NFL Stadiums With Real Grass vs. Artificial Turf

October 10, 2023 by

Every detail matters in professional football. From the precision of a quarterback’s throw to the team’s playbook, this game leaves little to chance. Still, one element that continues to be up for debate is the best playing surface for football.

The choice between real grass and artificial turf in NFL stadiums has sparked passionate discussions among players, fans, and team brass. Many stadiums have opted to remove their natural grass for turf — but is this the best decision?

We’ll delve into the pros and cons of each surface to determine which is really the best. Plus, discover how you can check out these different fields for yourself by getting the cheapest nfl tickets from TickPick.

NFL Stadiums with Real Grass vs. Artificial Turf

In the NFL, there are 30 stadiums, and half use real grass. However, 16 of the 32 NFL teams are playing on synthetic turf, as some share the same stadium. The most common natural choice is Bermuda grass.

Here is a list of NFL stadiums using real grass:

NFL Stadiums With Turf vs. Real Grass

Almost every season as of late, a new team joins the turf list. This season, the Tennessee Titans replaced their natural grass with turf.

Here is the complete list of NFL turf fields:

What Is the Appeal of Natural Grass?

Real grass has long been synonymous with football. There’s an undeniable beauty in a well-maintained grass field. It connects players and fans to the sport’s roots, bringing back memories of the good ol’ days of playing football with your friends.

Natural Feel

NFL stadiums with real grass offer a unique visual spectacle. The natural green surface provides the perfect backdrop for the fast-paced action on the field. Players often speak of the sensory experience of playing on real grass, which includes the soft feel, the smell, and the nostalgia.

Player Safety and Health

Safety is paramount in the NFL, and real grass has distinct advantages over artificial surfaces. The natural give of grass provides better shock absorption, reducing the impact on players’ bodies during tackles and falls. Real grass can lead to a lower risk of certain types of injuries, such as concussions and ligament tears.

In addition to injury prevention, natural grass is less likely to cause abrasions or turf burns, which can be painful and irritating to deal with during a game. Moreover, the cooler surface temperature of grass can be more comfortable for players, especially during hot summer games.

Challenges of Maintaining Real Grass

The biggest drawback to grass fields is the need for labor-intensive care, including regular mowing, fertilization, and irrigation. This level of maintenance can be costly and time-consuming, particularly in climates where extreme weather conditions can wreak havoc on the field.

Stadiums without roofs in regions with heavy rainfall or harsh winters, like at the Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field, may struggle to maintain a pristine grass surface year-round.

The Rise of Artificial Turf

Artificial turf began to gain popularity in the 1970s as a solution to the challenges of maintaining natural grass fields. Over the decades, it has evolved significantly, becoming a staple in professional sports stadiums worldwide.

Durability and Versatility

One of the primary advantages of artificial turf is its durability. It can withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for NFL stadiums that host various events beyond football games. Artificial turf can be used year-round, accommodating practices, concerts, and other events without the wear and tear that natural grass would experience.

Weather Resistance and Year-Round Playability

Weather conditions don’t affect artificial turf. Rain or snow, the surface remains consistent, ensuring the game can continue regardless of the elements. This predictability is crucial for scheduling games and ensuring teams can play.

Cost-Effectiveness

Maintaining artificial turf is generally less expensive than real grass long-term. The upfront costs of installing artificial turf may be higher, but the reduced need for constant maintenance, such as mowing and irrigation, can lead to significant savings. Teams can use those resources elsewhere, such as fan engagement and other stadium updates.

NFL Stadiums Making the Switch

As we mentioned, several NFL stadiums have made the transition from natural grass to artificial turf. Let’s explore a few stadiums to understand what led to these changes.

MetLife Stadium

MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Giants and New York Jets, made the switch to artificial turf. The decision was influenced by the stadium’s status as a multi-purpose venue, hosting NFL games, concerts, and other events. The durability of artificial turf made it a practical choice for a stadium with a busy schedule.

Lumen Field

The Seattle Seahawks stadium was the first in the NFL to install FieldTurf instead of natural grass in 2002. The Seahawks had played the previous two seasons on artificial turf while using Husky Stadium. Once their new stadium was built, they brought in FieldTurf. With Seattle’s rainy weather, natural grass can be harder to maintain, and they wanted a consistent playing surface.

Paycor Stadium

The Cincinnati Bengals were not far behind the Seahawks, replacing grass with FieldTurf in 2004. The Bengals tried to grow natural grass for four years, but it never took. Before making the switch, their field was one of the worst in the NFL.

Bank of America Stadium

The Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper had Bank of America Stadium’s grass field replaced with turf in 2021. The main reason for the switch was cost. The stadium shares the field with an MLS team and also hosts various other sporting events and concerts. They believed grass would be too hard to maintain and that a synthetic surface was the solution.

Player Concerns and Improvements

Many critics of artificial turf have voiced concerns about its impact on player safety and comfort. In response, significant strides have been made towards improving artificial turf technology.

Evolution of Artificial Turf Technology

Artificial turf has come a long way from the early days of abrasive, hard surfaces. Modern artificial turf systems incorporate advanced materials and design elements to mimic the feel of real grass while providing better traction and shock absorption. Many NFL players have noted that today’s artificial turf is more player-friendly than it used to be.

Mitigating Injury Risks

Research and development efforts have focused on reducing injury risks associated with artificial turf. Some innovations include adding shock-absorbing pads beneath the turf and using more forgiving infill materials. These upgrades aim to minimize the potential for injuries and provide a safer playing surface for NFL athletes.

NFLPA on Risks

The NFL Players Association recently released an essay pushing for natural grass. Despite improvements to turf fields, data shows that artificial turf is significantly harder on a player’s body. They looked at NFL injury data and discovered that from 2012 to 2018, the contact injury rate for lower extremities (knee, feet, ankles, etc.) was higher during practices and games on artificial turf.

Real Grass Enthusiasts

Many NFL players are staunch advocates for real grass. They praise grass’s natural feel, reduced risk of injury, and overall comfort. In fact, Los Angeles Rams star Cooper Kupp publicly stated that he believes all teams should be playing on grass.

Artificial Turf Advocates

On the other side of the debate, some players appreciate the durability and consistency of artificial turf. The turf fields offer a predictable surface, regardless of weather conditions.

Compare Grass and Turf for Yourself

You can get a closer look at these different playing surfaces by checking out your favorite NFL team in person.

At TickPick, you can find the best seats at a lower cost than other distributors. We’re so confident in our pricing that we offer our BestPrice Guarantee. If you find the same seats on one of our competitor’s sites within 30 minutes of your TickPick order, we will give you a TickPick credit of 110% of the price difference. Plus, our NFL tickets don’t come with any of those annoying hidden fees.

You don’t have to worry about finding a good deal before the big game. We make the process as quick and painless as possible. You can also secure your parking pass through TickPick.

The Debates Continues

There’s no definitive winner when it comes to real grass versus artificial turf in NFL stadiums. Both surfaces have their advantages and drawbacks.

The discussion will likely continue until enough improvements have been made to artificial fields. If the data shows the risk of injury is the same, more players may get on board. Ultimately, both playing surfaces will continue to be used in the NFL.

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