Poly-Turf

Patented 05/09/1972 as the first artificial sports surface and as a structured application, which included "shock pads" and not just as artificial grass, [U.S. Patent number 3661687, inventors Arthur F. Spinney and Lawrence J. Warnalis ] and manufactured by American Biltrite, "Poly-Turf" was the artificial turf surface football field installed at the City of Miami-owned Orange Bowl and utilized throughout much of the 1970s. It was used primarily by the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins, as well as during several Super Bowl games. The first ever Super Bowl played on artificial turf was played on the Poly-turf covered Orange Bowl in Miami, on January 17, 1971, when the Baltimore Colts defeated the Dallas Cowboys 16-13 at Super Bowl V.Over the years, the field began to deteriorate and some football players suffered an increasing number of leg and ankle injuries; some players claimed to trip over seams which created further resentment in players and fans alike. The field discolored from green to blue due to the severe UV nature of the Miami sun. Eventually the City of Miami replaced the surface with a natural turf that was softer and less prone to deterioration.

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