All articles tagged with #turf
The Chiefs’ plan for a new domed stadium in Kansas City has not decided whether the playing surface will be natural grass or artificial turf; the team prefers grass, but implementing a movable surface (such as trays or underground storage) and the NFL Players Association’s push for grass at all NFL venues could affect costs and the final choice.
The NFLPA argues for replacing artificial turf with natural grass, but proposes a targeted, one-team-at-a-time approach beginning with the Seattle Seahawks, especially if new owner Vinod Khosla pushes the change. If Seattle switches, the plan is to apply pressure to additional turf-heavy venues (like SoFi Stadium and MetLife) to cover more games, using the shift as leverage in upcoming CBA talks. The piece notes it won’t be easy, as team owners may resist, but a focused, high-profile test on one franchise could create momentum for broader reform.
The NFL Players Association launched a coordinated #WorthTheCost push urging all NFL stadiums to install high-quality grass, arguing for player safety and tradition. But with roughly half the league already on grass and the rest on artificial turf, a league-wide switch would require enormous installation and maintenance costs and could force revenue losses from other events. Any grass mandate would likely hinge on concessions in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, making the effort unlikely to succeed purely as a campaign, though some teams (like the Bills) have pursued grass in new facilities and others might explore it in the future.
Organizers of the first World Cup halftime show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford plan a fast, turf-conscious setup around 4 p.m., aiming for a stadium-scale performance with acts such as Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, and Madonna rumored to perform, while protecting the playing surface from damage.
Gary Cohen and Ron Darling railed at the Mets’ outfield miscue that opened the scoring in Toronto, as George Springer’s looping ball was misplayed by Juan Soto and then fumbled by rookie A.J. Ewing, turning a potential play into a little-league homer. The ball went for a Springer triple (error charged to Ewing), helping the Blue Jays beat the Mets 2-1. The scene underscored a rough season for New York, which recently changed managers by firing Carlos Mendoza, and left the Mets at 35-50 with ongoing defensive woes on a high-payroll club.
Dallas Cowboys players and media urge AT&T Stadium to switch from artificial turf to natural grass after hosting FIFA World Cup matches, arguing grass reduces injuries. Despite vocal support from players, Cowboys ownership indicates no immediate plan to change the surface.
Former NFL star Greg Olsen tells Fox News he understands fan frustrations with the NFL’s streaming-rights landscape and sees the league adapting as networks pivot in a modern multi‑platform era. He also weighs in on the turf‑versus‑grass debate tied to FIFA’s World Cup games at 11 NFL stadiums, noting six venues switched to meet FIFA rules while players reportedly prefer grass; Olsen cautions that you can’t please everyone and late‑season weather and footing add complexity, even as the league remains driven by financial considerations.
The World Cup’s use of natural grass in host stadiums highlights a safety argument for the NFL: players prefer grass, injury data shows fewer noncontact injuries on grass, and despite massive profits, owners haven’t embraced the switch due to cost and multipurpose use—FIFA’s standards and safety priorities pressure the league to reconsider its turf stance.
Ohio State announced a 2026 upgrade to Ohio Stadium with Shaw Sports Turf’s Forge Series playing surface, an NFL-standard field with integrated markings and customizable end zones to support themed games. The new turf, replacing the 2022 surface amid slipping concerns, will not switch to grass due to maintenance, and will also accommodate non-football events like concerts.
Ohio State unveiled a 2026 uniform rollout featuring five distinct combinations (Core Home/Core Road, Tunnel Vision, Scarlet Rush, Sub Zero) with updates like a metallic Buckeye Stripe on sleeves, a center Block O collar, and inner jersey festoon details, all built on Nike’s Vapor F.U.S.E. fabric. A new Forge Series turf at Ohio Stadium by Shaw Sports Turf will enhance branding, playability, and safety, with game-week plans for specific uniforms. Leaders Ross Bjork and coach Ryan Day emphasize honoring tradition while advancing performance and stadium branding.
NFL players, led by NFLPA chief JC Tretter, cite a survey showing 92% of players (about 1,700) prefer grass to turf and are pushing for high-quality grass fields in NFL stadiums. Owners seek cheaper, multipurpose surfaces, so turning the tide likely hinges on concessions in the next CBA and on feasibility and cost of upgrading fields across venues that host football and other events.
The Rays used Tropicana Field to reacclimate ahead of its April 6 reopening, testing the new fiberglass roof and replacement turf as they head on a nine-game road trip. Players noted brighter light and normal ball behavior off the turf, with manager Kevin Cash calling the venue in good shape and “totally normal.” Meanwhile, Nick Martinez struggled in spring, going 0-4 with a 14.49 ERA as Tampa Bay prepares for the season after hurricane damage to the ballpark.
After Giants receiver Malik Nabers suffered a season-ending knee injury on artificial turf, Odell Beckham Jr. publicly urged the NFL to replace turf with grass, citing safety concerns and his own history of injuries on artificial surfaces.
NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell stated that 92% of players prefer playing on natural grass fields over artificial turf due to lower injury rates and discomfort experienced on turf. The union is advocating for more grass fields in NFL stadiums, citing the potential impact on player longevity and well-being. Additionally, players expressed concerns about the quality of practice fields and discussed the potential ban of the hip-drop tackle, while also welcoming the end of the gambling ban for players after the Super Bowl.
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert criticized MetLife Stadium's playing surface after teammate Jaelan Phillips suffered a serious Achilles injury, joining a growing list of NFL players who have expressed concerns about the turf. Despite a change in playing surfaces this offseason, several notable players have suffered significant injuries at MetLife, including Aaron Rodgers and Kyle Fuller. Mostert called for action to improve player safety, stating that "something has to change."