Breaking Records at Rice University: Pivot® Turf Delivers Under Pressure

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, Rice University faced an urgent challenge: its stadium turf was no longer playable — and the football season was just weeks away. With the clock ticking, TenCate Grass was called in. The result? A complete field replacement in just 12 days, featuring our cutting-edge Pivot® Performance Turf.

A Rapid Response, Built on Innovation

Time was critical, but so was quality. The damaged field was quickly removed and sent to a recycling facility in Baton Rouge. From there, it entered a fully circular pathway, transformed into high-grade plastic pellets and processed at ExxonMobil’s advanced recycling plant in Baytown, Texas, to become raw materials for new polyethylene products.

This wasn’t just a field replacement. It was a demonstration of how innovation, performance, and sustainability can move together at speed.

Pivot® Performance Turf: Engineered to Feel Natural

At the heart of this project is Pivot®, a high-performance, infill-free turf system developed at the TenCate Center for Turf Innovation. Designed using biomimicry, it replicates the comfort and playability of natural grass while eliminating the need for performance infill.

No rubber means fewer abrasions, reduced environmental impact, and a cleaner playing surface, all while delivering elite-level performance and durability.

Trusted by Athletes, Validated by Play

Players and coaches at Rice immediately noticed the difference. Reduced fatigue, quicker recovery, and fewer minor injuries were just the beginning. Even former NFL athletes on staff reported lower joint pain and better overall comfort after hours on the field.

It’s not just about feel, Pivot is backed by third-party testing, biomechanical data, and a 12-year warranty. Because top-tier performance should be measurable and dependable.

Setting a New Standard

This project is more than a case study, it’s a benchmark. By delivering high-performance turf under extreme time pressure, while staying true to our sustainability principles, TenCate Grass helped Rice University turn a challenge into a breakthrough.

Pivot® Performance Turf isn’t just ready for the future, it’s already redefining what’s possible in the present.