An indoor turf field can be an excellent choice for even the most competitive sports. Indoor fields are less susceptible to the elements, with the ability to condition the space and ensure optimal performance. 

While facilities managers can choose from a range of options for turf, infill, shock absorption and drainage, the application dictates the most appropriate selection in each category. 

Application 

The planned use of the field is a key consideration that affects choices for turf, infill and more.  

An indoor turf field intended primarily for small children to play in the evenings or weekends may require more evaluation for safety, but less concern about high impact and long-term wear. Turf fields for professional training or heavy use, on the other hand, should focus primarily on effective performance and long-term durability.  

Whether the project involves schools, training centers, community recreation facilities or recreational metal buildings designed to house year-round athletic activities, the application dictates the most appropriate selection in each category. 

Indoor turf selection 

Turf selection determines how well the surface holds up during use and how it feels to players as they walk on it.  

Nylon tends to be the most durable, with the ability to handle high impact without losing its shape. Polyethylene feels softer and looks more like natural grass, making it ideal for applications like soccer fields. Polypropylene is the least expensive but also the least durable.  

For all options, pile height affects look and performance. A higher pile feels more like grass but can hinder movement in certain types of sports. 

Infill systems 

Choosing the right infill can affect shock absorption, heat and other factors. The most appropriate choice depends on the sport, region and climate. Facility managers can usually choose between three types: 

• Rubber crumb 
• Silica sand 
• Organic infill, such as cork or coconut 

Rubber provides the best cushion but can absorb excessive heat. Silica sand maintains its shape but does not absorb impact like rubber. Organic products are cooler than rubber, but they tend to cost more. 

Shock absorption 

The ability to absorb shock is a factor of safety as well as performance. High-impact sports like football may require higher levels of shock absorption. Infill options like rubber can improve cushioning, but facilities can also install a shock pad below the turf for additional support.  

For any choice, facility teams may opt to GMAX test the field, a process that tests shock absorption capabilities, indicating how much a player will feel it when they fall. The results can guide maintenance planning, as well as help with infill and turf choices for future replacement. 

Drainage 

Although drainage is a critical element of successful outdoor turf field management, it is a key aspect of indoor turf fields, as well. Indoor fields need drainage to handle cleaning solutions, spilled drinks and accidental flooding.  

Typically, under the infill, the facility will have a thick layer of crushed stone or dust to absorb liquids and allow them to drain properly. Fields with high water use, from spray cleaning or other applications, may need additional draining pipes to remove excess water. 

Maintenance 

Turf for indoor fields is known for its ease of maintenance, but it still requires regular upkeep. Infill may occasionally need repair or replacement to maintain a smooth surface for sports, and damage or wear of the turf surface may require replacement.  

In all cases, routine cleaning of the entire surface is a necessity. Facility managers must factor in the time and expense to ensure that the new field receives appropriate care. 

Building an indoor turf field for performance, playability, durability and safety calls for consideration of various elements. By making choices for turf, infill, shock absorption and drainage that work with the intended use, facilities managers can help to ensure maximum use and efficacy. 

<p>The post Key turf specs every facility manager needs to know for maximum turf performance first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

At the 77th Annual NATA Clinical Symposia and AT Expo, hosted by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association from June 29-July 2 in Philadelphia, that challenge was part of a broader conversation about the many factors that shape athlete health, performance and availability. As athletic trainers take an increasingly holistic view of player health and recovery, playing surface consistency is becoming a more important part of the equation. 

“Athletic trainers are already evaluating how workload, movement, fatigue and confidence affect athlete performance over a long season,” said Joe Fields, president and CEO of TenCate Americas.  “The surface beneath the athlete is part of that environment. Our focus at NATA was on reducing one of the variables athletes experience by making the field feel and respond more consistently under repeated use.”

At the event, TenCate featured Pivot Performance Turf, a next-generation turf system designed to deliver a more consistent playing experience without rubber infill. By removing the loose rubber layer found in traditional synthetic turf, Pivot is designed to reduce one of the variables that affects how a field feels and responds during repeated use.

The topic was especially relevant at NATA, where athletic trainers, researchers and sports medicine leaders evaluate the many factors that influence how athletes prepare, compete and recover. As that work becomes more data-driven, playing surface performance is becoming part of the broader environment that shapes long-term athlete health.

For athletes, consistency matters during the movements they rely on most: planting, cutting, sprinting, decelerating, landing and pushing off again. A more predictable surface can help athletes train and compete with greater confidence while giving athletic programs another factor to consider when evaluating the demands placed on athletes over a long season, according to the company.

“Pivot was developed around the way athletes actually use a field,” said Colin Young, Ph.D., chief technical officer at TenCate. “That means looking beyond traditional turf measurements and focusing on how the surface feels and responds through repeated use.”

Pivot was developed through athlete-centered biomechanical research, including testing with college and professional athletes across many sports. That work helped TenCate better understand how athletes interact with the surface during sport-specific movement and apply those insights to Pivot’s design, replicating the response athletes expect from high-quality natural grass.

The infill-free design is central to that approach. Traditional turf systems often rely on loose rubber, sand or other infill materials to help shape how the surface feels and responds when athletes plant, cut, accelerate, decelerate and absorb force. Pivot removes that loose rubber layer and is designed to provide a more consistent surface during repeated use.

For schools, universities, municipalities and sports facilities, that distinction extends beyond the sports medicine staff. A more consistent field can support athlete confidence, coaching decisions, facility planning and long-term field management.

“Athletic trainers are dealing with more information, more expectations and more pressure to help athletes stay on the field,” Fields said.  “That raises the standard for every part of the athletic environment, including the surfaces beneath them.”

The post-event takeaway is the importance of looking beyond how a field appears on installation day and paying closer attention to how it performs under repeated athletic use. Pivot is designed around that standard, giving athletes a surface that responds consistently over long-term use.

“Athletes need surfaces they can trust,” Young said. “When the field responds consistently, athletes can train, compete and return to play with greater confidence.”

<p>The post TenCate showcases Pivot Performance Turf at the Annual NATA Clinical Symposia and Expo first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

The equipment donation directly supports the Arboretum’s focus on connecting people and plants as it welcomes nearly 700,000 visitors annually to experience the fruits of its horticultural research, education and beautiful garden spaces. 

“We are grateful for Toro’s donation of the Groundsmaster 4000-D. The Arboretum features undulating grassy spaces across its 1,200 acres, nestled between thousands of trees, dozens of display gardens and other unique collections,” said Jared Rubinstein, University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum director of horticulture and collections. “This new mower will replace a decades-old Toro unit as the primary mower for managing the height of the Arboretum’s grass areas. Keeping our grounds precisely maintained to a high standard is vitally important as an Arboretum.” 

The Toro Groundsmaster 4000-D is a heavy-duty, wide-area rotary mower featuring a 11-foot cutting width which helps to streamline operations.

“Toro is incredibly proud to support the Arboretum’s mission of inspiring visitors through horticultural research and education,” said Josh Jans, Toro’s senior marketing manager for sports fields and grounds. “Our equipment is engineered specifically to meet the rigorous demands of world-class landscapes like this one. It’s a privilege to know that Toro’s industry-leading technology plays a vital role in maintaining these grounds in absolute peak condition for nearly 700,000 visitors to experience and enjoy year-round.”

Managing the expansive grounds and natural woodlands requires a dedicated horticulture team of 60 full- and part-time staff, college students, volunteer groups and a full fleet of Toro equipment. The new Groundsmaster mower replaces an aging machine, adding to a fleet that includes Toro Workman utility vehicles, a Toro Vista passenger vehicle, a Toro Dingo compact utility vehicle, battery-operated leaf blowers, zero-turn mowers and snowblowers.   

The donation is part of a long-standing partnership between the two Minnesota organizations. In addition to equipment donations, Toro has contributed in-kind and monetary donations as well as thousands of hours of Toro employee volunteer time to the Arboretum.

“At Toro, we know that thriving, accessible green spaces are the foundation of strong communities,” said Marnie Wells, president of The Toro Company Foundation. “We are proud to support organizations, such as the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, that are dedicated to providing and preserving spaces that bring people together, promote well-being and protect the natural landscapes that connect us all.”  

Through its corporate giving initiatives, The Toro Company provides equipment donations, grants and matching gifts to support nonprofits, school districts and municipalities. These resources help local organizations manage green spaces and sports fields and clear snow from sidewalks and driveways, ensuring donated Toro products benefit the beautification of outdoor spaces and have a positive impact on the community at large.  

<p>The post Toro donates equipment to support University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

The announcement also marks one year since Turface Athletics became the Official Industry Educational Partner of THSB in May 2025. Since the partnership began, the organizations have worked together to support coaches, field managers and baseball programs across Texas through field maintenance education, industry resources and recognition programs that help strengthen the game at the high school level. 

“Partnering with Turface Athletics over the past year has allowed us to shine a spotlight on one of the most important, yet often overlooked, parts of high school baseball — the playing surface,” said Josh Pratt, co-owner of Texas HS Baseball. “At Texas High School Baseball, we’ve always believed that great fields are a reflection of great programs. These Field of the Year recipients represent the standard across Texas, and we’re proud to recognize the coaches and crews who put in the work every day to provide a first-class environment for their players.” 

The Field of the Year Awards recognize programs that demonstrate exceptional commitment to field maintenance, player safety and creating a first-class experience for athletes, coaches and their communities. 

The 2026 Texas High School Baseball Field of the Year recipients were recognized across six classifications: 

• 6A Field of the Year: The Backyard at Stratford High School 
• 5A Field of the Year: The Nest at Liberty High School 
• 4A Field of the Year: Van H.S. Baseball Field at Van High School 
• 3A Field of the Year: Tiger Field at Slaton High School 
• 2A Field of the Year: Whitewright Baseball Park at Whitewright High School 
• TAPPS Field of the Year: Warrior Stadium at The Woodlands Christian Academy 

“We’re excited to be celebrating one year of partnering with Texas High School Baseball,” said Mike Blunck, Southern regional solutions manager. “These awards really show how committed both of our organizations are to great fields, player safety and helping the game continue to grow across Texas.” 

For decades, Turface Athletics has supported baseball programs at every level through field maintenance products, educational resources and industry support designed to help create safer, more playable fields. The partnership with THSB reflects a shared commitment to supporting the coaches, field managers and communities who continue to invest in the future of the game. 

As part of the program, recipients will receive recognition and support opportunities through Turface Athletics, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to high school baseball field excellence. 

<p>The post Turface Athletics and Texas High School Baseball Announce 2026 Field of the Year Recipients first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Willadsen brings to the role nearly two decades of experience in turfgrass management, irrigation systems and agronomic operations. 

As farm manager, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of Aura Farm while contributing to product development, field trials and agronomic research focused on advancing soil health, water efficiency and plant performance. 

Bringing 17 years of turf management experience, he most recently served as the golf course superintendent at Back Creek Golf Club in Middletown, Del. He brings deep expertise in irrigation, plant health, water conservation and leading maintenance teams.

“Mike’s background in turf management and agronomic operations makes him a strong fit for Aura Farm,” said Matthew Fleetwood, Ph.D., director of R&D. “His experience in managing complex growing environments will be invaluable as we continue advancing product innovation through real-world testing.” 

<p>The post Aquatrols taps Michael Willadsen to lead Aura Farm research facility first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Hebrard recalls standing on the sidelines of the Rose Bowl as a memorable moment in his career. He was invited to work alongside a crew that did things a little differently, but he says he’s never struggled with adaptation and switching gears.

“In this line of work, there’s no playbook. Every time a client asks, ‘Can you do this?’ I say yes, then figure it out. I’ve built my whole career by adapting to challenges no one else has solved before,” says Hebrard.

After managing the basketball team at his alma mater, Portland State University, he was invited to be an assistant coach at West Texas State. Part of this job was selling tickets, and one buyer was John Dittrich, the owner of the Amarillo Gold Sox. Learning of Hebrard’s baseball background as a college catcher, Dittrich invited him to be a bullpen catcher for the team. Hebrard obliged but needed work, so he was hired to help the field manager.

Traveling with the team and speaking to different groundskeepers was integral to building Hebrard’s expertise. Working for the team and practicing with them gave him insights into the quality of the fields and their playability. With this experience, he returned to Portland to start a family. He worked for a seeding business for eight years until his 40th birthday, when he launched Athletic Field Design.

Thirty years ago, Hebrard began using a disc prototype that increased the precision and quality of field painting. The company moved in a different direction but gave Hebrard permission to proceed with it and enhance the device. His innovation, passion and meticulous work set a new standard in the world of field design.

Hebrard stands out in his industry, as he freehands many of the field designs he creates rather than using a stencil. His method is to draw a grid, mapping out the proper sizes, then painting logos using the improved disc design, which has revolutionized athletic turf painting.

“Most of my work doesn’t come out of a stencil. Every job is different, so I freehand the logos and adjust as I go,” says Hebrard.

Hebrard’s process has been to learn through experience; he has become a master at his craft over the past 40 years. His findings on how to create sharp and vibrant field paintings are passed down to his son, Andy, who has also made a name for himself in the world of athletic turf design.

Andy runs his own business in Arizona, Athletic Applications. Although they are in different states, they manage to work on a project together each year and travel to see major league stadiums across the country together.

Both father and son freehand and operate a website, wedontneednostinkinstencils.com, where they have photos of more than 250 designs freehanded by the pair.

When he’s not being called to consult various athletic directors and field professionals, Hebrard enjoys wine tasting with his wife, Kim. And turf painting is truly Hebrard’s passion — he has done yard designs for friends, engagements, holidays and more. Despite having no art background, he has an impressive portfolio of paintings and an understanding of the science and technical skills required to maintain the turf.

“In the end, the easiest and hardest thing in business is the same: just do what you say you’re going to do,” Hebrard says.

<p>The post Get to know Mike Hebrard of Athletic Field Design first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Schuette brings more than two decades of dedicated green industry experience to the role, with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, substantial sales growth and cultural transformation, according to the company. Currently, he is Ewing’s Western Territory turf and ornamental sales manager, where he has been instrumental in growing and expanding the agronomic and sports turf sales teams in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Washington. He also has been working closely with Ewing’s procurement and inventory teams in building Ewing agronomic positioning in the western markets.

He joined Ewing in 2023 after a highly successful tenure at SiteOne Landscape Supply, where he held multiple senior leadership roles, including regional agronomic manager, area manager and branch manager. Throughout his career, Schuette has excelled at turning around underperforming markets, expanding gross margins and pioneering best-in-class training experiences for green industry professionals.

“Ryan has a rich history of building teams and highly successful organizations, making him the ideal leader to spearhead the Mountain West Division,” said Bill Snider, Western territory president. “He is widely known for his ‘shepherding’ style of leadership — guiding, coaching and developing his people to reach their highest potential. We are thrilled to welcome him aboard to build upon the strong foundation Jack York has established through great processes and consistent messaging.”

A graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management, Schuette grew up working on his family’s 5,500-acre farm in Elkton, Mich., a thriving operation that remains fully family-run to this day. Schuette is relocating from California to Colorado to assume his new role.

<p>The post Ryan Schuette becomes new divisional vice president for Ewing Outdoor Supply first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Designed for maximum efficiency, the Sandstorm easily hitches to popular utility vehicles like the Toro Workman, John Deere ProGator, and Cushman Truckster. Turf managers no longer need to rely exclusively on tractors to get heavy work done. Compact yet highly capable, the Sandstorm boasts a self-contained Vanguard 14-horsepower engine.

“With many turf managers relying heavily on utility vehicles and not always having immediate access to tractors, the Sandstorm provides a practical and efficient solution that fits into their maintenance programs,” said Jason Jones, Redexim sales manager North America. “The launch of the Sandstorm Topdresser is particularly exciting for the North American market because it aligns with the day-to-day operational realities our customers face.  

The unit’s design keeps weight low while distributing material evenly, making it ideal for greens and tees where a fine touch is critical. A ribbed belt and hopper shape help prevent build-up, so sand, moist and heavy materials move freely. 

The Vision X Pro digital display provides the ability to control belt speed, spinner speed, driving speed and gate opening from the seat. Operators can save up to 20 profiles for repeatable results across different surfaces and changing conditions. 

<p>The post Redexim launches self‑powered topdresser for UTVs and sensitive turf first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

This automated testing platform is designed to deliver faster, more objective and more reliable insights to ensure products meet or exceed customer handling and use expectations. 

Before products are made available to the market, ATLAS conducts extensive tank-mix compatibility testing, processing 500 to 600 combinations per month — a workload that could take up to six months to complete manually. The robot can go through the entire compatibility process, from sample preparation and mixture imagery to full sample analysis. By removing variability associated with manual assessments, ATLAS produces consistent, repeatable results that help guide product development, stewardship and technical recommendations. 

“ATLAS is another example of how Syngenta is truly innovating through all parts of our R&D process, including application technology,” said Stephanie Schwenke, turf market manager for Syngenta. “By automating and standardizing tank-mix evaluations, we can generate meaningful insights faster, reduce subjectivity and provide greater confidence for our customers’ application decisions.” 

Beyond pre-launch testing, the ATLAS robot is a critical troubleshooting tool for unexpected tank-mix challenges. When issues are difficult to replicate, ATLAS uses customer-provided water and adjuvants to simulate specific application environments. It quickly isolates problems like sedimentation, nozzle plugging and improper mixing orders. This helps Syngenta to better understand what is happening within the spray tank while building a historical testing database to support faster, data-driven troubleshooting.

“The ATLAS system is part of the broader Syngenta innovation ecosystem focused on integrating research, technology and real-world insights to support our customers across markets,” said Mark Coffelt, Ph.D., head of technical services for Syngenta Professional Solutions in North America. “It reinforces the Syngenta commitment to delivering science-backed solutions that help customers work more efficiently.” 

Watch a short behind-the-scenes video of ATLAS here.

<p>The post Syngenta unveils ATLAS robot for tank-mix compatibility testing first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

The project marked Project EverGreen’s first GreenCare for Communities renovation in the city of Boston and transformed a well-loved but aging field into a safer, more functional and environmentally healthier green space for local families, aspiring athletes and neighborhood residents. 

NE-SFMA members volunteered a day’s work to improve the field. The revitalization of the field included a surveyed and reshaped infield, a new home plate, pitching rubber and bases, as well as improvements to outfield and infield drainage and fertilization. The revived green space highlights how similar projects can help communities by creating a safe space for connection and recreation.

“Great fields do more than support play, they help athletes perform safely and communities thrive,” said Tom Barry, CSFM of Greens Farms Academy and a NE-SFMA board director. “This project was a meaningful way for our members to give back, applying their professional expertise to create a field that Roxbury residents can enjoy and be proud of for generations.”

“Healthy green spaces create healthier communities,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “This renovation showcased the incredible generosity of the sports field management profession. Their commitment demonstrates how skilled professionals can make a lasting impact far beyond the facilities they manage every day.”

Since 2008, Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Communities initiative has renovated parks and public green spaces totaling more than 200 million square feet of living green space nationwide.

ScottsMiracle-Gro’s “Keep it Real” initiative includes partnering with nonprofits to support accessibility to field-based activities for children and advocates for the benefits of green spaces. The initiative has supported more than 2,000 children nationwide by providing opportunities to play on natural turf fields.

“From reducing injuries with a softer, more forgiving surface to supporting overall well-being, real grass continues to outperform artificial turf where it matters most, which is why we’re investing in natural fields for the next generation through ‘Keep it Real’” said John Sass, senior vice president of the lawns business unit and chief creative officer at ScottsMiracle-Gro.

<p>The post Project EverGreen and others revitalize youth baseball field in Roxbury, Mass. first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>