Carolina Panthers, high school break ground on new field

Sylva, N.C.-based Smoky Mountain High School, along with the Carolina Panthers, will hold a groundbreaking ceremony May 20 to commemorate the installation of a new athletic field from AstroTurf, AstroTurf announced in a recent release. The new playing surface is being paid for in part by a $200,000 grant provided by the Panthers.

“This AstroTurf system will expand field usage, providing more students access to a predictable playing surface. It will truly benefit the entire community,” says Dr. Michael Murray, superintendent of Jackson County Schools. “Multiple groups will now be able to showcase their incredible talents! We are thrilled that through the collaboration of a community that loves their children and the support of the NFL this awesome opportunity will be a reality for all of our kids.”

The playing surface will be the AstroTurf Golden Series DT field, which will be the first of its kind in North Carolina.

The conception for this type of system was initially presented by Los Angeles County Rec and Park Department, and has since gained rapid ground across the state of California and is spreading to the rest of the country.

AstroTurf Golden Series DT begins from the bottom up with a specialized Brock pad for maximum shock attenuation and stability. The artificial turf itself is a combination of high density slit film fibers for durability, and a specialized version of AstroTurf’s patented RootZone system.

Sports Construction Management, a certified AstroTurf Distributor, will install the new synthetic turf field. Their team will also be in charge of the literal groundbreaking as they handle excavation, site work and installation of the stone drainage base. The new surface will measure 81,150 square feet.

Photo: AstroTurf