Riverbend’s Nerf Turf

Concertgoers at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center this summer will literally have a much greener experience with the amphitheatre’s new, state-of-the-art Synthetic Concert Lawn.

The amphitheatre is the first in the country to feature the lawn made of recyclable materials and its system of turf, rocks and drains, which took 16 weeks to install at a cost of $750,000.

Officials say the lawn will eliminate the need for pesticides, fertilizers and gas-powered mowers and cut down the annual cost of water and sod. It will also keep a clean, dry surface regardless of the weather.

Officials are also planning to market the new lawn system to outdoor venues around the world.

“We are always trying to improve the overall experience for our patrons. As lawn ticket sales have increased, maintaining the lawn seating area from normal wear-and-tear became increasingly more difficult,” Riverbend CEO Mike Smith said in a statement. “The addition of the Synthetic Concert Lawn gets us one step closer to creating that unbeatable concert experience.”

Riverbend’s summer season launches May 20 with Brad Paisley, followed by Dave Matthews Band.