On July 19, 1966, the Houston Astros hosted the Phillies in the first MLB game played entirely on artificial turf—and won 8–2. The $240,000 installation at the Astrodome sparked curiosity and concern, with players debating how the new surface changed bounces, footing, and ball movement. While the turf had no dramatic effect on play, it marked the beginning of a baseball revolution. For many, it was the day the game quite literally changed its ground rules.