Astroturf (U.S. patent #3332828). A patent for astroturf was filed for
on December 25, 1965 and issued by the USPTO on July 25, 1967.
1950s: The Ford Foundation studied ways to improve the physical
fitness of young people. They observed that rural folks were more
active and fit than urban folks were.
Late 1950s: The Chemstrand Company, a subsidiary of Monsanto
Industries were developing new synthetic fibers for use in carpeting.
Monsanto was encouraging the use of carpets in schools in conjunction
with the Ford Foundation's Educational Facilities Laboratory, headed
by Dr. Harold Gores. Dr. Gores suggested that Chemstrand develop the
perfect urban playing surface, Gores knew about both the Chemstrand
synthetic fiber research and the Ford fitness studies.
1962 - 1966: The Creative Products Group, part of Chemstrand's
research organization worked on creating the new playing surface. The
surface was tested for foot traction and cushioning, weather drainage,
flammability and wear resistance.
1964: The Creative Products Group installs a synthetic turf called
Chemgrass at the Moses Brown School in Providence Rhode Island. This
was the first large-scale installation of a synthetic turf.
1965: Judge Roy Hofheinz builds the AstroDome in Houston, Texas.
Hofheinz consults Monsanto about replacing the natural grass with a
new synthetic playing surface.
1966: The Houston Astros' baseball season begins on a Chemgrass
surface now renamed Astroturf at the AstroDome.
Fall 1966: The Houston Oilers' AFL football season begins on more than
125,000 square feet of removable Astroturf (AstroDome).
1967: Indiana State University Stadium, in Terre Haute, Indiana
becomes the first outdoor stadium installed with Astroturf.
1967: Astroturf patented (U.S. patent #3332828) - A patent for
"monofilament ribbon file product" was issued to Wright and Faria, of
Monsanto Industries.
1986: Astroturf Industries, Inc. formed.
1994: Astroturf Industries, Inc. bought by Southwest Recreational Industries.
Astroturf Competitors
(all no longer available)
Tartan Turf
PolyTurf
SuperTurf
WycoTurf
DurraTurf
Gras
Lectron
PoliGras
All-Pro
Cam Turf
Instant Turf
Stadia Turf
Omniturf
Toray
Unitika
Kureha
KonyGreen
Grass Sport
ClubTurf
Desso
MasterTurf
DLW