Commemorating 60 Years of AstroTurf
Transforming sport and spaces for six decades
It’s 1965. The Beatles top the US music charts with ‘Ticket to Ride’. The space race is on. The Ranger 8 Moon Mission Launch photographs the ‘Sea of Tranquillity’ - a region of the moon that would later become the historic landing site for Apollo 11. The first human spacewalks take place, marking crucial steps in understanding human capabilities in zero gravity and paving the way for future space missions. Space exploration moves into the cultural mainstream as production begins on the second pilot episode of Star Trek Where No Man Has Gone Before.
A pioneering year for sport and space
And sport follows suit into uncharted territory. Legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali resists induction into the U.S. Army and sparks a pivotal moment in the human rights movement. Randy Matson becomes the first track and field athlete to throw a shot put beyond 70 feet. And the day before NASA’s historic Gemini VII Mission concludes, successfully testing human endurance for long-duration spaceflight, the iconic Houston Astrodome Opens.
The new playing surface is AstroTurf. An industry is born.
The space race inspires AstroTurf’s launch
The Houston Astrodome was the world’s first domed multi-sports complex and the launch pad for AstroTurf synthetic turf products. At the time the facility was built, the Astrodome was a marvel of sports architecture. While stunning and thoughtfully designed to align with the progressive vision prevalent during the space race era, the structure had a fatal flaw: the clear Lucite panels of the dome created a near-blinding glare that made it almost impossible for athletes to catch pop-ups. The harsh glare and lack of sunlight also made it nearly impossible to maintain natural grass.
The answer to the Astrodome’s issue was AstroTurf. Originally known as ‘ChemGrass’, this trailblazing innovation quickly became the go-to solution for professional and collegiate sports venues seeking to overcome the limitations of natural turf.
“AstroTurf products have set the stage for some of the most iconic moments in sports history.”
Leading surface innovation for 60 years
Subsequently becoming part of Sport Group, AstroTurf significantly broadened its reach and capabilities to remain at the leading edge of athletic surface innovation for 60 years.
AstroTurf products have set the stage for some of the most iconic moments in sports history. Since the very first major league game ever played on synthetic turf between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 21 1966, at the iconic Houston Astrodome, AstroTurf served as the playing surface for 12 World Series, 11 Super Bowls, 10 Olympics, 8 Major League All-Star Games, and 36 NFL Pro Bowls.
A continual mission to push the limits of turf technology
Over the years, AstroTurf has never rested on its achievements. Instead, a relentless drive to improve and reinvent has propelled our technology ever closer to replicating the feel, performance, and safety of natural grass—all while offering the durability and low-maintenance benefits that only synthetic turf can provide.
Thanks to our forward-thinking customers, scientists, athletes, coaches and employees
It has been a remarkable six-decade journey—from the Astrodome to today’s advanced multi-sport systems that cater to football, baseball, field hockey, golf, and more and have made AstroTurf part of popular culture from Trivial Pursuit to Toy Story. This celebration pays tribute not only to our rich legacy but also to the people who have brought it to life.
Congratulations to everyone involved in helping this crucial part of our mission to transform sport and space to succeed. From our forward-thinking customers, scientists, athletes, coaches and employees, it has been a blast. Here’s to the next 60 years.