New Traction Research: FieldTurf Delivers Industry-Leading Grass-Like Performance

Center for Applied Biomechanics at the University of Virginia Performs Landmark Study Comparing Kentucky Bluegrass and Artificial Turf Systems

Independent testing from the Center for Applied Biomechanics at the University of Virginia (UVA) is helping quantify high-performance traction.

When athletic programs invest in an artificial turf system, their top priority is finding a surface that delivers high-performance, grass-like playability. For decades, Kentucky bluegrass has been a natural choice for high-level competitive football, recognized as a leading choice for elite performance and playability.

But here’s the question many buyers are now asking: Isn’t all artificial turf the same? The short answer is no, and new advanced traction research is helping explain why.

Kentucky bluegrass, under player-relevant conditions, delivers an average release traction value of 1.81 — a number that provides a clear, science-backed design target for artificial turf systems aiming to replicate natural grass.

FieldTurf’s heavyweight infill system delivered a release traction value of 1.86, virtually mirroring Kentucky bluegrass, and further validating the system’s already renowned reputation as an industry-leading synthetic turf solution.

In comparison, a dense non-infill system, which can be used in sports applications but is often reserved for landscape applications, scored a release traction of 1.01. This represents a reduction of approximately 56% relative to the recognized standard. Far from high performance, grass-like behavior.

In the NFL, FieldTurf is a leading choice and currently installed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Bank of America Stadium, Paycor Stadium, Ford Field, Gillette Stadium, MetLife Stadium, and Lumen Field.

Why Release Traction Matters

Release traction measures the shear force needed for a cleated shoe to break free from the surface — a critical factor affecting both:

• Performance: Enough grip for confident cutting, pivoting, and accelerating.
• Player-Safety: Not so much grip that it increases joint stress or injury risk.

Natural grass offers “load-limiting” behavior, where release traction decreases as vertical forces rise — a subtle but important contributor to injury prevention.

The study used advanced robotic testing capable of replicating real-game athlete forces — a major leap beyond older mechanical tests.

“At FieldTurf, our mission has always been to push the boundaries of innovation and deliver systems that meet the highest standards of performance and safety,” said Jason Smollett, Director of Innovation & Product Management at FieldTurf. “This independent research validates what we’ve worked tirelessly to achieve — a system like the 2.5” CORE that not only matches the performance of elite natural grass but gives athletes the consistency and durability they need to perform at their best.”

Leading the Industry Through Innovation with Purpose

FieldTurf has long led the turf industry with athlete-focused innovation, not marketing promises. With ongoing investments through its grant program and partnership with leading institutions, like the Center for Applied Biomechanics at the University of Virginia, the University of Calgary, Faculty of Kinesiology, Idaho State University, and more, FieldTurf continues to Change The Game and set new standards for performance, safety, and durability.