Artificial Turf Field
Companies in California
Artificial Turf Field Builders in California
From the beaches of San Diego to the high schools of Sacramento, artificial turf fields are transforming sports facilities across California.
With water conservation mandates, year-round use demands, and increasing maintenance costs of natural grass, many schools, parks, and private complexes are making the switch to synthetic turf. California-based artificial turf companies are at the forefront of this movement, delivering durable, low-maintenance playing surfaces for every sport and level of play.
This guide explains what to expect when planning an artificial turf project in California and how to choose a partner who can do the job right.
How to Install New Artificial Turf in a Sports Facility in California
What Does Artificial Turf Cost in California?
Based on current market data and our internal database of thousands of sports facility projects across the U.S., the cost to install a full-size synthetic turf field in California typically ranges from $650,000 to $1.35 million.
Costs vary widely depending on:
- Field Size & Sport Use
- Base Construction Needs
- Drainage System Complexity
- Turf Product & Infill Type
- Site Access & Region (e.g., Bay Area vs. Inland Empire)
Artificial turf offers long-term cost savings through reduced maintenance, no irrigation, and consistent year-round use, which is especially valuable in drought-prone California.
Want to get a sense of pricing for your artificial sports turf project? Try our Artificial Turf Field Cost Calculator.
Funding Opportunities for Turf Projects in California
California project owners have access to a wide range of funding options:
- State-level programs such as the California Proposition 68 Grants (Parks and Water Bond Act)
- Local bond measures and school district capital improvement funds
- NRPA and NFL Foundation grants for underserved communities
- Municipal sustainability and green infrastructure incentives
Check our Sports Facility Grants Database for updated listings of funding sources available throughout California.
How to Choose a Turf Company in California
When selecting an artificial turf installer in California, focus on the following:
Local Experience
Choose a contractor familiar with California’s environmental regulations, stormwater requirements, and Title 24 compliance. Many municipalities have additional review layers, particularly in coastal or conservation areas.
Drainage Design Expertise
Proper base and drainage construction is critical for turf longevity. Make sure your contractor handles geotechnical testing, laser grading, and layered base compaction.
Turf Quality
Request details on fiber type, infill material, UV protection, and warranties. California’s sun can rapidly degrade low-quality turf.
Sport-Specific Design
Your provider should offer layouts tailored to sport needs: seam placement, shock pad options, and line configurations that support safe and effective play.
The best artificial turf installation companies serve areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and San Francisco.
What to Look for in a Turf Installation Quote in California
When assessing your potential candidates for turf installation, it’s crucial to get key information up front. That’s why we recommend a thorough quoting and proposal process.
A complete proposal should include:
- Site prep, excavation, and base construction
- Drainage design and installation
- Turf product specifications and infill system
- Striping/marking for your chosen sports
- Maintenance plan and product warranty
- Permitting support
California-specific elements to confirm:
- Stormwater compliance
- Drought-tolerant landscaping perimeter (if required)
- Environmental review support (CEQA for larger projects)
Compare lifecycle cost projections, not just install price. Ask about anticipated lifespan, GMAX ratings, and annual upkeep needs.
Climate Considerations for California Athletic Turf Fields
California’s climate zones affect both turf selection and base design:
Southern California (Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside)
- High UV exposure: choose turf with fade-resistant fibers and heat-reducing infills
- Water restrictions: zero-irrigation fields are a major advantage
- Air quality regulations may limit crumb rubber infill use
Central Valley & Inland Empire
- Hot, dry summers require infill systems that manage surface temperature
- Dust control during construction is a common regulatory requirement
Bay Area & Northern California
- Cooler temps with seasonal rain
- Ensure sub-base and drainage meet stormwater codes
- Consider eco-friendly, permeable base systems
Permitting and Regulatory Overview for California Turf Projects
Installing artificial turf in California often requires navigating local ordinances, environmental regulations, and water conservation standards — particularly in public spaces, schools, and sports facilities.
Permitting & Zoning Guidelines
Requirements vary widely by city and county. While many residential and small-scale turf projects may be permit-exempt, large sports fields or municipal installations often require permits related to grading, drainage, or stormwater management. For example, Los Angeles may require review for projects affecting irrigation systems, while San Diego enforces specific guidelines on infill materials and runoff control.
Environmental & Water Conservation Standards
California’s strict water conservation policies encourage artificial turf as a drought-friendly solution, but they also come with rules. Some municipalities require minimum permeability to reduce runoff, restrictions on certain infill materials (such as crumb rubber), and compliance with CalGreen water efficiency standards for landscaping.
Accessibility & Safety Compliance
Public and school projects must meet the California Building Code’s accessibility provisions, including surface firmness, stability, and slip resistance. Sports installations should also follow safety guidelines for shock absorption, surface temperature control, and maintenance access.
Resources & Links:
Inspiration: California Sports Venues with Synthetic Turf Fields
Professional & College Facilities in California
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, CA
Home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, SoFi Stadium is one of the most technologically advanced sports venues in the world. The stadium’s synthetic turf system is engineered for optimal player performance, with an integrated cooling technology to maintain surface temperature during Southern California’s hot summer months. Its modular turf design allows for rapid changeovers between NFL games, concerts, and large-scale events, while maintaining the consistency and safety standards required for professional play.
Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, CA
Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, features a high-performance synthetic turf field designed for NFL and NCAA competition. The stadium transitioned from natural grass to synthetic turf to improve durability and playability year-round, especially in a region with variable weather. The turf system meets league standards for shock absorption, traction, and ball response, making it one of the top surfaces for professional football. It also supports a diverse lineup of events, from college football to international soccer matches.
Dignity Health Sports Park – Carson, CA
As the home of the LA Galaxy MLS team and a training venue for Olympic athletes, Dignity Health Sports Park is equipped with multiple synthetic turf fields tailored for soccer and multi-sport use. The facility’s turf meets FIFA Quality Pro standards, ensuring consistent ball roll, rebound, and player safety. Its multipurpose design allows for community programs, youth tournaments, and elite-level training on the same surfaces, making it a benchmark for multi-sport synthetic field installations in California.
Notable California High School & Community Projects
Cathedral Catholic High School – San Diego, CA
Cathedral Catholic High School is recognized for its top-tier synthetic turf facilities, supporting football, soccer, and lacrosse programs. The school’s multi-sport field features a shock-absorbing underlayment to reduce player fatigue and injury risk, as well as an advanced drainage system to maintain playability during San Diego’s rare but heavy rain events. With lines and markings for multiple sports, the field is a year-round hub for both varsity and community athletic programs.
De La Salle High School – Concord, CA
Home to one of the most storied high school football programs in the nation, De La Salle High School’s turf field is designed for high-intensity competition. The system includes reinforced fibers for durability under frequent use, a cushioned infill mix to improve player comfort, and precision field markings for football, soccer, and other sports. The surface withstands the demands of a packed game and practice schedule while maintaining a professional-level appearance.
Orange County Great Park – Irvine, CA
Spanning more than 1,300 acres, Orange County Great Park offers one of the largest collections of synthetic turf fields in the state. The facility supports soccer, rugby, and multi-sport leagues with dozens of full-size and small-sided fields, each built to meet competitive play standards. The park’s turf systems are selected for UV resistance, heat reduction, and consistent performance under heavy foot traffic, making it a premier destination for tournaments and community recreation alike.