Chapter 1
A bold vision for Houston
Chapter 2
The accidental invention of AstroTurf
Chapter 3
Legendary moments under the dome
Chapter 4
A sanctuary and a modern monument
Ch 2 · The accidental invention of AstroTurf
marcus Deprived of sunlight after the roof was painted, the stadium's natural Tifway bermudagrass quickly withered and died.
Quiz
What was the original purpose of the synthetic turf before it was used in sports stadiums?
Quiz
What temporary solution did the Astrodome use for television broadcasts before installing synthetic turf?
marcus The Houston Astrodome
They painted the skylights to block out the glare, But the grass died away with no sun in the air.
marcus A synthetic turf called ChemGrass, developed by the chemical company Monsanto, became the savior of the indoor field.
Fun Fact
Painting the dirt: Before AstroTurf was installed, stadium crew members actually painted the dead grass and dirt green so it would look better on television broadcasts.
Glossary
astroturf (noun)
A synthetic surface resembling grass, used primarily on athletic fields. In 1966, Houston's indoor stadium installed the synthetic surface after painted roof panels killed the natural grass.
A synthetic surface resembling grass, used primarily on athletic fields. In 1966, Houston's indoor stadium installed the synthetic surface after painted roof panels killed the natural grass.