Seahawks, Sounders get new turf at CenturyLink Field

A new artificial turf has been installed at CenturyLink Field in time for the Sounders' Tuesday match. (AP)

The Seahawks and Sounders will be playing on a new surface now that the artificial turf at CenturyLink Field has been upgraded.

First & Goal, Inc, which operates the stadium, announced Friday that installation of the new turf is complete. The Sounders have a match at CenturyLink on Tuesday; their MLS opener will be played there on March 6.

The press release on CenturyLink Field’s website includes some pictures of the newly-installed surface.

It’s called Revolution 360 by FieldTurf, which manufactured the surface that was previously used at CenturyLink Field. According to the press release, four other NFL stadiums use FieldTurf: Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, Detroit’s Ford Field, Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium and New England’s Gillette Stadium, which is also home to an MLS team. Portland’s Providence Park is the other MLS stadium with FieldTurf.

Both the Seahawks’ and Sounders’ training facilities use FieldTurf as well.

Here is the full press release:

RENTON, Wash. – First & Goal, Inc. announced today that installation of the new FieldTurf Revolution 360 at CenturyLink Field has been completed.

Named after the concept of completeness, Revolution 360 is an improved version of the market-leading Revolution fiber. Revolution 360 maintains the high performing UV and Softness properties of its predecessor, while significantly improving its durability and resilience.

Revolution 360 achieved a score of 83 on the Fiber Performance Index (FPI). Recently introduced by Labosport as part of their Certification Program, FPI establishes the rating of an artificial turf fiber, to help prospective turf buyers understand and weigh the individual qualities of a turf fiber. In a Fiber Wear test conducted by Penn State’s Center for Sports Surface Research, Revolution 360 showed no signs of wear after 150,000 Lisport cycles; an unprecedented score achieved by no other fiber on the market.

The FieldTurf Revolution system is built with the Revolution fiber and is the result of innovative science, engineering and technology that will provide a playing surface that features a soft and strong monofilament fiber. A proprietary fiber polymer formulation resists splitting and degradation and includes an industry leading ultraviolet inhibitor technology. A state-of-the-art extrusion process provides intricate concave and ridged construction to eliminate breaking points in each fiber blade.

“We could not be more thrilled that the Seahawks and Sounders FC continue to put their faith in our product and in our company,” said FieldTurf President Eric Daliere. “We are very excited to introduce Revolution 360 to the market. We’ve been working on the ‘next generation’ since we launched Revolution in 2011. We believe that Revolution 360 is the first fiber since Revolution to push boundaries and change the game.

CenturyLink Field is one of five NFL stadiums to utilize FieldTurf, along with Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, Detroit’s Ford Field, Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium and New England’s Gillette Stadium. There are two MLS stadiums that use FieldTurf (New England’s Gillette Stadium and Portland’s Providence Park).

The two organizations have a long history with FieldTurf. In 2000, when the Seahawks played at the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium, they became the first NFL team to play their home games on FieldTurf. The partnership has continued at CenturyLink Field and at both teams training facilities (Starfire and VMAC).

About FieldTurf

When it comes to artificial turf sports fields, FieldTurf is the most trusted brand in the industry. Whether its football, soccer, baseball or any other sport, FieldTurf fields provide athletes with the safety and performance they need to perform at their best, while giving field owners the durability they want to maximize the value of their investment. FieldTurf is the world leader in artificial turf with over 7,500 installations worldwide.

About First & Goal Inc.

First & Goal Inc. (FGI) was formed by Paul G. Allen in 1997 after voters in Washington State approved the proposal to build a new Football/Soccer Stadium and Exhibition Center. FGI was the private partner in the development along with the public partner, the Public Stadium Authority. FGI now serves as the operator of facility.