Synthetic grass surface could be the answer for Telstra Dome
A synthetic grass playing surface could be the answer for Melbourne’s troubled Telstra Dome, according to an expert.

John Curtis CEO of TEAM Sports Surfaces said that synthetic grass as an alternative to natural turf had been successfully used in Europe, Asia and the United States for many years, but Australian sports administrators had been slow to consider using synthetic grass for sporting fields.

“Synthetic football pitches using third generation technology offer a sustainable business solution for councils, clubs and stadiums who struggle with maintenance costs, harsh weather conditions, wear and tear and sporting injuries.

“With the International Rules game scheduled to be played at Telstra Dome on October 28, it is time to now investigate how the playing surface can be improved,” said Curtis.

In recent months the Telstra Dome has come under fire for the poor condition of its turf which has been blamed for leg injuries to several top AFL players.

More recently controversy surrounded the ground during the one-day international cricket match between Australia and the World XI, with some Australian players resorting to fielding in football boots to combat the slippery surface.

John Curtis said: “Our synthetic playing surfaces have considerable potential for AFL venues and will help ensure the safety of players with the synthetic turf itself featuring the shock absorption characteristics of natural grass – essential for running, tackling and sliding and for reducing the risk of friction burn.

“There is more demand for synthetic surfaces for football venues in the international market, but we believe that it is only a matter of time before Australia follows the rest of the world and starts using synthetic grass for AFL, rugby league, rugby union and soccer venues as well,” Curtis said.

Nick Pye, Managing Director for Sports Super Centre at Runaway Bay in Queensland said that the synthetic football pitch installed by TEAM has worked well.

“The football pitch is one of the best things we have at the centre which can be line marked for rugby league, union, soccer and American football accommodating international representative teams.

“We have had the Essendon Bombers train on the pitch and some high profile rugby union teams including the Wallabies, Reds and Hurricanes as well as quite a few Rugby League teams including the Bulldogs, Eels, Rabbitohs, Broncos, Tigers and both State of Origin teams.

“There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from people who have used the pitch. At first people don’t realise that it is synthetic, they just think that we keep the grass really healthy,” said Pye.

TEAM is also a FIFA recommended licensee. FIFA has embraced the use of synthetic surfaces for football fields around the world.

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Released for TEAM Sports Surfaces by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations.
For further information please call Marie Tritsaris
or David Lizzio on 02 9413 4244.