re: Why does Texas still play on 70s style Astro turf?

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Please explain

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Careful what you ax for, I can be a long winded SOB when I want to be. Many reasons why currently using field turf.

Some history,
Texas had grass prior to Astrodome Astro turf period when everyone went to "Astro" turf (early 70s-90s). During early Mack Brown/Ricky Williams (late 90s) we had high dollar grass field system with vacuum pumped drainage system to get ready for play when we get those frog stranglers. There were safety concerns with the real grass as drainage was an issue, even with vacuum drainage system. When "Sport Turf" came out Texas jumped on for safety and reasons listed below (2006).

Not really Sunken...
Austin has hills and lots of surface limestone, as does the Texas campus. The football stadium was built on a limestone rock hill with Waller creek just to the west. The football stadium isn't sunken, it's on that hill. When entering from the east, the playing field is probably 20-30 feet below entry gates. When entering from the west the field is probably 20-30 feet above entry gate. In fact the west side stadium structure may be the tallest in the world from street level. I think I read that somewhere. It's massive and tall if you've never been there.

Texas Campus is in a big Capitol city with tons of State buildings right up against campus. Approximately 2.5 million pop. in Austin metro., approximately 10th largest city in U.S., about 500K more than Nashville metro. Space for any facility on Texas campus is at a premium. This would include Disch-Faulk Field and all school buildings. Use of artificial grass helps alleviate limited practice space. Natural grass would get beat to shite to use for practice.

Never Fear, Grass is Near.
Texas is completing an additional Interior practice facility for football. When complete the football field goes to grass as will the baseball field. Estimated to go all grass next year for the 2026 season. This is dependent on near indoor facility being operational soon.

You're welcome, and can thank me later.

Massive west side free standing structure, cantilevered over existing older stands.

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Why does Texas still play on 70s style Astro turf?

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No one that the climate allows to grow grass should have sports’ turf. Small heavy wear areas are fine I suppose but baseball is supposed to be played on dirt.