Do the fields need to be sprinkled in the summer to reduce heat?
Some synthetic fields in hot sunny climates install a sprinkler system to wet down and cool the fields prior to use. Although Alumni Stadium at Boston College (an enclosed bowl with limited air flow) has one, sprinkler systems for synthetic turf fields are virtually unheard of in the Northeast. A synthetic turf field will get hotter than a natural grass field on a hot sunny day in July and August. This is when field use is at its lowest and discretion should be used about the nature of mid-day activity on unusually hot summer days. Click here to see an e-mail from Patrick Maguire, president of Geller Sport, who designed the Boston College and many other synthetic turf fields.
