Folsom Field's New Turf: A Bet on Safety, Sustainability, and Revenue

BOULDER, Colo. – February 16, 2026

The iconic green of Folsom Field has a new look. Over the past year, the University of Colorado Boulder has replaced the stadium's natural grass with a state-of-the-art artificial turf system, a move that extends to its Indoor Ford Practice Facility. The partnership with Boulder-based Brock USA is more than a simple surface upgrade; it represents a significant strategic investment in athlete safety, environmental sustainability, and a new business model for the historic venue.

A Hometown Field Goal

The collaboration carries a unique resonance for Brock USA, whose roots are deeply embedded in the Boulder community. Founder Dan Sawyer, a CU alumnus, started the company in the city in 1998 with a mission to engineer safer playing surfaces. "After 28 years rooted in the Boulder community, welcoming Folsom Field—Boulder's most iconic field—into the Brock family truly marks a full-circle moment for me," Sawyer said in a statement. "Brock was built here with a commitment to athlete safety and performance, and seeing that mission come to life at CU Boulder is incredibly meaningful." This local connection transforms the project from a standard vendor contract into a narrative of hometown success, with technology developed in Boulder's backyard now underpinning its most famous field.

The Science of a Softer Landing

At the heart of CU's decision is the technology itself, a system designed to address the most persistent criticisms of artificial turf: player injuries and environmental impact. The new surface is a layered system, starting with an engineered shock pad. This 20-millimeter layer of polypropylene composite is designed to absorb impact, a critical factor in mitigating head injuries. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of concussions in college sports occur from head-to-surface contact, and surfaces with lower G-max scores—a measure of hardness—can reduce severe head injury risk by as much as 50 percent. Brock guarantees its pad will maintain a G-max score comparable to pristine natural turf for over a decade.

Above the pad lies the AstroTurf carpet, filled not with traditional crumb rubber but with BrockFILL, an organic infill made from specially processed wood fibers. This addresses two major concerns. First, it tackles the issue of heat. Independent tests show fields with this organic infill can be over 30 degrees cooler than their crumb rubber counterparts, which can reach dangerous temperatures. Second, it sidesteps the growing controversy over microplastics. Crumb rubber, made from recycled tires, is now banned for this use in Europe due to environmental shedding. BrockFILL, a Cradle-to-Cradle Certified® product derived from renewable pine, is designed to be biodegradable and free of the heavy metals and chemicals that have raised health concerns with tire-based infills.

"The safety and performance of our student-athletes is always our top priority," said Jason DePaepe, Senior Deputy Athletic Director at CU Boulder. "The Brock Shock Pad and organic BrockFILL deliver a surface that reduces heat, enhances durability, and plays like natural grass, all while providing the protection our athletes deserve."

However, the broader debate on turf safety is far from settled. While the new system aims to mimic the best qualities of natural grass, some studies still point to a higher rate of non-contact knee and ankle injuries on artificial surfaces. Furthermore, independent watchdogs like the National Center for Health Research have raised flags about potential PFAS chemicals in some turf components, urging that certifications do not always equate to proven long-term safety.

More Than a Game: A Strategic Play for Revenue

The roughly $1 million investment in Folsom Field's new surface was driven by more than just player welfare; it was a calculated business decision. A natural grass field, especially in a northern climate, is a fragile and expensive asset. Last season, the Buffaloes played just seven home games, meaning the field was used for its primary purpose on only seven days of the year.

Coach Deion Sanders voiced his full support for the change, noting the need for consistent footing for his team's playoff aspirations, a goal unachievable on a slippery, late-season grass field. He stated it assures "better footing, a better surface, and it takes a lot of pressure off our wonderful staff doing the grounds."

The new turf transforms Folsom Field from a dedicated football stadium into a year-round, multi-use venue. The university can now confidently book concerts, festivals, and other sporting events without risking damage to a delicate playing surface. This opens up significant new revenue streams, a crucial advantage in the current era of collegiate athletics where funds are needed for everything from coaching salaries to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals for athletes. The Phish concerts held shortly after the installation were the first test of this new model, turning the stadium into a revenue-generating asset on non-game days.

The Evolving Landscape of Green Fields

CU's adoption of an organic infill system places it at the forefront of a nationwide trend. As regulatory pressure and public awareness mount against microplastics, athletic departments and municipalities are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives. Brock USA is a major player in this shift, but it is not alone.

The competitive landscape is rich with innovation. Companies like FieldTurf and TenCate Grass are developing their own advanced systems. Alternatives to wood fiber include infills made from cork, walnut shells, and coated sand. Some manufacturers are even pioneering infill-free turf systems that aim to eliminate the issue of loose particles altogether. This market dynamism suggests that while CU's choice is cutting-edge today, the technology of sports surfaces will continue to evolve rapidly.

For CU Boulder, the decision to partner with Brock represents a complex calculation. It is a bet that this specific combination of a shock-absorbing base and organic infill provides the best possible balance of safety, performance, sustainability, and economic opportunity. It’s a move that reflects the modern reality of big-time college sports, where what happens on the field is inextricably linked to local pride, scientific advancement, and the bottom line. The success of this bet will be measured not just in wins and losses, but in injury reports, maintenance budgets, and concert ticket sales for years to come.