neighborhood. In an effort by City of Montréal to improve this public facility, Carpell Surfaces was contracted to supply and install a multipurpose synthetic turf pitch.
The full size multipurpose field was completed in the spring by our Canadian partner, Carpell Surfaces. We had the opportunity to provide the artificial grass pitch that features a mix of two fibers that are designed to withstand the most intense use and to be non-abrasive for player comfort. This mix of fibers, along with the Ecofill infill, creates a system that is both environmentally friendly and integrates into the natural landscape of Mount Royal Park’s surroundings. Since Carpell’s completion, McGill University students have been able to use the facility to practice soccer, rugby, lacrosse, and football. On weekends, the pitch is open to the public for practices and pick-up games.
The Mayor of Montréal Dennis Coderre commented on the benefits of having the shared synthetic turf pitch as part of the park: “We are able to find a magnificent equilibrium, where youth have access to sports”.
We want to thank Carpell Surfaces for their dedication and shared mentality to share the positive impact of sports.
Find out how artificial grass can benefit your sports facility and players.
Check out Carpell Surfaces.
Shelby Becker is a creative content creator and marketing specialist at Act Global. She’s an animal rights activist, avid concert-goer, and scary movie enthusiast. Follow her on LinkedIn .
For more information, contact marketing at sbecker@actglobal.com
![Cal Ripken World Series Being Competed on Synthetic Turf]()
by Shelby Becker
The first iterations of artificial turf were invented in 1964, and was taken to new heights after it was installed at the Houston Astrodome in 1966. In the early days of the industry, synthetic turf saved facilities money and time. More than 50 years later, artificial turf has evolved exponentially. Not only does it look and feel even more like natural grass than ever before, but health and safety experts have given synthetic sports field turf high marks.
Injury Rates
Sports turf fields are made with materials that are designed with the safety of the athlete in mind. Modern turf is designed to meet high standards for traction, rotation, slip resistant, surface abrasion and stability. This includes taking into account the requirements of major sports leagues and federations around the world.
There have been many studies confirming the safety of synthetic grass for athletes. Three recent long-term studies by research teams in Norway and Sweden compared acute injuries on synthetic turf and natural grass. The studies considered the location, type and severity of injuries sustained by players during a four to five year period. Since players and coaches are most concerned with injuries affecting major joints like knees and ankles, in addition to concussions, the research carefully evaluated strains, tears, fractures and concussion. The research concluded that the risk of playing on synthetic sports turf was no greater than the risk of playing on natural grass.
Soccer’s governing body, FIFA asked its Medical Assessment and Research Centre to examine the incidence and severity of injuries sustained on synthetic sports turf and real grass during two FIFA Under-17 World Championships. After analyzing these two global events, FIFA concluded “The research showed that there was very little difference in the incidence, nature and causes of injuries observed during games played on artificial turf compared with those played on grass.”
A similar study by the NCAA among schools in America compared injury rates between natural and artificial grass found the injury rate was slightly lower on synthetic turf (3.5%) than it was on natural grass (4.4%).
Playing Time
Synthetic turf fields increase playing and practice time since athletes can train daily, without concern about whether. The fields do not degrade in wind, rain or snow, which makes for a more stable playing surface. The fields are also consistent season after season.
Sports field turf managers are able to utilize synthetic fields for 3,000 hours a year without rest, whereas natural fields can only be used for around 20 hours a week, which amounts to 680 hours a year.
Crumb Rubber
Since the early 21st century, may artificial turf surfaces contain crumb rubber, which are tiny black crumbs made from pulverized car tires. When poured between the grass blades, this rubber infill adds bounce and cushioning for athletes, which help prevent serious injuries. According to the Synthetic Turf Council, more than 11,000 synthetic turf sports fields are in use in the U.S, many with crumb rubber. Numerous studies have found no elevated health risks from crumb rubber, meaning there is no evidence that crumb rubber is harmful to athletes.
Suitability for Sports
Sports field turf is suitable for any kind of sport. Many facilities already use sports field turf for putting greens and driving ranges. Baseball and football fields are hardier and more versatile when artificial grass is used. Artificial turf is an alternative for tennis facilities that want to offer players a grass surface without the taxing upkeep of grass court tennis. Many track and field events now take place on a synthetic grass infield. Playgrounds and multi-purpose centers are also using sports turf effectively.
Benefits of Sports Field Turf
- The artificial grass is visually appealing, it looks green all the time.
- It is suitable in all kinds of weather, with no additional maintenance needed.
- It is durable and can last for many years.
- Artificial grass benefits the environment by saving water and reducing the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
Shelby Becker is a creative content creator and marketing specialist at Act Global. She’s an animal rights activist, avid concert-goer, and scary movie enthusiast. Follow her on LinkedIn .
For more information, contact marketing at sbecker@actglobal.com
![Cal Ripken World Series Being Competed on Synthetic Turf]()
by Shelby Becker
Back in 2011 we had the opportunity to work with the United States Air Force Academy to supply a sailplane landing area (SPLA) for the school. About 50% of the cadets within the Air Force Academy begin taking courses in soaring sailplanes and glider jets. This education in aviation and airmanship familiarizes the cadets with important aspects of the Air Force. Act Global’s AvTurf gives these pilots a successful and smooth landing surface.
The synthetic turf strip receives heavy use by the Academy. It is estimated that there are approximately 160 landings per day in the summer and 100 landing per day in the school year. This is about 18,000-19,600 landings on the SPLA each year-meaning well over 100,000 landings since its installation. This 1.3 million square-foot area features 4 landing strips and is well over the size of 23 NFL football fields. The artificial grass allows for cutting-edge visibility of landing markers and prevents premature degradation of the Air Force’s fleet.
Act Global AvTurf is continuing to support the USAFA by providing attentive maintenance tips and work when needed. We are proud to work with an institution that is helping shape well-rounded leaders, defined by their drive, smarts, character and motivation. We hope that our AvTurf system will continue to serve these cadets in their time at the Academy.
For more information on AvTurf.
For more information about the landing area installation.
Shelby Becker is a creative content creator and marketing specialist at Act Global. She’s an animal rights activist, avid concert-goer, and scary movie enthusiast. Follow her on LinkedIn .
For more information, contact marketing at sbecker@actglobal.com
![Cal Ripken World Series Being Competed on Synthetic Turf]()
by Shelby Becker
Work on Mount Dora Christian Academy’s new football field featuring artificial grass is kicking off.
Mount Dora Christian Academy is a preschool through secondary education school that strives to help students strengthen their religious relationships, build a foundation of moral character, and achieve academic success. Since 1945, the school has work to develop well rounded learners in a positive community with diverse options of extracurricular sports teams, clubs, and volunteer opportunities. Mount Dora focuses on providing students with an abundant amount of resources so that they can excel in all aspects of their education. We’re excited to work with an academy that works hard to give back to the community and values such high moral character.
Act Global is installing a new football field for the academy that will have versatility to allow for practices by the softball and baseball teams as needed. The pitch will feature our BDX 60 with Green Play, a surface that has been engineered with specific components to keep players safe. We wanted to provide the Bulldogs with a surface that will give them the confidence they need to excel on the field, and our Xtreme Turf line will do just that.
Be sure to keep up to date on this project and more by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Learn more about our Xtreme Turf line.
Shelby Becker is a creative content creator and marketing specialist at Act Global. She’s an animal rights activist, avid concert-goer, and scary movie enthusiast. Follow her on LinkedIn .
For more information, contact marketing at sbecker@actglobal.com
