Press & Media
Welcome to the SIDEKICK USA Press and Media Page, your hub for the latest news and information about the ground breaking pushing machine, SIDEKICK® and all things turf – real and artificial.
2024
Seamless Transformation. Stellar Performance: The SIDEKICK Advantage
For modern stadiums, versatility is key. These venues are no longer just the backdrop for sports; they host a variety of events from concerts and conventions to major sporting competitions. At the heart of this transformation is the need for rapid, efficient changeovers that maintain the highest standards. Enter the internationally patented SIDEKICK, the game-changing solution that stadiums around the world rely on.
Efficiency and Record-Breaking Innovation
SIDEKICK's internationally patented machinery not only allows for seamless transitions between events but also holds the record for the fastest turf installations—twice. This unmatched efficiency keeps events on schedule and the field in top condition, showcasing our commitment to quality and performance.
Experience the SIDEKICK Difference
See for yourself how SIDEKICK transforms venues with unparalleled speed and precision. Visit our gallery page to watch our groundbreaking technology in action.
World Cup 2026: A push for natural grass fields and player safety
In light of the recent decision by FIFA regarding the 2026 World Cup, the emphasis on player safety and the quality of play has never been more pronounced. The mandate for natural grass fields at venues, including MetLife Stadium, underscores a significant shift towards prioritizing the wellbeing of athletes and the integrity of the game. This transition, catalyzed by concerns over injuries on artificial turf—most notably Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury during an NFL game—has propelled the debate on natural grass versus artificial surfaces into the global spotlight.
SIDEKICK USA, with its cutting-edge, internationally patented technology for laying turf is positioned to play a crucial role in this transformation. Our precision in installing high-quality turf quickly and efficiently aligns with FIFA's stringent requirements for the World Cup, setting a new standard for sports venues worldwide. SIDEKICK's innovative approach ensures that stadiums not only meet the global expectation for player safety but also enhance the aesthetic and playability of the field. Trust the internationally patented SIDEKICK for top-tier playing surfaces that prioritize player safety, performance, and satisfaction.
The NFL collects data on playing surface safety with the “BEAST”
In the wake of Aaron Rodgers' 2023 season-altering injury, the conversation about playing surface safety has once again taken center stage in the NFL. The league's pivot to using the BEAST machine for surface testing underscores the urgent need for consistent, high-quality playing fields. Our commitment to exceptional turf installation meets this demand head-on, providing natural grass solutions that prioritize athlete safety and align with the league's rigorous standards.
As industry leaders, SIDEKICK not only echoes the NFL's commitment to player safety but also sets the bar for it. Our internationally patented installation techniques ensure a durable, even, and reliable surface that athletes can trust game after game. By choosing SIDEKICK as your turf installation partner, you're opting for a proven ally in the mission to safeguard players and enhance the integrity of the sport.
NFLPA head says 92% of players prefer playing on grass
The San Francisco 49ers' issues with their practice fields at the Super Bowl gave the NFL Players Association an opportunity to highlight players' desire for grass fields across the league.
NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell emphasized the importance of installing grass fields, discussed modifications to the league's gambling policy, dismissed consideration to eliminate the hip-drop tackle, and more in his first state of the union address since moving into the role eight months ago.
"The one issue where there was unanimous commentary was, ‘At the end of the day, I want to play on the highest quality grass surface,'" Howell said Wednesday in a nearly 90-minute news conference inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
An NFLPA survey revealed that 92% of players prefer to play on high-quality grass, 6% percent were indifferent between grass and synthetic turf, and most of the 2% who prefer synthetic turf are kickers...
Stop by our booth and see SIDEKICK – the fastest and easiest way to install sod in the industry. Learn more about the 2024 TPI Conference here and we'll see you in sunny Florida!
SIDEKICK is headed to the 2024 Sports Field Management Association Conference and Exhibition in sunny Daytona Beach Florida, January 22-25! Visit us at Booth #452 and see SIDEKICK for yourself – the fastest and easiest way to lay thick-cut sod in the industry. Register for SFMA, visit the Conference Page, or download the 2024 brochure for more information.
2023
2022
SIDEKICK HELPS BREAK WORLD RECORD FOR FASTEST PITCH INSTALL
The Al Bayt Stadium pitch install in Qatar – in prep for the 2022 World Cup – sets a world record for the fastest install ever recorded: 6 hr, 41 min. Watch video below.
2021
SIDEKICK Officially Patented In Europe
Award-winning innovation in turf installation is now patented throughout Europe
CHICAGO (PRWEB) SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 – SIDEKICK USA, manufacturer of the revolutionary turf installation machine, announced today that its award-winning* apparatus is officially patented in Europe. The Sidekick installer – the only one of its kind – will now be fully protected throughout Europe in addition to numerous other patents around the world.
“This patent is a massive step forward for Sidekick,” said Paul Carlson, Founder and CEO of SIDEKICK USA LLC. “By protecting our invention, we have ensured that we truly are a one-of-kind product that European stadia and contractors will look to for fast and seamless turf installation – with a playing surface that is not only safer than alternatives but immediately ready for play as well.”
Through its patented design, the Sidekick is optimized to gently push turf together during the installation process. Without the proper tool both natural and hybrid turf installations are extremely challenging. This is due to cuts of turf being approximately six centimeters thick, over one meter wide, and can weigh up to 97 kilograms per square meter. The Sidekick is an advancement from the crude methods – such as pulling the sod by hand with rakes – used by installation crews, often resulting in exposed seams or tears, which can pose serious injury risks to athletes.
The Sidekick mechanizes and streamlines the installation process, speeding it up considerably. This also frees up turf management teams to focus on other important areas of the install. Prior to the Sidekick, a full field replacement could take upwards of three full days of backbreaking labor. Now, the entire process typically takes only one day with the Sidekick, and with far less physical effort. After completion, the field can be ready to use the same day. This also allows for more activities on the field - including sporting events and concerts - to take place.
Sidekick is the official equipment and partner of Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, as well as distribution partners with STEC Equipment and HG Turf Group. It is also responsible for aiding turf installations at over 17 stadiums in the National Football League, such as Allegiant Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and Levi’s Stadium - including Super Bowl 50. Additionally, Sidekick has been utilized for both natural and hybrid turf installations around the world including Austrialia, New Zealand, Israel, and Japan – most recently at Yokohama International Stadium and the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. It has also been used in a number of stadiums in Qatar leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Contact SIDEKICK USA or one of our trusted distribution partners for pricing and availability.
2020
SideKick now available at STEC Equipment
Patented turf installation machine is now available through STEC Equipment
CHICAGO (PRWEB) December 10, 2020 – Sidekick USA, manufacturer of the award-winning* and patented natural turf installation machine, announced today that its attachment designed for KIOTI models will now be available for distribution through STEC Equipment – including demonstrations, leases, and purchase.
“We’re are extremely excited to partner Sidekick’s unmatched capabilities with STEC Equipment’s sales and marketing drive,” said Paul Carlson, CEO & owner of Sidekick. “Through STEC Equipment’s extensive natural turf network and distribution channel, Sidekick can ensure cutting-edge turf installation not only to a regional market, but a national one as well. Like Sidekick, STEC Equipment comes from small business roots and has grown into one of the most influential turf equipment dealerships in North America.”
Through its patented design, the Sidekick is optimized to gently push thick-cut sod together during the installation process. The cut is approximately two inches thick, 48 inches wide, and can weigh up to 20 pounds per square foot - making it a challenge to tighten without the proper tool. The Sidekick is an advancement from the crude methods - such as pulling the sod by hand with rakes - used by installation crews, often resulting in exposed seams or tears, which can pose serious injury risks to athletes.
“This partnership with Sidekick is just the start of a new chapter for STEC Equipment,” said David Taylor, President of STEC Equipment. “Sidekick’s various KIOTI models not only fit perfectly with our current lineup of KIOTI products, but they also help in providing our customers with complete turf coverage – from sod field to surface installation.”
Sidekick’s partnership with STEC Equipment is another step forward in ensuring safe and reliable playing surfaces throughout the natural turf industry. In early 2020, Sidekick entered into a marketing and distribution partnership with John Deere. Sidekick has also been an official equipment and partner of Rose Bowl Stadium since 2017, and has aided in turf installations at 17 NFL stadiums, such as the newly opened Allegiant Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and Levi’s Stadium – including Super Bowl 50. Additionally, Sidekick USA has been utilized in numerous other professional and amateur stadiums around the United States, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and Qatar.
For more information, contact Sidekick or STEC Equipment for pricing and availability.
*2013 STMA Innovation Award for Safety
About Sidekick
Sidekick USA is the company behind the Sidekick, the award-winning machine that’s revolutionizing the thick-cut sod and sports turf industries. The patented Sidekick was developed to help sports turf managers, turf contractors and ultimately, athletes. When natural grass on athletic fields gets worn down and needs to be replaced, turf managers often seek thick-cut sod for immediate results. Thick-cut sod can be up to four inches thick. It’s much heavier than regular sod, which greatly increases stability and playability.
About STEC Equipment
STEC Equipment provides a variety of imported and domestic specialty equipment for a wide range of turf applications. Their customers include sports turf, golf, contractor, and other professionals within the turf industry.
