Telstra Dome Rolls Out Stage Two Of Artificial Turf Trial

Telstra Dome continues to be at the cutting edge of technology as the only AFL venue to trial artificial turf for use in high traffic areas outside the field of play.

Stage two of Telstra Dome's artificial turf installation was unveiled for the start of the AFL Home and Away Premiership season.

For this latest trial, Telstra Dome has entered into a partnership with Sports Technology International to install the latest generation artificial turf, Poligras MT. A 75 metre x 3.5 metre section outside the western boundary line, near the players interchange bench and umpires race, was laid this week in readiness for the start of the season.

"It's part of Telstra Dome's long term strategy of managing turf replacement outside the field of play," explained Andrew Travis, Telstra Dome's General Manager -Operations.

"The boundary line area requires constant attention and maintenance. Installing a long lasting artificial product ultimately is visually appealing. Overall, it allows us greater operational flexibility in running our business and in the long term is financially beneficial."

Poligras MT is a monotape fibre that resembles blades of natural turf and has a similar feel and plays like natural turf as well. The inbuilt shock absorbing layer and granule infill, ensures the system provides the safety required of body contact sports whilst remaining sure underfoot. These characteristics are essential to providing the speed and agility required of players at the highest level. Poligras MT is a FIFA endorsed product.

Telstra Dome successfully trialed artificial turf on an 30m x 3.5m section of the south west boundary line last year.