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Sports Turf Summit 2004
Artificial Turf is gaining ground
After Amsterdam in 2003, the world's most important sports turf convention – STS 2004 - was held in Berlin this year from 2 to 3 November. "Sports Turf Summit 2004" fully focused on the newest synthetic turf systems, although a few growers of natural lawns made every effort "to sharpen the blades of natural grass”.
However, after hearing the presentations of the planning and construction manager of the Norwegian football association, several stadium operators as well as sports facilities constructors from different countries, it became clear to the audience that synthetic turf systems will – and even must – gain more ground. A few main reasons for this development are briefly described below.
- In Scandinavia (where soccer has become one of the most popular sports) football pitches with natural turf can only be used four months a year. During the rest of a year the pitches are closed because they are unplayable due to snow or long rainy periods.
- According to recent studies artificial turf surfaces can be used up to 4,400 hours per year. This is the main reason for installing synthetic pitches because natural turf can only be used during 150 hours per year, without suffering severe damage.
- The maintenance costs for football pitches with natural grass are three times higher than those for artificial turf systems.
- Every soccer club needs additional playing areas for training purposes to save the main natural pitch for matches. On the other hand a single synthetic turf can be used for all training periods as well as for other activities and events.
An evaluation of natural turf pitches should consider the high maintenance costs and the need for providing additional trainings areas, as well as the rather limited time of intensive use. All these economic aspects clearly demonstrate the main advantages of artificial turf surfaces.
Artificial Grass does not cause more injuries
Studies of the responsible football associations - FIFA and UEFA – have proven that there are no major differences in sports functional properties between the latest generation of artificial turf systems and natural turf. From medical points of view artificial grass causes obviously no higher injury risk for the players.
Please visit http://www.stadiaexpo.com/ for more details regarding the "Sports Turf Summit 2004".
(Lenzing Plastics Report, 03/2004)
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