Astro Turf was installed in 1965 in the newly built Astrodome in Houston, Texas. It was then that artificial turf first came to prominence. Astro Turf and similar surfaces gained popularity in the 1970s and were used in both indoor and outdoor stadiums for baseball and gridiron football in the United States and Canada.

The first artificial turf or the Astro Turf was a far harder surface than grass and so was prone to cause more injuries to the players when they slid or fell on the ground. Artificial turf or Astro turf was also regarded as aesthetically unappealing to many fans when compared to natural grass sports pitches. This was the reason why the use of Astro turf was then banned by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and by many domestic soccer associations.

However, in recent years, both governing bodies have expressed an interest in resurrecting the use of artificial athletic surfaces. This is owing to the fact that the new artificial playing surfaces are far superior to the artificial turf of the earlier decades.  Third Generation artificial grass (as it is also known) is developed from synthetic materials, polypropylene and sometimes, polyethylene using sand and rubber infill. These artificial sports surfaces offer many advantages. They can be used all year round. Also, these sports surfaces require minimal maintenance.

The latest artificial sports surfaces are also safe for the players. The shock pad just beneath the top layer of artificial sports surface offers protection to players whilst sliding and falling on the surface. This is also the reason why athletics surfaces or athletics tracks also make use of artificial grass nowadays.

As compared to natural track surfaces, artificial athletics tracks are more durable; they can withstand the use of spikes. As a result, they can be used all year round to offer more training and competing opportunities for the athletes. Also, artificial athletics tracks offer optimum support to the players. It is because these tracks are slip-resistant and therefore protect the athletes from falls and injuries. Also, artificial athletic surfaces or athletics tracks comprise impermeable double compound polyurethane system, which allows for better drainage whilst making the surface uniform and durable.

Artificial athletics tracks offer optimum support to the players. It is because these tracks are slip-resistant and therefore protect the athletes from falls and injuries. Also, artificial athletic surfaces or athletics tracks comprise impermeable double compound polyurethane system, which allows for better drainage whilst making the surface uniform and durable. Learn more on Synthetic Athletic Surfaces.