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30
Oct

Why NFL Injuries Prove Natural Grass Is Still the Gold Standard

At West Coast Turf, we’ve always believed that the foundation of every great game starts from the ground up. For decades, we’ve supplied natural sod to professional stadiums, universities, and community fields across the West. But as more teams switch to synthetic surfaces, one question keeps coming up — is artificial turf really safer? The evidence from the NFL says otherwise.

The Rise of Turf-Related Injuries

From “turf toe” to torn ACLs, athletes know that plastic turf changes the game — and not in a good way. “Turf toe,” a painful sprain of the big-toe joint, became infamous because of the way synthetic fields grip the foot instead of giving naturally. That resistance forces the joint to hyper-extend — a movement natural grass absorbs through flex and release.

It doesn’t stop there. Across the league, players have experienced higher rates of non-contact lower-body injuries on turf than on grass. Between 2012 and 2018, data collected by the NFL Players Association revealed a 28 % increase in non-contact lower-extremity injuries, a 32 % increase in knee injuries, and a 69 % increase in foot and ankle injuries when games were played on synthetic turf.

Even the NFL’s own reports show the same pattern — turf fields mean more injuries, more surgeries, and more time on the sideline. For elite athletes, those numbers translate to shortened careers and lost seasons.

Players Demand Real Grass

The push to return to natural grass isn’t just coming from turf experts — it’s coming from the athletes themselves. When Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on turf in 2023, it reignited a debate that’s been simmering for years. Dozens of players, including many of the league’s top names, have since joined the call for all-grass stadiums.

The NFLPA has made its stance crystal clear: “Only natural grass can level the playing field.” Advocacy groups like @BanPlasticTurf have helped amplify that message, showcasing the human toll behind every preventable injury. Their posts tell a powerful story — when athletes play on plastic, the game pays the price.

Why Natural Grass Wins Every Time

Natural grass isn’t just tradition — it’s technology perfected by nature. A properly built grass field provides a forgiving, resilient cushion that reduces impact stress on joints and muscles. The roots and soil move with the athlete, releasing energy instead of trapping it. Synthetic turf, by contrast, grips too tightly and radiates heat, increasing torque through the knees and ankles while pushing surface temperatures up to 40°F hotter than natural grass.

Beyond performance, grass is also the environmentally sound choice — it cools the air, reduces runoff, and eliminates the microplastics and petroleum-based infill found in artificial systems. For both player safety and sustainability, there’s simply no substitute for the real thing.

Standing on Solid Ground

At West Coast Turf, we’re proud to grow and install the same natural grass trusted by NFL and Major League stadiums across the country. Whether you’re designing a professional sports venue, a college practice field, or a local park, we can help you build a surface that keeps athletes safer — and lets the game play as it was meant to.

Let’s get back to grass.
Learn more about our professional-grade natural turf systems and installation services at www.westcoastturf.com.

 

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29
Sep

Game Day Goals: How to Turn Your Lawn into the Ultimate Outdoor Tailgate Spot

Fall is here, football season is in full swing, and nothing beats gathering friends and family to cheer on your favorite team. While tailgating in the stadium parking lot is a tradition, you can bring that same energy home by transforming your lawn into the ultimate game day hangout. With the right setup—and a little help from healthy natural grass—you’ll score big with your guests every weekend.

Home Field Advantage: Why Turf Matters

A lush, well-maintained lawn sets the stage for an unforgettable outdoor viewing party. Unlike concrete patios or artificial surfaces, natural turf stays cooler, provides a comfortable space to sit or play, and creates that authentic “stadium field” vibe. With West Coast Turf, you’re not just rolling out grass—you’re rolling out the red carpet for tailgating fun.

Set Up the Sidelines

Think of your backyard as your personal arena. Arrange chairs, blankets, and even beanbags to create cozy seating areas where guests can settle in. If you’ve got the space, set up a projector screen or large outdoor TV to give everyone a front-row seat. And don’t forget shade solutions—tents or umbrellas help keep your fans comfortable during day games.

Turf-Friendly Game Day Activities

Football isn’t the only sport that makes game day exciting. Your lawn is the perfect space for cornhole, ladder toss, or even a quick two-hand touch scrimmage before kickoff. West Coast Turf’s durable sod varieties can handle the traffic, so you won’t have to worry about bare patches after the fun. Just be sure to rotate high-use areas to let your grass recover after the final whistle.

Grilling and Chilling

Every tailgate needs great food. Set up your grill in a safe zone, away from high-traffic turf areas, and keep a cooler stocked with drinks nearby. If you want to really impress your crew, build a DIY snack station with turf-inspired décor—mini goalposts, team-colored tableware, and football-shaped serving trays. It’s a small touch that makes a big impact.

Turf Care Timeouts

Heavy foot traffic can be tough on any lawn, but a few simple steps will keep your turf game-day ready. Before the weekend, give your grass a fresh mow (but not too short) and water it deeply. After the party, lightly rake and check for compacted spots—an occasional aeration during football season helps your turf bounce back stronger than your rival’s defense.

Celebrate the Win (Even if Your Team Doesn’t)

Whether your team takes home the victory or not, your lawn will be the real MVP when it hosts friends, family, and unforgettable memories all season long. With West Coast Turf, you’ll enjoy professional-quality grass that looks and feels like the real deal—because it is.

This football season, bring the tailgate to your turf. With the right setup and a little care, your backyard can rival any stadium lot. After all, why fight the crowds when you’ve already got home-field advantage? For more information, or to learn more, visit westcoastturf.com.

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28
Aug

From Sod to Stadium: How West Coast Turf Builds Championship Fields

When fans walk into a packed stadium in Arizona or California, their eyes are often drawn to the players, the scoreboard, and the crowd. But beneath every great game is something just as important — the turf. At West Coast Turf, we take pride in supplying the highest quality Arizona turf and California sod to professional stadiums, collegiate fields, and home lawns that demand championship-level performance.

The Journey Begins with the Right Sod.

Great turf starts with great sod. Our team selects the highest-performing grass varieties that can withstand the unique climates of Arizona and California. From heat-tolerant Bermuda for desert summers to cool-season ryegrass for winter overseeding, every field is chosen for durability, density, and vibrant color.

Growing Turf for Pros (and You)

At our sod farms in both Arizona and California, sod is grown under strict quality controls. This means precise irrigation scheduling, optimal fertilization, and careful mowing patterns to encourage thick, healthy grass. Our grounds crews treat every field like it’s destined for a championship game — because often, it is.

Harvesting at Peak Performance

Timing is everything. Turf is harvested only when it has reached peak maturity, ensuring strong root systems that can establish quickly. For Arizona sod, this means cutting at the exact moment when it can handle intense sun and dry conditions. For California sod, we balance resilience with lush, deep green color.

Installation That Sets the Stage

From NFL stadiums to backyard putting greens, our installation teams work quickly and precisely. Every roll of sod is placed and aligned to create a flawless, seamless playing surface. For sports facilities, this ensures consistent ball roll and player safety. For homeowners, it means instant curb appeal.

Why the Pros Trust West Coast Turf

Teams across the MLB, NFL, and NCAA count on our turf because they know we understand performance under pressure. Our Arizona turf stands up to extreme heat without losing color, while our California turf thrives in varied coastal and inland conditions.

Whether you’re a stadium manager or a weekend gardener, you can bring the same professional quality to your field or lawn. West Coast Turf has spent decades perfecting the art and science of turf — so you can enjoy a championship look year-round. To learn more, visit westcoastturf.com


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15
Jul

What Makes West Coast Turf the Go-To Sod Supplier for MLB, NFL & Colleges

Why West Coast Turf Dominates California & Arizona Sports Turf

West Coast Turf is more than just a sod supplier—we’re the preferred partner for professional and collegiate venues in California and Arizona. From MLB to NFL and top-tier college programs, our natural grass stands up to the challenge.

Trusted by Majors: Pro Stadiums & Colleges

Our sod graces the fields of elite venues like Dodger Stadium, Angel Stadium, Levi’s Stadium—and college icons like the Rose Bowl and Stanford Stadium. With a proven track record in Super Bowls, World Series, and high-stakes bowl games, turf managers rely on our consistent, high-performance grass.

Advanced Turf Tech: Ready Play Grass®

One of the innovations that sets us apart is our proprietary Ready Play Grass®. This sod is grown on plastic, creating a thicker, stronger 2-inch root mat that’s up to 3–4 times stronger than conventional sod. The result? Turf that’s ready for action immediately after installation—no downtime for rooting.

Ready Play Grass® is used by major stadiums like Dodger Stadium and BMO Sta, where turf needs to perform on day one. Its dense root system, perfect seams, and durability make it ideal for sports venues needing reliable, game-ready surfaces on tight schedules.

Climate-Tailored Sod for California & Arizona

With sod farms across California and Arizona, we grow more than 30 natural grass varieties designed for regional climate challenges—drought, heat, salt, and wear.

We specialize in:

  • Warm-season grasses like Tifway 419, Tahoma 31, and Bandera Bermuda
  • Cool-season grasses for coastal and high-elevation sites
  • Salt-tolerant options like seashore paspalum for specialized environments
  • Custom-grown sod tailored for specific rootzone mixes and soil bases

Whether you need elite turf for an NFL field or a versatile option for a multi-use park or college stadium, we’ve got the right sod for your conditions.

Full-Service, Championship-Ready Support

At West Coast Turf, we go beyond the grass. Our services include:

  • Big-roll installations for efficient coverage
  • Custom soil blends
  • Night harvesting for freshness
  • Field consulting from planning to post-installation care

We understand tight timelines and performance expectations—and we meet them every time.

Supreme Quality. Proven Performance.

Whether it’s MLB, NFL, or college sports, turf managers choose West Coast Turf because we deliver:

  • Ready Play Grass® for immediate use
  • Locally grown, climate-optimized sod for California and Arizona
  • Proven success at championship venues
  • Decades of expertise and end-to-end support

From iconic stadiums to campus game fields, we provide more than sod—we provide a surface built to perform when it matters most.

Contact us today to see why we’re the go-to source for California sod and Arizona sod trusted by sports professionals nationwide.

 

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