NFL stadiums with real grass and artificial turf: Full list of field surfaces - AS USA

Nov 04, 2024

NFL

The high number of injuries had everyone debating about grass or artificial turf at the beginning of the season. The players want to play on natural grass because it’s safer, but as of the 2023 season, 14 NFL teams out of 32 do not use natural grass. Two teams use Desso GrassMaster, a combination of artificial turf and grass.

Remember that the Giants and Jets share the MetLife Stadium, and the Rams and Chargers share the SoFi Stadium.

In comparison to the 90’s, today’s artificial turf is much safer than back then, but is still a long shot from natural grass, especially for NFL players’ preference. In 2020, following numerous players suffering injuries off artificial turf, NFL Players Association president JC Tretter advocated against using artificial turf. In a survey conducted by NFLPA regarding turf vs. natural grass, nearly 93 percent of players listed artificial turf as an impediment to their careers. In comparison, 91 percent stated it made them feel more tired and sore. That demand was made again after Aaron Rodgers’ torn Achilles injury on Sep. 10, 2023

"Our game is founded on grass."Von Miller and Stefon Diggs discuss artificial turf vs. grass in NFL stadiums pic.twitter.com/oGWjK9ds5L

The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers are two franchises that have stadiums in cold-weather climates but also cultivate natural grass fields in both Lambeau and Heinz Field. Arizona and Las Vegas also avoid artificial turf, even with their indoor stadiums, and use Bermuda grass.

Arizona’s State Farm Stadium specifically has a retractable natural grass that can be removed whenever there are other events in the stadium, like soccer games or even concerts.

Other stadiums that use the same type of Bermuda grass are the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium, and Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders have also cultivated the same grass surface in all three stadiums, Raymond James Stadium, Nissan Stadium and FedExField.

Last but not least, there are a few other stadiums inhabiting perennial, cool-season lawn grass called Kentucky bluegrass: Bears’ Soldier Field, Browns’ FirstEnergy Stadium, and Broncos’ Empower Field.

The Aaron Rodgers injury has reignited the NFL debate about natural grass vs. artificial turf fields.But the data is clear — natural grass is safer.Here's a breakdown of the data and an explanation of why NFL owners are still hesitant to make the change.The irony here is… pic.twitter.com/7v9hjkTCkT

Desso Grassmaster is a hybrid grass sports playing field surface that is a mix of artificial fibers and natural grass. The combination was developed in 1993 by the Dutch company Desso Sports.