Synthetic Turf Design
Engineered by AE Sports
Build It Once, Play on It All Year!
Synthetic Turf Fields for Football, Baseball, Softball & More:
Synthetic turf is no longer a one-size-fits-all product; it’s a precision-engineered surface that must match the sport, climate, and budget of your facility. At AE Sports, our civil engineers and turf specialists deliver turnkey solutions—from grading and drainage to shock-pad specifications—that maximize player safety, reduce maintenance, and extend usable hours. We design football stadiums that drain after a Texas downpour, baseball/softball infields that keep true hops, and indoor multipurpose venues that withstand 24/7 training cycles. Whether you need a full-scale stadium retrofit or a practice-field upgrade, we balance lifecycle cost, G-max targets, heat-index concerns, and warranty negotiations so you can focus on game day
One Partner - Every Turf Project!
Whether you’re breaking ground on a brand-new stadium or coaxing a few more seasons out of an aging surface, AE Sports engineers every phase of a synthetic-turf project. We balance civil drainage, player-safety metrics, warranty fine-print, and lifecycle cost—so you get a surface that performs today and pays dividends for decades.
Synthetic Turf vs. Natural Grass
What’s Best for Your Facility?
There is an ongoing debate over which Field Surface is the Superior Surfacing System for Athletic Facilities, the truth is that it depends on your unique situation and the use case of your field. Every field experiences different conditions so naturally each one will have its own optimized solution.
Every athletic field carries a unique mix of climate, budget, performance standards, and maintenance realities—so the “best” surface is never one-size-fits-all. At AE Sports Design, we evaluate every option through an engineer’s lens: lifecycle cost, player safety metrics (G-max, HIC), drainage performance, sustainability, and brand appeal. Whether the analysis points to a low-maintenance, high-utilization synthetic system or the timeless playability of natural turf, our role is singular—deliver unbiased, data-driven recommendations and turnkey civil design that protect your investment for decades. Let the manufacturers battle over specs and slogans; we stay in your corner, translating numbers into clear decisions and turning the chosen surface into a field that performs on opening day and every season after
Synthetic Turf Snapshot — 100 k-ft² Multipurpose Field
Replacing grass with slit-film turf on a 100 k-ft² field typically costs ≈ $1.5 M. Annual savings on water, fertilizer, and mowing average $60 k, while community rentals can add ≈ $80 k, yielding a 9-year payback. Usable hours rise four-fold to ≈ 2,500 per season; G-max stays < 165 after 300 events with routine maintenance.
Natural Grass Snapshot — Sand-Based Bermuda System
A comparable sand-based Bermuda field installs for ≈ $400 k, including slit-drain infrastructure. Agronomy, irrigation, and grooming run ≈ $30 k per year, yet the 10-year lifecycle cost remains ~25 % below synthetic turf. Playable hours plateau near 800 per season, but surface temperatures run 20 °F cooler and G-max hovers around 90
A Proven Process for Sucess!
1
Identify Your Needs
Before anything hits the drawing board, clarify who will play, what sports, and how often. Define performance targets—along with life-cycle budget, schedules, and bond requirements as necessary. A crisp scope helps the design team specify the right turf system and field profile from the start
6
Engage a Contractor
Select a Specialty Sports Field Installer with verified installs. Pre-construction meetings align schedules, submittals, and QA testing protocols so earthwork, drainage stone, and turf rolls arrive in the proper sequence and installed in conformance with the latest best practices and code compliances.
2
Engage a Professional
Bring in a licensed Civil Engineer / Architect and certified sports-turf consultant / builders early. Their integrated expertise in grading, hydrology, and turf / field science assures code compliance, ADA access, and project feasibility all while protecting clients budget, schedule, and player safety
7
Construction Administration
We oversee submittal reviews, proof-rolls, laser-level checks, and seam inspections. Field-density tests on base stone, permeability tests on the drain mat, and mid-install G-max spot checks prevent surprises and keep the warranty intact
3
Pre-Design
This phase gathers information regarding the existing athletic facility or blank canvas that the proposed project is located on. From survey, geotechnical investigations, utility routing, soil profiles, etc. the basis for good design starts with knowing what your working with.
8
Substantial Completion
Upon turf infill placement and final grooming, we execute a punch list, as-built survey, and third-party G-max/HIC certification as necessary. Owner training covers brushing frequency, stain removal, and record-keeping needed to maintain the 8- to 10-year turf warranty
4
Design & Development
Renderings, Details, CAD/BIM, drawings define laser-graded sub-base, drainage, utilities, shock pad, and turf carpet. We write bid-ready drawings and specifications, design & coordinate Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Technology, Scope of Work as necessary to help ensure your facility doesn't miss a beat.
9
Operation & Maintenance
A documented O&M plan details weekly brushing, quarterly infill top-off, seam integrity checks, and annual deep-cleaning. Proper care preserves playability, reduces heat, and extends carpet life—critical under Texas sun and high-school multi-sport usage
5
Selection & Procurement
Competitive procurement processes can get complicated, why risk stepping into the ring or onto the field without an experienced professional beside you we can help find the best-fit turf manufacturer, infill blend, and shock-attenuation systems. Bid alternates—cool-fiber tech, cork-coconut infills, stitched logos—give owners flexibility while our bid tabulation keeps costs transparent and defensible for public review
10
Routine Testing & Inspection
Annual G-max, infill levels, and drainage-observations verify the field still meets Quality standards. Results guide minor corrections—top-dress infill, repair seams—before they escalate into costly mid-season shutdowns
Professional Services Procurement
For Public Sector Government Agencies
AE Sports is a full-service civil engineering firm providing turn-key athletic facility design for our Clients throughout the State of Texas.
Surveying
Aerial Photography & Mapping
Preliminary Design
DD-SD Phase
Renderings
Geotechnical Engineering & Soil Investigations
Construction Documentation
Drawings & Technical Specifications
Bond Planning
Budgeting
Scheduling
Construction Administration
Testing, Inspection, & Assessments
FAQ - Engineering
What Do Engineers & Architects Do?
Engineers and architects are generally responsible for the design and oversight of certain aspects throughout the construction process. The Texas Occupations Code governs the practices of architecture and engineering. Engineering and architecture can sometimes overlap. Depending on the nature of a construction project, it may call for the expertise of an Engineer, an architect, or both. In many cases, it may even require multiple engineers and architects to cover different specialties—such as civil, geotechnical, structural, electrical, mechanical engineering, landscape, building architecture and engineering.
How do School Districts Select/Engage an Engineer or Architect?
Engineers and Architects are providers of professional services and therefore must be selected in accordance with the Professional Services Procurement Act (PSPA) rather than through competitive bidding or procurement. Tex. Educ. Code § 44.031(f). When acquiring Engineering or architectural services, a school district must first identify the most highly qualified service provider based on demonstrated competence and qualifications, then seek to negotiate a contract at a fair and reasonable price. Tex. Gov’t Code § 2254.004(a). While the PSPA requires this two-step process, it does not set out a specific procedure to follow in determining a provider’s competence and qualifications
When is an Engineer or Architect Required?
Most construction projects for school districts are considered a public works project, because they involve the public health, welfare, or safety, and require plans prepared by and supervised by an Engineer or Architect. See flowcharts published by TBPE and TBAE for additional information and determination. Two exceptions to this rule that are applicable to school districts. No engineer is required if: (1) the project involves mechanical or electrical engineering and will cost $8,000 or less, or (2) the project does not require mechanical or electrical engineering and will cost $20,000 or less
What about Synthetic Turf Project?
Synthetic Turf Systems are comprised of multiple drainage layers and base systems. its not quite as simple as rolling out the red carpet for your players. Every Synthetic Turf System involves adjustments to the existing drainage facilities onsite and most of the time these fields are considered Impervious Areas requiring Detention or possibly even Mitigation. Givin the above it is always recommended to reach out to your Civil Engineer for assistance and Design Recommendations.
Do I Need Engineer / Architect for my Athletic Facility Project?
The vast majority of the Time YES! See - When is an Engineer or Architect Required for more Information.
What about Private Schools / Organizations?
There are many other options without the red-tape available to Private Schools & Organizations. Although just because you can do something doesn't necessarily mean that you should do it....... We recommend following a very similar process as this helps maintain the Integrity and Flow of the project process.
Construction Services Procurement:
For Public Sector Government Agencies
AE Sports has experience working with many different forms of Construction Procurement Methods and can adjust our service offerings to match your specific needs.
Competitive Bidding
(CB)
Construction Manager / Agency
(CM-A)
Competitive Sealed Proposals
(CSP)
Design / Build
(DB)
Construction Manager-At-Risk
(CMAR)
Job Order Contract
(JOC) & Buy-Board / Co-Op (ICPA)
FAQ - Construction
What about the Buy-Board or Other Purchasing Co-op(s) for Synthetic Turf Fields?
These can be very useful tools for small, simple projects with very limited scope; However, All Synthetic Turf Systems will require the input of an Engineer at Some-point and..... Did you know that the Texas Gov't Code specifically outlaws the Procurement of Engineering & Architectural Services?
How do School Districts Select/Engage a Contractor?
Usually it is up to the Owner to Decide what option brings in the "Best Value" to them. A Number of Factors are usually considered and sometimes published in a Selection Criteria approved by the Owner. AE Sports can help guide you through the process and give recommendations along the way, to help determine best value; After Best Value has been determined engagement by AIA or EJCDC or Other Standard Contracts are encouraged for use.
What is the Best Procurement Method for Synthetic Turf Fields?
We have experience working with all procurement methods. There is not a One-Size-Fits-All solution to this, as it also depends on Board Policies and other Local Regulations. We recommend you reach out to your experienced professionals and contact your Civil Engineer as soon as possible; Since all Synthetic Turf Fields will require an Engineer at some-point in the process.
What about Design / Build Method for Synthetic Turf Fields?
Design / Build Teams are Great! They usually can get the job done efficiently, However, Did you know that you are still required by the Texas Gov't Code to retain an Engineer / Architect Independent of the Design-Build Team to serve as Owner's Representative?
I already have a Contractor On-Board for my Synthetic Turf Project
It is NEVER too late to Bring us on! We can work with you wherever you are at in the process to help ensure your project is built to quality standards and meet requirements. We can work with your Contractor to Draw up Plans to more accurately reflect what is actually in their proposal. We can Preform Inspections and Assessments to make sure your Project stays on track!
What about Private Schools / Organizations?
There are many other options without the red-tape available to Private Schools & Organizations. Although just because you can do something doesn't necessarily mean that you should do it....... We recommend following a very similar process as this helps maintain the Integrity and Flow of the project process.
Our Clients
At AE Sports, our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that clear, timely communication is the foundation of a successful project. By actively listening to your needs and maintaining open dialogue throughout the process, we ensure that every detail is addressed and expectations are exceeded. Whether working with K-12 schools, architects, contractors, professional facility owners, or municipalities, we are committed to building strong relationships and delivering solutions tailored to your unique goals. Your success is our priority, and we strive to be a trusted partner every step of the way.
Your Game-Changing Facility Starts Here!:
From football fields to tennis courts, our expertise helps ensures every facility meets your unique vision. Contact us today for tailored solutions!