San Diego State University Swaps Infill Turf for TenCate’s Pivot System in Sustainability Push
Event summary
- San Diego State University replaced a traditional infilled synthetic turf field with TenCate’s Pivot® Performance Turf, which eliminates the need for sand or rubber infill.
- The decision was driven by operational and environmental considerations, including reduced maintenance demands and sustainability objectives.
- Pivot’s fiber and backing design aim to deliver performance without traditional infill, simplifying maintenance for high-traffic fields.
- The system is manufactured without added PFAS and primary microplastics, with a pathway for recycling at the end of its service life.
The big picture
The shift toward infill-free synthetic turf systems reflects growing pressure on universities and recreation operators to balance sustainability goals with operational efficiency. TenCate’s Pivot system positions itself as a solution that addresses both maintenance challenges and environmental concerns, potentially reshaping the synthetic turf market. This trend aligns with broader industry movements toward circularity and lifecycle management in sports infrastructure.
What we're watching
- Market Adoption
- The pace at which infill-free turf systems gain traction among universities and recreation operators.
- Sustainability Standards
- Whether TenCate’s PFAS- and microplastic-free design becomes an industry benchmark.
- Operational Efficiency
- How the reduced maintenance requirements of infill-free systems impact long-term cost savings.