Athletic field tarps are unsung heroes, carefully shielding sports grounds from the elements and ensuring the games go on—rain or shine. But what are the perks of using these durable guardians for your fields? Review this guide on everything you need to know about athletic field tarps for more insight.
What Are Athletic Field Tarps?
Athletic field tarps are large protective covers that safeguard sports fields from various weather conditions and environmental elements. These tarps have durable materials that provide a robust barrier against rain, snow, sun exposure, and other external factors that can damage the playing surface. They’re easily moveable, allowing sports facility managers to quickly protect the field in anticipation of bad weather or uncover it for game time.
The Protective Power of Tarps
As mentioned, sports teams and maintenance crews primarily use athletic field tarps to protect sports fields from extreme weather conditions. Heavy rainfall, snowfall, and the intense rays of the scorching sun can inflict significant and lasting damage on playing surfaces.
By deploying a tarp over the field, they protect the grass and underlying soil from these harsh elements. This ensures that the playing surface remains safe, consistent, and ideal for athletic activities. Furthermore, tarps preserve the aesthetic appeal of the field, making it playable and visually pleasing.
Tarps Maintain Morale
Imagine you have to inform a team that you must postpone their much-anticipated game due to field conditions—a guaranteed way to dampen morale. Thankfully, tarps give facility managers and groundskeepers the power to maintain the spirit of the game. These protective covers allow fields to recover more quickly, ensuring that neither rain nor shine determines if the game proceeds. This preparation allows athletes to perform at their best, free from concerns about the ground beneath their feet.
Custom Fit Covers
Another thing you need to know about athletic field tarps is that they’re customizable. Every field is unique, sporting its own set of contours and corners. Facility managers can find tarps that fit their field’s dimensions like a glove. Customization ensures all parts of the field receive equal protection when not in use.
By choosing a custom-fit tarp, they can ensure a snug fit that minimizes the chance of wind lifting the cover. This allows for quicker drying and less maintenance after adverse weather. This attention to detail can extend the life of the playing surface, making it a wise investment for any sports facility aiming to maintain high-quality field conditions year-round.
Consequences of Not Using Field Tarps
Field tarps are more than large pieces of protective fabric; they are essential for maintaining a sports field’s quality and usability. Neglecting their use can lead to various consequences that affect field conditions, athlete performance, and more. Here’s a deeper look.
Increased Maintenance Costs
Without tarps, fields are more susceptible to damage from weather conditions, leading to higher maintenance and repair costs. Restoring a field to its prime condition is expensive, involving reseeding, fertilizing, and even resurfacing.
Game Cancellations or Delays
Fields can quickly become unplayable after heavy rain or severe weather events. This can result in game cancellations or delays, disrupting schedules and disappointing both players and fans.
Unsafe Playing Conditions
Unprotected fields may develop uneven surfaces, holes, or slippery areas, increasing the risk of athlete injuries. Safety is a top priority, and tarps can maintain stable and secure ground.
Decreased Field Longevity
Constant exposure to harsh weather without a protective barrier accelerates field wear and tear, reducing the overall lifespan of the field and leading to earlier-than-expected replacements or renovations.
Poor Aesthetic Appeal
A well-maintained field is important for gameplay and the visual appeal of a sports venue. Fields without tarps can quickly look worn out, patchy, and unattractive, potentially deterring spectators.
Examples of Tarp Usage
Whether it’s a high school diamond or a professional stadium, tarps are essential across all levels of play. Consider these scenarios.
Preserving School Fields During Off-Seasons
Tarps protect school fields during off-seasons, keeping them in top condition for the next sports season. They shield the fields from weather damage and unauthorized use. Additionally, tarps demonstrate a community’s commitment to high-quality athletic facilities for young athletes.
Multi-Event Community Parks
Municipal parks use tarps to maintain sports field quality, as they often experience frequent traffic across various activities and seasons. Tarps also facilitate quick and efficient transitions between events, reducing downtime and making it easier for park management to host activities.
Professional Stadiums
Professional stadiums rely on tarps to keep their fields pristine for global broadcasts. This practice also reduces repair and maintenance efforts, allowing staff to improve playing surface quality. Such dedication enhances the venue’s reputation, athlete performance, and fan satisfaction.
Harsh Weather-Prone Regions
Fields are particularly vulnerable in regions notorious for harsh weather. Tarps become indispensable, actively preventing game disruptions and protecting against damage that could otherwise lead to substantial restoration costs. For example, in regions prone to intense sun and heat, tarps maintain moisture levels within the soil, protecting the grass from drying out and dying.
Versatile Multi-Purpose Fields
For fields accommodating various sports throughout the week, certain areas might suffer more wear. Strategically placing tarps on these specific sections balances field wear, ensuring durability and longevity. Tarps preserve the quality of the playing surface while maximizing the field’s usability, allowing it to support activities without compromising on condition.
Proper Care and Maintenance of Athletic Field Tarps
Proper care and maintenance ensure a tarp’s longevity and effectiveness in protecting sports fields. You should carefully roll or fold the athletic tarp to avoid creases and store it in a dry, shaded area to prevent damage from moisture and sunlight.
When it comes to cleaning, regularly remove dirt and debris from the tarps using soap and water. Address any rips or tears immediately with appropriate repair kits or professional services to prevent further damage.
Ensure that the tarps are completely dry before storage to extend the lifespan of athletic field tarps and avoid mold and mildew growth. By following good practices, you can enhance the durability and performance of tarps, ensuring they continue to provide reliable protection for sports fields.
Buy Tarps From Western Environmental Liner
Ready to safeguard your athletic fields with top-quality protection? Western Environmental Liner’s athletic field tarps meet the highest durability, performance, and field preservation standards. Don’t let weather or wear and tear compromise your game days or the condition of your sports surfaces. Contact us today to take the first step toward unbeatable field protection!
