Duke University Field Hockey first to use Poligras Tokyo GT

Duke University Field Hockey is the first collegiate team in the U.S. to use AstroTurf’s Poligras Tokyo Green Technology (GT) field hockey system as its home turf. The university is installing the turf at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium in June 2022.

Photo: Duke University

The Tokyo GT turf was originally designed for the Tokyo Olympics to help the Olympics meet its carbon-neutral goal. The turf features filaments made from over 60 percent renewable raw materials, such as sustainably grown sugar cane. The sugar cane captures carbon dioxide from the environment and saves nearly five kilograms of CO2 for every kilogram of polyethylene used. According to Polytan and AstroTurf, Poligras Tokyo GT has a shorter pile and is tighter-knit, which allows water to sit longer, therefore reducing the amount required.

“This will be the first Poligras Tokyo GT field in the U.S. market and we’re excited it’s coming to Duke University,” Melissa Vassalotti-Twist, director of field hockey at AstroTurf, said. “We have about 60 of our green technology systems installed internationally. We’re excited to bring this technology to the field hockey community – providing Climate Positive Hockey.”

In addition to the Tokyo GT turf, the university will also add a new 10mm e-layer and will renovate and extend the field house.

The newly renovated field is set to finish in August 2022. Duke University is also set to host the 2022 ACC Field Hockey Championship this fall.