The Miami Marlins will install a synthetic grass surface at Marlins Park as part of a multi-year corporate partnership with Shaw Sports Turf. With the enhancement to the playing surface, the club is also adjusting the outfield dimensions in center field and right-center field, moving the fences in toward home plate.
“In going through the process of evaluating the playing surface at Marlins Park in 2019, we set out to find a solution to combat the challenges we have experienced with growing natural grass in Marlins Park,” said Miami Marlins CEO Derek Jeter. “We appreciate the extensive research and new technology from our partners at Shaw Sports Turf to help us deliver a consistent playing field designed to enhance the safety for players and the playability for baseball.”
The B1K: Batting A Thousand by Shaw Sports Turf is a dual fiber turf system comprised of Shaw’s high-performance Strenexe XD slit film and Bolt monofilament. This system provides excellent durability and functionality by minimizing infill “splashing,” maintaining adequate infill levels across the field. The Bolt fiber provides realistic ball roll, friction and natural grass aesthetics. These characteristics ensure the experiences of the players and fans will be maintained at the highest level.
“Shaw Sports Turf is very excited for the opportunity to partner with the Miami Marlins on this project; the franchise is one that values innovation, but also proven quality,” said Vice President of Shaw Turf Chuck McClurg. “We are confident that the B1K Baseball System for Marlins Park will provide an exceptionally consistent, elite playing surface that will rival the best natural playing surfaces in Major League Baseball.”
Two other MLB teams have utilized the Shaw Sports Turf product. The Arizona Diamondbacks installed the synthetic grass in their retractable-roof field prior to the 2019 season, and the Texas Rangers opted for B1K for their new retractable-roof ballpark, which opens in March 2020. BrightView Design Group will complete the installation project of the B1K Baseball System at Marlins Park.