reduces any unwanted turf movement dur- ing installation and play. These tiny barbs stop filled or non-filled turf during play but allow for natural expansion and contraction of the turf and panels. The turf was care- fully seamed, rolled and allowed to dry. After drying overnight, the next step was
The goal was simple: allow the team to practice on the same Astroturf Game Day Turf 3D system that was being installed at the team’s permanent home in St. Petersburg.
rolling the large rolls of turf into place across the base structure. In less than 3 hours the team had the turf positioned, trimmed and ready for seam glue. Our molded (patent pending) turf barb system
to secure the turf to the top edge of the panel system between first and second base. The turf grain was running in this direction so this was the starting point. Stainless steel staples shot directly into the panels secure the turf without the need for a nailer board installation. The panels act as a nailer board, base structure, drainage system and shock pad all in one. The process of filling the turf was ac- complished by moving across the field from first and second to the third base line with a SandMatic machine; a total of 6 pounds of rubber and sand per square foot was de- posited. The final step was to staple the en- tire perimeter of the turf into the panel’s top surface and edge. The turf is only se-
cured around the perimeter of the panel mass and around the pitching mound; the weight of the infill and the molded turf barbs keep the turf in place. Lastly, the base paths were groomed, backfilling the small gap in which the turf was tucked, in essence burying the rolled turf edge and creating a finished look. A true testimonial to the system is that immediately after a 2-inch rain fall, the field was completely drained and the only area at the facility that was playable. Rick Nafe, vice president of operations for Tropi- cana Field, said, “The field installation was completed extremely fast with no mess to our facility. This field feels great underfoot, and the ball bounces and rolls just like real grass, what more could you want from a synthetic turf field. We love it!” ■
Dave Barlow is president of Creative Sport Concepts, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL www.ultra- basesystems.com.
www.stma.org
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