The only consolation is that the fields supposedly save money in the long run. Replacing the field turf at the end of its useful life is a lot cheaper than the original installation because you don't have to redo the foundation layers.
When CISD and WTAMU put field turf in, they supposedly ran the numbers and put the annual cost below that of grass because of how expensive it is to grow and maintain grass.
Of course Canyon is in the unique situation of being able to share their stadium cost among two high schools and a college, all three of which have three varsity programs using the field: football and men's and women's soccer.
Amarillo gets even more utility, sharing their stadium among four high school football, track and soccer programs.
The other benefits include lowered knee injury rates, and in Canyon and Amarillo's case, lots of dollars spent in the community from playoff games, band contests, etc.
Americans for Fair Taxation! 