A school business manager who has been in the market for a new athletic field in the last 10 years has no doubt has been exposed to the front lines of an intense battle for market share between producers of natural grass and manufacturers of artificial turf. Each camp is well represented by powerful industry organizations across the country. As a result, the marketplace is flooded with information (and misinformation) about natural grass and artificial turf. The decision to go natural or artificial is further complicated by the diversity of public opinion on the subject. Sports purists swear by the authenticity of natural grass, and owners and operators praise the benefits and flexibility of artificial turf. More recently, community groups such as youth sports organizations, frustrated by limited access to school and community fields, are calling for more artificial turf fields. So which playing surface really provides the best value? The answer often depends on a combination of many different factors. These include: (1) Construction and start-up costs; (2) Maintenance and operations costs; (3) Replacement costs; (4) Hours of use; (5) Water issues; (6) Safety issues; and (7) Weather and environmental factors. To make the best value selection for one's organization, consider a thorough review of the benefits and concerns for each product type with respect to the district's unique situation.