Folsom Field’s newly completed turf. Photo courtesy of Max Troderman from Brock USA.
The University of Colorado, Boulder, has replaced Folsom Field’s natural grass with turf, for the first time since 1999.
Construction on the fresh turf began May 28, after the annual Bolder Boulder 10-kilometer run, and finished ahead of the Phish concerts playing at the stadium July 3-5, according to Max Troderman of Brock USA.
The Boulder-based company, which was involved with the project, designs products such infill and shock pads to improve the artificial turf.
CU partnered with United Turf and Track to install the new artificial AstroTurf, in a three week turnaround, said Troderman.
With the expansion of the College Football Playoffs, artificial turf will allow Folsom Field to withstand late season games, when grass doesn’t grow, according to Howell. Other reasons for the switch include being able to host more concerts and events at Folsom, without worrying about damage to the field.
The project cost around $1 million according to Jason Depaepe, CU’s senior deputy athletic director who oversaw the project.
Folsom Field previously had AstroTurf from 1971-1999, during which CU won back-to-back Big 8 titles.
CU hopes to have this field last 12-15 years, according to Brian Howell from the Daily Camera.
However the use of artificial turf on football fields has raised concerns from the sports world, including professional athletes, due to increased injury potential.
According to an article from the National Center for Health Research, a study on the rates of knee injuries for college football players found that non-contact knee injuries occurred 32% more often on turf.
The study also states that concussions from head-to-ground contact were more likely on artificial turf, as well as more serious. Artificial turf with rubber infill can have a much higher surface temperature than natural grass, putting athletes at a higher risk of heat-related illness.
Folsom Field during turf installation. Photo courtesy of Max Troderman from Brock USA.
Brock USA has worked on fields ranging from parks to NFL fields, and the new Folsom Field has a Brock ShockPad installed under the turf, to create a layer between the turf surface and hard ground. The ShockPad aims to reduce head injuries and helps the turf to last longer.
The new turf also utilizes BrockFILL, a organic substitute for the usual rubber infill in turf, made from “tiny wood particles,” according to the Brock website.
“The goal of the surface is to mimic a great natural grass surface,” said Dan Sawyer, CEO of Brock. “Everything we do at Brock is trying to get artificial turf to mimic a great natural grass surface.”
The fill also aims to reduce the heat of the field.
“The main reason we feel that BrockFILL is superior to rubber is that it is approximately 30 degrees cooler than a rubber infill field,” said Depaepe. “It also has better traction and less splash.”
Some think the new turf could also improve the Buffs’ athletic performance, as their practice facility at the Champion’s Center has artificial turf.
Before the project began, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders expressed his approval over the change. “We plan on making the playoffs,” he said at a press conference in April. “We don’t want to play on a frozen tundra.”
Colorado is now the 11th out of 16 schools in the Big 12 to have a turf field, allowing the Buffs to get more practice on the surface they play on most.
Sawyer, a CU alum, said Brock gathers feedback from athletes playing on their surfaces. “I can’t wait to hear the feedback from the opposing teams,” he said. “You know, as they lose game after game in Folsom.”
The Buffs will play their inaugural game this fall on the new turf on August 29 against Georgia Tech.
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Lila Nuttle at lila.nuttle@colorado.edu
