While they may be fierce rivals on game day, the Austin FC and Houston Dynamo Major League Soccer teams share the same playbook regarding turfgrass. Both Q2 Stadium, home to Austin FC, and PNC Stadium, home to Houston Dynamo, feature Platinum TE Paspalum.

Selecting the right turfgrass for a Texas stadium encompasses many challenges. Not only must the turfgrass perform to the highest standards of playability with strength, endurance, and rapid recovery from injury, but it must also withstand extreme heat and the shade conditions imposed by stadium designs. Platinum TE delivers these requirements and so much more.

When asked why Platinum TE was chosen for Q2 Stadium, Senior Director of Grounds Weston Appelfeller said in an interview with Austin’s KXAN, “because of its ability to withstand the Texas heat, but also to grow in the shade. We have this huge canopy over top of our stadium to help protect the fans and cool them down, but it makes growing grass extremely difficult.”

PNC Stadium Director of Turf and Grounds Dan Bergstrom experiences similar challenges but has a long history with Platinum TE. Bergstrom was also the turf manager at Minute Maid Park, where the Houston Astros were the first Major League Baseball team to play on Platinum TE. 

Read more about the turfgrass selection at Austin FC.

Read more about Dan Bergstrom and his experience in SportsField Management.