Major League Baseball Stadiums With Artificial Turf
Artificial turf has come a long way since its original introduction to Major League Baseball (MLB) in the 1960s. Once known for its hard, unforgiving surface, today’s artificial turf is much more advanced, with a softer, more natural feel that closely mimics real grass. While many stadiums still opt for natural grass, there are still several stadiums in the MLB that use artificial turf. In this article, we’ll take a look at the major league baseball stadiums with artificial turf, including their unique features and characteristics.
Rogers Centre - Toronto Blue Jays
The Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, was the first stadium to feature a fully retractable roof. While the stadium was originally designed with natural grass, it was replaced with AstroTurf in 2018. The new turf features a combination of high-density polyethylene and nylon fibers, giving it a natural look and feel. The artificial turf also includes a shock-absorbent pad, making it a safer playing surface for athletes.
Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays
Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, has been using artificial turf since its opening in 1990. The current turf is called Shaw Sports Turf and features a mix of polyethylene and nylon fibers. Additionally, the stadium has a unique feature called the “Touch Tank,” which houses live rays and is located just beyond the right-center field wall.
Globe Life Field - Texas Rangers
Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, opened in 2020 with an artificial turf playing surface. The turf, which is manufactured by Shaw Sports Turf, features a combination of polyethylene and nylon fibers. Additionally, the stadium features a retractable roof, allowing for a comfortable playing environment in any weather.
Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks
Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has used artificial turf since 2019. The turf, which is also manufactured by Shaw Sports Turf, features a combination of polyethylene and nylon fibers, as well as a shock-absorbent pad. Additionally, the stadium features a retractable roof and a swimming pool located behind the right-center field wall.
Citi Field - New York Mets
Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, has used artificial turf since 2020. The turf, which is manufactured by Shaw Sports Turf, features a combination of polyethylene and nylon fibers, as well as a shock-absorbent pad. Additionally, the stadium features a unique feature called the “Home Run Apple,” a giant apple that rises out of the ground every time a Mets player hits a home run.
Conclusion
While natural grass is still the preferred playing surface for many MLB stadiums, artificial turf has come a long way in recent years and is now a viable option for many teams. With its softer, more natural feel and advanced shock-absorbent technology, artificial turf can provide a safe and comfortable playing surface for athletes, even in inclement weather conditions. Whether you prefer natural grass or artificial turf, there’s no denying that both options can offer a unique and exciting playing experience for fans and players alike.