Portable Indoor Turf Provides Additional Revenue Opportunities

In communities everywhere, demand for soccer and other sports fields continues to increase — putting a premium on any available playing space. To help indoor multipurpose athletic facility operators meet the needs of youth programs and other organizations, FieldTurf recently introduced a portable indoor field that consists of turf panels that can easily convert a hockey rink, basketball court or general workout space to a temporary artificial turf field.

“Facility operators want something they can install themselves, without needing to bring in heavy equipment,” says Jason Smollett, FieldTurf’s director of product management, adding that the company accelerated development of the 21-pound panels based on conversations with customers looking for ways to expand their offerings. “It’s an easy option to increase revenue and host more types of sports, whatever the facility’s configuration.”

In an industry first, each 5.17-by-3.44-foot EasyField panel is securely connected by an interlocking-knob system, eliminating the traditional hook-and-loop system and allowing for a seamless look. Approximately 950 panels will cover a 17,000-square-foot NHL-sized ice rink, Smollett says, and a small crew of staff members can install a standard field in less than a day.

That said, an official FieldTurf team will assist during the initial installation, making cuts to panels to ensure a flush fit and creating identifying marks on corner pieces for easy subsequent installation. Storage is on pallets that can be transported via a pallet jack.

See EasyField in action Here.

With so much concern about concussions and other injuries, it’s important to note that EasyField’s 45-millimeter compressed foam pad provides significant Gmax and shock absorption, and it’s designed to ensure little variation even after years of use. Rigorous testing of the pad and the panel connectors supports these claims.

Both public and private facilities have taken an interest in EasyField and plan to use the turf in multiple ways. One CrossFit facility lays down the panels for sprinting and other drills, while others apply and remove the turf on an as-needed basis to create additional scheduling flexibility.

“I obtained EasyField in August 2014, and we use it for training our athletes for speed, agility and strength conditioning” says Mike Alfonso, head strength and conditioning coach at Speed Science Training Systems, a performance-training facility in Quebec, Canada. “I wanted portable turf so our gym could have the ability to change and adapt easily and efficiently. Plus, it’s very easy to clean, and the durability is great for high volume.”