How Many NFL Fields Are Grass and Why?
How Many NFL Fields Are Grass?
As of the 2023 season, there are 14 out of 32 NFL teams that do not use real grass.
The Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, and Washington Commanders all use natural grass fields.
These stadiums use either Bermuda grass or Kentucky bluegrass.
Key Points:
- 14 out of the 32 NFL teams do not use real grass fields as of the 2023 season.
- Teams that use natural grass fields include:
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Arizona Cardinals
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tennessee Titans
- Washington Commanders
- The natural grass fields in these stadiums use Bermuda grass or Kentucky bluegrass.
- There are 18 NFL teams that use synthetic turf or a hybrid system.
- Some of the teams that have synthetic turf or hybrid systems include:
- New England Patriots
- New Orleans Saints
- Dallas Cowboys
- Green Bay Packers
- The type of artificial turf used varies among the different stadiums.
Did You Know?
1. The majority of NFL fields are actually hybrid surfaces, consisting of both natural grass and synthetic fibers. This combination provides durability and allows the grass to grow, even in heavily trafficked areas.
2. Only eight NFL teams currently play their home games on fully natural grass fields. These teams are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Washington Football Team, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles.
3. The Green Bay Packers are the only team in the NFL that maintains its field without the use of any heating or artificial lighting systems. The field’s natural grass has been able to withstand the harsh Wisconsin winters for decades.
4. The popularity of artificial turf in the NFL surged during the 1970s due to its low maintenance requirements and ability to withstand heavy use. The first synthetic surface was installed in the Houston Astrodome in 1966, paving the way for future developments in the industry.
5. Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, is one of the oldest NFL stadiums and has never had an artificial surface. The famous frozen tundra has become a symbol of the team’s history and tradition, emphasizing their commitment to playing on natural grass.
Number Of NFL Teams With Artificial Turf
As of the 2023 season, 15 NFL teams play their home games on artificial turf, representing almost half of the league. This significant preference for synthetic surfaces can be attributed to various factors, such as weather conditions, maintenance costs, and overall playability.
Among these teams are the Atlanta Falcons (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Buffalo Bills (Highmark Stadium), and New England Patriots (Gillette Stadium), who have all opted for artificial turf.
Artificial turf offers several advantages over natural grass. It provides a consistent playing surface that remains unaffected by weather conditions, allowing games to proceed regardless of rain or snow. Moreover, artificial turf requires less maintenance compared to natural grass, as it eliminates the need for regular watering, mowing, and fertilization. This not only reduces the cost involved but also minimizes the effort required to keep the field in optimal condition.
However, it is worth noting that there are also some drawbacks to artificial turf. Some players argue that it can increase the risk of injuries, particularly to the joints and ligaments, due to its harder surface. Moreover, there have been concerns about turf burns and the potential for overheating during the summer months. Ultimately, the decision to install artificial turf depends on the specific needs and preferences of each team.
Teams Utilizing Desso GrassMaster
Two NFL teams, the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers, have chosen to use the innovative Desso GrassMaster system. This hybrid technology combines natural grass with artificial fibers to create a playing surface that combines the best of both worlds.
The Desso GrassMaster system injects synthetic fibers into the natural turf, providing extra reinforcement and stability. This helps to prevent excessive wear and tear, ensuring a consistent surface throughout the game. By incorporating artificial fibers, teams can enjoy the benefits of natural grass such as player safety and aesthetic appeal, while also maintaining the durability and playability associated with artificial turf.
The use of Desso GrassMaster is currently limited to the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers, making these teams pioneers in utilizing this cutting-edge technology. By opting for this system, they have shown a commitment to providing their players with the best possible playing conditions.
Key features of the Desso GrassMaster system include:
- Hybrid technology that combines natural grass with artificial fibers
- Synthetic fibers injected into the natural turf for additional reinforcement and stability
- Prevention of excessive wear and tear, ensuring a consistent playing surface
- Ideal compromise for teams seeking a balance between the benefits of natural grass and artificial turf
the Desso GrassMaster system offers NFL teams a unique solution that combines the advantages of natural grass and artificial turf. By incorporating synthetic fibers into the natural turf, teams can enjoy the benefits of both surfaces and provide their players with an optimal playing experience.
- Key features of the Desso GrassMaster system:
- Hybrid technology
- Synthetic fibers injected into natural turf
- Prevention of excessive wear and tear
- Ideal compromise for teams seeking balance
NFL Teams With Natural Grass Fields
A total of eight NFL teams prefer playing their home games on natural grass fields. These teams include the Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders, and the Cleveland Browns. They value the traditional feel and aesthetics of natural grass, as well as the potential advantages it brings during gameplay.
Despite the higher maintenance requirements and associated costs, these teams believe that the benefits of natural grass outweigh the additional effort. They commonly choose Bermuda grass and Kentucky bluegrass for their stadiums, both known for their durability, quick recovery, and ability to withstand heavy use.
Types Of Grass Used In NFL Stadiums
In the NFL, different stadiums opt for varying types of grass to suit their specific requirements and local conditions. Some examples include:
- FedExField: This stadium uses Bermuda grass, a warm-season grass that thrives in hot and humid climates.
- Heinz Field: The home of the Pittsburgh Steelers features Kentucky bluegrass, a cool-season grass that tolerates the colder climate of Pennsylvania.
- Levi’s Stadium: Home to the San Francisco 49ers, this stadium utilizes a mixture of Bermuda grass and Perennial Ryegrass. This combination ensures optimal performance throughout the year, even in the face of temperature fluctuations and heavy use.
- Hard Rock Stadium: Where the Miami Dolphins play, this stadium boasts Tifway 419 Bermuda grass, which is known for its excellent salt tolerance and ability to withstand high traffic.
Teams consider several factors when selecting the best surface for their needs, including climate suitability, resistance to wear and tear, recovery speed, and overall playing experience for the athletes.
Breakdown Of Turf Vs. Grass Fields In NFL Stadiums
Among the 30 NFL stadiums, there is an almost even split between artificial turf and natural grass fields. Fifteen stadiums use artificial turf, while the remaining 15 stadiums have real grass surfaces. This diversity allows teams to choose the type of playing surface that best suits their preferences and requirements.
Some stadiums use artificial turf due to its durability, weather resistance, and cost-effectiveness. These stadiums include Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Falcons), Highmark Stadium (Buffalo Bills), and Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots). In contrast, stadiums such as Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco 49ers), Lumen Field (Seattle Seahawks), and Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers) favor natural grass for its visual appeal and playing characteristics.
Furthermore, some NFL teams share stadiums, resulting in a majority of stadiums with turf fields. For instance, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is the shared home of both the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, and both teams play their home games on artificial turf.
The decision to use either turf or real grass ultimately depends on a variety of factors, including weather conditions, stadium ownership, maintenance costs, player preferences, and overall playing experience. Each type of surface has its own pros and cons, offering teams the opportunity to tailor their playing fields to their specific needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many NFL stadiums are real grass?
Currently, there are 15 NFL stadiums that have real grass or hybrid grass playing surfaces. Unlike artificial turf, which is used in 15 other stadiums, the league does not enforce specific regulations regarding surface type for teams. This means that individual teams have the freedom to choose their preferred playing surface, resulting in an even split between natural and artificial surfaces in the NFL.
Do NFL players prefer turf or grass?
There is a divided preference among NFL players when it comes to turf versus grass. The players’ union consistently advocates for natural grass surfaces, citing concerns about injuries and overall player safety. On the other hand, the NFL argues that some artificial turf fields can be safer than certain grass fields, aiming to minimize injuries across all surfaces. As a result, approximately half of the NFL stadiums have opted for artificial turf, while the remaining half stick to the traditional grass surfaces. Ultimately, the choice between turf and grass boils down to a complex debate surrounding player safety and individual playing preferences within the NFL.
What is NFL turf made of?
NFL turf is primarily composed of fibers made from nylon, polypropylene, or polyethylene, which are connected to a backing material. These synthetic fibers provide durability and enhance the playing surface’s resilience. In addition to the fibers, the base material, known as infill, plays a crucial role. The infill consists of one or more granular substances that are carefully worked in between the fibers during installation. This combination of materials helps to create a reliable and long-lasting surface for NFL games.
Is grass safer than turf?
The latest data from the 2022 season reveals a notable disparity in injury rates between grass and turf, marking the largest gap observed since 2016. NFLPA President JC Tretter’s insightful analysis highlights the consistency of this trend, demonstrating that grass consistently proves to be a significantly safer playing surface compared to turf. These findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing natural grass fields to mitigate injuries and enhance the overall safety of players.