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Don't have an answer about the number of new turf fields going in.
As for officiating on the new turf - I love it. Definitely easier on the legs and joints. Like the old artficial turf fields, these get pretty hot in late summer, perhaps even hotter than the old types due to the black ground rubber component. But the added comfort more than offsets that (heat) disadvantage. I like working on natural grass fields too, but unfortunately a number of them are not properly maintained and end up compacted, with ruts and holes, and overall not a very good situation. The turf fields, as someone already pointed out, also have more accurate markings that also are a definite benefit.
The new turf fields, although a significant up front financial challenge, are a good long term solution because you can use them for multiple sports, without the worry of tearing them up in wet weather. There are a couple more turf fields going in here in the metro Omaha area and I predict a few more will follow.
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kentref
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