The Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy Trusts AstroTurf Again for Facility Renovations, Launching Expanded Partnership Focused on Access and Development

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy (UYA) has completed the installation of two new AstroTurf® fields, marking the first phase of a four-field buildout planned for this year. The project advances the UYA's mission to expand access to baseball and softball, provide consistent playing opportunities, and strengthen player development pathways for youth across the Kansas City community.

The Urban Youth Academy is a purpose-driven community hub designed to grow the game by removing barriers to participation. Through free or low-cost programming, coaching, clinics, leagues, and player development opportunities, the academy provides young athletes a place to learn, compete, and build confidence in a structured environment. Just as importantly, it serves as a gathering point for families and community partners, helping keep baseball and softball accessible while reinforcing the Royals long-term commitment to impact across Kansas City.

These two new fields also represent the start of a new relationship between AstroTurf® and The Kansas City Royals, with AstroTurf named the Official Synthetic Turf Supplier of the organization and Mid-America Sports Construction serving as the Official Field Builder. Together, the partnership is designed to support The Royals long-term vision for community impact, high-quality training environments, and durable field infrastructure capable of sustaining heavy year-round use.

"This partnership is an investment in young people, and the role baseball and softball play in building confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging from the moment they step into the facility."

— Donease Smith, Executive Director, Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy

Built for consistent play and high-volume scheduling, the newly installed AstroTurf surfaces will help the UYA reduce weather-related disruptions, expand practice, and game availability, and maintain a dependable environment for instruction, clinics, and league programming. With two additional fields planned for installation later this year, the UYA will continue expanding capacity to meet growing participation and program demand.

The investment also reflects a broader momentum in baseball development and community programming across Major League Baseball. As AstroTurf's partnership with MLB continues to grow, projects like this one at the Urban Youth Academy demonstrate how professional organizations are investing in facilities that serve both performance and purpose, creating spaces where young athletes can develop skills, build confidence, and access opportunity.

"With these two fields complete and additional phases ahead, this partnership reflects what we value most: building durable, high-performance surfaces that support the game at every level and help more athletes pursue their goals." said AstroTurf Director fo Basbeall, Aaron Klotz

With the first two fields now open and the next phases underway, The UYA continues to expand its footprint as a community hub for baseball and softball. The collaboration between The Royals, AstroTurf, and Mid-America Sports Construction reinforces a shared commitment to long-term impact, supporting the future of the sport by giving more kids a place to play, train, and dream.

About AstroTurf® Corporation

AstroTurf® Corporation is the original inventor and innovator of synthetic sports surfacing, leading the industry for 60 years. Known for pioneering surfacing solutions, AstroTurf® Corporation delivers innovative products focused on performance, safety, and sustainability.

The company's portfolio includes AstroTurf® fields, the trusted name in synthetic turf; Rekortan® tracks, the benchmark for elite running surfaces; Laykold® courts, the premier choice for tennis and multi-sport court play; and SYNLawn®, the industry leader in residential and commercial landscaping solutions. These products are the original brands in their respective categories and set the standard for quality and innovation in sports and recreational surfacing.

AstroTurf® is dedicated to creating world-class sports and recreational environments that inspire athletes and elevate communities. For more information, visit astroturf.com.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE AstroTurf