A-Turf Synthetic Grass Systems Host PIAA Championship Games

<Cheektowaga, NY – Four Pennsylvania athletic stadiums offered athletes an A-Turf synthetic field advantage for the 2006 PIAA District and State Championship games. HERSHEYPARK Stadium, Northeast High School, Erie Veterans Stadium and Valley View High School hosted more than 15 championship and playoff games during November and December. HERSHEYPARK Stadium hosted four PIAA district championship games, and four State championship games between November 24 and December 16, 2006. HERSHEYPARK Stadium is the most prominent outdoor stadium between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. In addition to hosting PIAA Football and Soccer Championships, HERSHEYPARK Stadium also hosts the BIG 33 Football Classic and the annual Summer Concert Series. With the addition of the state-of-the-art A-Turf synthetic grass system, HERSHEYPARK Stadium continues to shine as the premier venue for athletic events, holding nearly 16,000 in the stands. Overall, HERSHEYPARK Stadium can hold 30,000 fans for concerts. In Archbald, PA, Valley View High Schoolhosted the Pottsville and West Scranton High School for the PIAA State Championship quarterfinals on November 24. Athletic Director, Jerry Dipasquali credits the addition of A-Turf’s synthetic surfacing for bringing the games to Valley View, “having had A-Turf installed at our school along with a complete renovation of our stadium, the PIAA looked at our facility as a favorable site to hold a championship game. Before having the renovations and A-Turf field, that would not have happened” Erie Veteran’s Stadium hosted five PIAA games in 2006. Earlier this year, an 83,500 sq. ft. A-Turf athletic field designed for football and soccer was installed at Erie Veteran’s Stadium. Gus Picardo, Stadium Manager at the stadium, said, “Having a turf field levels the playing ground for high school students. With A-Turf, the best teams will win, regardless of the weather.” He also notes, “The surface is a lot quicker, and it helps promote high school athletes to the college level of play much faster.” In Philadelphia, PA, Northeast High School, also hosted PIAA State Championship games. In 2004, the School District of Philadelphia installed an 83,000 sq. ft. A-Turf field as a part of their Northeast Athletic Super Site, which is designed for football, baseball, track, soccer, tennis and field hockey competitions.