Comparing natural turf to artificial turf is not an entirely fair comparison. A well-maintained natural turf field is usually preferred by those who have the money and manpower to maintain them. At the high school level, most fields must be multi-use facilities thus adding the demand of saving money over the long term. The old school Astroturf was brutal for causing many knee injuries because it had superior (dangerously) traction but with bad consequences. The newer artificial turf is much superior in it's playability and ability to mimic natural turf. Costs of artificial turf have dramatically been reduced compared to 10-20 years ago. More companies competing for the market helps as well. The most recent version of these artificial turf fields have the features of not holding/transferring heat by the use of different "pellets". I am very happy that many more schools are able to install a safer artificial turf so that many programs, (football, band, drill team, soccer, etc.) can train, practice, and play on safer field.